A Fashion Club Just For You

Now that the annual Club Fair has past and Fordham students are a few weeks into the fall semester, clubs have begun to meet. Each year, hundreds of students sign up for clubs that focus on all sorts of things, like sports, writing, computers, and many more interests. One of these clubs is MODE, the first student-run fashion magazine on the Rose Hill campus.

Beginning in 2013, MODE has quickly grown from having only online issues to publishing full colored copies.  Getting its name from the German word for “fashion,” MODE classifies itself as a fashion magazine, but the topics the editors and writers focus on expand much further. MODE also covers topics like the arts, entertainment, beauty, lifestyle, and romance. Self-proclaimed as a magazine “for the students, by the students,” MODE focuses on the events and issues in the Fordham community, and always has a fellow Ram as the cover person.

For example, Miss Connecticut 2014 Acacia Courtney was the cover girl last fall. As the founder and president of Racing for Home, Inc. (a non-profit for retired racing horses), Acacia proves she does it all while still attending Fordham for her undergraduate degree. Acacia is just one example of the powerful Fordham students MODE features in their issues.

MODE is always looking for more members, even if you don’t particularly enjoy fashion or writing. People interested in graphic design or social media may also enjoy joining the MODE team. Whatever your interest, there a place at MODE for any Ram! 

International Business Association Hosts Lacoste CEO

Fordham's International Business Association (IBA) is a club that organizes activities and events with a multicultural bent for students who may be interested in working abroad.  Participation in the club is also an extracurricular requirement for students pursuing a secondary concentration in the Gabelli School of Business.  One of IBA's primary activities is organizing presentations from global business professionals, and yesterday, they hosted Francis Pierrel, CEO of Lacoste North America.

Mr. Francis Pierrel

Mr. Pierrel earned his undergraduate degree in his native France and completed his MBA in the UK.  Before Lacoste, he worked for Diesel in the United States.  He spoke about the difficulties and benefits of studying and working in different countries throughout one's career.  Mr. Pierrel stressed the importance of networking and maintaining personal relationships for students who are interested in working internationally.

The timeless tradition of the polo shirt is one of the main facets of Lacoste's brand, but they must constantly adapt to stay relevant in the dynamic retail market.

In addition to general advice about building a career in the global business environment, the guest also spoke specifically about his company.  Mr. Pierrel explained, for example, the challenging strategic implications of trying to grow a business in a foreign market (Lacoste is based in France).  He fielded several questions regarding the future of retail stores given the rise of e-commerce and the role that data will play in the future of retail.  Events like this presentation, though frequently sponsored through the Gabelli school, are open to all students.

Fordham Spotlight: FLASH Magazine

At Fordham, if keywords like fashion, city culture, or even simply the arts catch your attention, then look no further than FLASH Magazine!

FLASH is a fashion, culture, and arts publication on campus that has had multiple issues and is something that I've been a part of since my sophomore year. I've modeled for the magazine, written articles, and am currently the marketing co-chair. Fashion, culture, and beauty are just a few sections that we feature. From articles on health, to discussing current trends, to reporting on Fashion Week, to articles about the best bucket lists for Manhattan, there's a little something for everyone in the magazine.

We're in the process of becoming an official club on campus, but we have a very good following so far! A lot of people are involved in the production of the magazine, from layout, to writers, to models, to photographers. It's a lot of fun, creative people that get together to create something beautiful.

A fun experience that I've had with FLASH is definitely being able to go to Fashion Week. I went to the BCBG fall 2015 runway show. I took pictures for the magazine and got to see the new collection! What I love about fashion is that it truly is an art form to me, it's so creative and each individual piece is literally a work of art. I'm so happy that because of FLASH, I have an outlet to express my appreciation and passion for this. It's a lot of really motivated people who are working together to design something awesome that's centered around the best city in the world (although I admit I am biased)! Check out FLASH magazine, you won't be disappointed, and when you come in the fall if fashion or art is something that you're impassioned about, you have plenty of channels to express that!

A picture I snagged from the show!

