Meet MojoFlo’s vocalist & CCAD’s Fashion Show emcee

Award-winning vocalist, actor, and aerialist Amber Knicole, celebrated by critics as “a star of supernova proportions,” brings her entertainment prowess to the stage on Friday, May 14, as emcee of Columbus College of Art & Design’s 2021 Fashion Show.

Amber Knicole, best known to Columbus audiences as the lead singer of neoFunk group MojoFlo also has starred in Short North Stage's productions of Dreamgirls and Pippin, earning a Theatre RoundTable Award for her role as Effie White in the former. Amber Knicole’s role emceeing the 2021 CCAD Fashion Show will not be her first venture into serving her community. Amber Knicole has lent her voice to The Columbus Foundation’s Spirit of Columbus Celebration, is an instructor at Columbus’s Girlz Rhythm and Rock Camp, is a producer with WAV (formerly Dick & Jane Project) and is a Columbus Music Commission board member.

Each year, the CCAD Fashion Show provides a juried selection of work by its talented Fashion Design and Master of Fine Arts students. These emerging designers represent new and vital approaches to fashion, from streetwear to couture and many points between. For the first time, in place of its traditional runway show, CCAD is offering a choice of two ways to enjoy its fashion show and support CCAD student scholarships. Amber Knicole will emcee a socially distanced in-person VIP experience at the Easton Community Drive-In (featuring a screening of the runway show), or CCAD supporters can opt for the same amazing show from the comfort of home with a virtual experience.

All CCAD Fashion Show proceeds benefit student scholarships, and tickets are available now.

Amber Knicole recently answered questions via email about the intersection of fashion and music, and why supporting student scholarships is so vital. Read on to see what she said.

Why did you want to get involved with the CCAD Fashion Show?
A lot of artists I respect matriculated through CCAD. I have always admired the talent and artistry that comes out of CCAD. I am excited to attend my first CCAD Fashion Show this year!

You’re known primarily as a vocalist. How and where do you see fashion and music intersect? How do they enhance one another?
Fashion and music intersect naturally. Music is storytelling and I believe fashion is storytelling as well. Both are unique self expressions that can also bring people closer and foster a genuine sense of connection.

What is your fashion sensibility? How does that change when you’re on stage?
I like to feel “airy.” I like my clothes to flow with me and be a little theatrical. My onstage style has absolutely affected my everyday style, but my onstage style is a lot more dramatic.

The 2021 CCAD Fashion Show has a dual purpose. It's to highlight emerging fashion, but also to support student scholarships. Why is supporting scholarships important?
If society wants to improve and have true equality, scholarship opportunities are crucial. So often, one's opportunities and success are dictated by one's socio-economic status. It is absolutely imperative to provide access to all who are capable.  

I understand that one of the students will be designing your outfit for the night. Do you know what you’re going to wear to the show? If so, can you describe it?
I do not know what I am going to wear to the show, but it will be fabulous :)

What are you most excited about in regards to the 2021 CCAD Fashion Show?
The fashions! I can't wait to experience this show! What’s up next for you and/or MojoFlo? MojoFlo will be releasing our first full-length album, What It Is, this summer!

The 2021 CCAD Fashion Show is co-hosted by Columbus City Councilwoman Shayla Favor and CCAD Trustee and alum Corey Favor (Illustration, 2003) as well as Katie Kaufman and CCAD Trustee Brett Kaufman. All CCAD Fashion Show proceeds benefit student scholarships, and tickets are available now.

Hear more from Amber Knicole and MojoFlo at amberknicole.com, @MsAmberKnicole, or mojoflomusic.com.