The New Orleans City Council recognized the GoldPrint Fashion Club and its founders, an Edna Karr teacher and a local designer, before Thursday's regular meeting. The student-led program introduces young people to fashion, design, sewing and entrepreneurship while building career skills.
By Kim M. Braud | September 17, 2026
NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council on Thursday recognized the GoldPrint Fashion Club and its founders for their work introducing young people to fashion, design and entrepreneurship.
The Council honored Jaelan Ricard and Jamari Juluke, along with members of the club, before its regular meeting began. It described GoldPrint as a student-led organization that gives young people opportunities to explore the fashion industry while building confidence, teamwork and career skills.
Students in the program gain hands-on experience in fashion design, sewing, styling, modeling, event production and entrepreneurship, according to the Council's written summary of Thursday's meeting. The program also gives students a platform to showcase their work through creative projects, fashion events and collaborations with local New Orleans brands.
The Council described the students' work as an initiative that empowers young people while contributing to the city's arts and cultural traditions.
From the classroom to the runway
The two people recognized by name Thursday are the program's founders. According to WWL-TV, which has covered the effort at Edna Karr High School, the program was founded by Juluke, a physical science teacher at Karr, and Jaelan Ricard of JaeRiStudios, a local designer and instructor. Both are Edna Karr alumni.
The program's annual student fashion show, Haus of EK, debuted at Karr in May 2024 and returned in March 2025.
In its coverage of the inaugural show, WWL-TV reported that two students were awarded their own LLCs to help launch their brands. The following year, sustainability became part of the creative challenge: every garment used in the 2025 show was thrifted and repurposed, with each student designer creating 10 outfits over several months.
In the Council chamber
Thursday's recognition brought the students and their founders from the classroom and runway to City Hall, where Ricard, Juluke and club members were recognized alongside city officials.
The moment highlighted a program that reaches beyond fashion itself. Through design, production and entrepreneurship, GoldPrint is giving students an opportunity to turn creative interests into practical skills — and, in some cases, the beginnings of their own businesses.
Photo caption: Members of the GoldPrint Fashion Club join founders Jaelan Ricard and Jamari Juluke during a recognition at the New Orleans City Council on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. The Council honored the student-led organization for its contributions to youth creativity, self-expression and leadership. (Photo by Kim M. Braud/Evans Cutchmore Press)
Kim M. Braud is the Founder & Editor of Evans Cutchmore Press, an independent newsroom covering Louisiana and the Gulf South. Her reporting focuses on government accountability, infrastructure, business, culture, and the public policies that shape communities.
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