Fashion for Philanthropy

One of the reasons I love Fordham is its active campus life.  As of this year, there are over 100 clubs on campus which provides for a bustling environment here at Rose Hill.  I feel like this is best captured every year at our club fair where executive board members of each club promote their group.  I always find the fair amusing, as it seems to turn into a competition to see which club can have the most members sign up.  Club members surround Eddie’s Parade and play music, hand out candy, and even run around to bring attention to their table!  It is always an exciting day because it kicks off the school year on a positive note where students can reconnect through organization about which they passionate. 

Treats from our #PSL sale!

One club that I am particularly passionate about is Fashion for Philanthropy, also known on commonly on campus is FFP.  FFP is an outlet for Fordham’s fashion enthusiasts as it incorporates all aspects of the industry from business, design, modeling, and yes, even charity!  The club essentially puts on different events, both big and small, throughout the year to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation.  For example, this year, we have had a Mac and Cheese delivery bake sale and a Pumpkin Spice Latté station to help kick start the fall season.  I particularly enjoyed these events because it was a great way for club members to bond amidst the forthcoming chillier fall days that lie ahead.  Both were a big hit, especially the Pumpkin Spice Latté station where we even served some fall sweets and treats!  Great for the Halloween spirit!

I would say the club’s largest event is definitely our spring fashion show (we finally decided on a theme, which I am very excited about!).  This time of year is when we begin to primarily focus on the show as there are so many layers to its success.  First, we have to assemble and present a budget to OSLCD (Office of Student Leadership and Community Development) to put on the show with the necessary decorations, props, etc.  Then comes the process of gathering sponsors for the event, which have included in previous years Lord and Taylor, Pura Vida, and Jeffrey Campbell.  Amidst all of this, we also need to meet with student designers to showcase their pieces as well as train models for the show.  Ulitmately, all proceeds from the show, raised by raffles, prizes, tickets and donations go towards the Make A Wish Foundation – it’s a win win all around, and quite a fun production, so stay tuned!

Sponsor's from last year's show.

Pamphlets from last year's show.

As PR Coordinator of FFP, I am in charge of our club’s Wordpress blog account and social media forums.  I really enjoy working with our club members to discuss fashion as it is a creative outlet for us all.  That is what I love so much about this club – it represents a sector that is not typically promoted, and harnesses it in such a way to promote fashion as an art form and as an industry of its own.  There is so much that goes on in the fashion industry, from PR and Marketing, to designing and manufacturing, even law and ethics (which is what I am primarily interested in!), and we try our hardest to highlight all these different aspects for Fordham students.  We work very closely with Career Services to filter internship and job opportunities so that club members have access to such prospects and potential networking outlets.  Our members are definitely very busy – we even have a section on our blog called “Intern Diaries.” 

 

Model from last year's show, showcasing a piece from a Fordham student designer!

Fashion For Philanthropy is a club that has a strong mission and I look forward to see its growth during the rest of my time here at Fordham.  

Branching Out!

Students modeling for MODE's photo op

On September 3^rd, I attended Fordham’s annual Club Fair on Edward’s Parade.  The usual campus hangout was encircled by tables, one for mostly every club here at Fordham.  The club fair allows students to see what is happening on campus and gives them an opportunity to get involved with something that they find interesting. At each table you can receive a brief overview of what the club is and give them your email to receive more information as well as meeting times.  As a sophomore, I wanted to broaden my horizons and get involved with something new and exciting.  I came across many clubs that caught my attention, but the one I was most interested in was MODE.

The Fall 2013 Cover

The Spring 2014 Cover

MODE is Fordham’s version of a fashion magazine.  A group of students work together to publish one edition every semester which gets distributed right before the start of finals.  The magazine covers a myriad of topics from fashion to romance to fitness.  What makes MODE special is its emphasis on the Fordham community in its articles.  The models and interview subjects in the articles are all current students or alumni.  Fashion on campus was a huge part of the most recent edition of the magazine.  It is very cool to see people you know in the magazine! Also, it makes it super easy for any Fordham student to relate to!

As a communications major, I was very interested in being a part of MODE.  Writing for a magazine can be a good way to improve on your writing skills while being a great resume booster as well.  Rumor has it, members of MODE have interned for big time magazines such as Teen Vogue!  Being a part of publishing a magazine is not only good for potential writers or journalists.  It is a great way for anyone interested in fashion, photography or graphic design to gain experience.  Although I am just starting to get involved, I cannot wait to begin writing for the magazine! 

Attention Fashion PR Enthusiasts!

One of the many perks of going to school so close to Manhattan is the accessibility to jobs and internships.  Internships, in their truest form, are a great way to test out different fields of interest that could potentially culminate into a career.  Furthermore, college level internships open up the job market in a hands on manner, which takes class based skills to the real world.  Every Wednesday this semester, I will be working for Ali Fee Public Relations and Strategic Marketing, a boutique agency that represents luxury ready-to-wear fashion designers.  These talented, emerging designers are sold at renowned department stores and boutiques such as Barney’s, Fred Segal, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Macy’s Herald Square.  

Fellow Fordham Intern, Megan, working hard at the office.

Although I am new to the internship, I have heard about many experiences concerning the position from other Fordham students who worked at the agency the previous semester.  It was very encouraging to hear that hard work was rewarded with greater responsibilities, such as sending pitches to editors.  These tasks became especially rewarding when pitches turned into reality.  For example, Willow Shields, Primrose in the Hunger Games series, was recently featured wearing one of the agency’s designers, Katie Ermilio, to the Catching Fire premiere.  I am personally looking forward to the tasks and teamwork involved during Fashion Week, which can include sample trafficking with fashion publications within Condé Nast and Hearst, and sample trafficking with celebrity stylists.  Furthermore, interns can be asked to help with the designer’s social media accounts, and to research bloggers and stylists. 

Willow Shields wearing designer
Katie Ermilio at the
Catching Fire Premiere

I have found that many of the skills the professors at Fordham try to inspire from their students prove useful with the tasks at Ali Fee PR.  For example, when finding contact information or reaching out to stylists and bloggers, interns must be detail oriented, innovative, and diligent.  These skills are fostered by Fordham faculty and staff as they expect students to be professional, proactive, and hard-working.  Similarly, professors like to build a relationship with their students, just like the positive work environment at Ali Fee PR.  The agency requires a team work, where we all help each other with pending questions or tasks.  Along with the opportunity to work hands-on in the fashion industry, I have found that the vivacious setting at Ali Fee is one of my favorite parts of the internship.  I genuinely believe that the spirited attitude promoted at Fordham has helped me in my endeavors thus far as an intern!

Flash Magazine: Fashion at Fordham

New York City is one of the fashion capitals of the world, and Fordham is no exception! The student organization, Flash magazine, is Fordham’s first fashion magazine, also dedicated to art and culture on campus and in New York City.

The magazine was started by a group of Fordham students last year. I first got involved last spring semester helping out with copy-editing and proof reading articles. In addition, I was able to have my modeling debut in their first issue that was published last spring online. This year I am working on the magazine as one of the fashion editors. I have been able to help organize photo shoots, style outfits, arrange articles, and contribute to the magazine’s blog. It has been such a fun group to get involved with, learning more about the process behind putting a magazine together and collaborating with and meeting other students in a fun and creative way.

Fashion's Night Out, a Kickoff for Fashion Week

One of the most exciting things to call New York City its home is the fashion world. There is no better time than during your four years as a Fordham student to experience all that the fashion world has to offer, especially during Fashion Week, which happens twice a year at Lincoln Center!

                                                           (photo from FNO website)

Fashion’s Night Out, or FNO, as the hip kids call it, is the kickoff for Fashion Week in September, and this is where those involved in the wonderful world of fashion go to see and be seen. FNO hosts events all over the world, but its heart is in Manhattan. As a student at Rose Hill with access to Lincoln Center right at my fingertips via the Ram Van, I have taken advantage of going to FNO with my friends for the past two years. This year, I am just as excited about going to FNO, because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love visiting the different stores and shops and seeing what they have to offer their customers on this special night?

The FNO website provides a list of events so you can make an itinerary for your night, since many of the stores are located all over the city, from the Meatpacking District to the Upper West Side (speaking from experience, you may want to choose one area of the city and stick with it, since there is so much to do in a five-hour period). Many of these stores take advantage of the young crowd out shopping, and they offer various celebrity appearances and parties with DJs to draw people into their stores.

With clubs on campus like Fashion for Philanthropy, fashion is clearly something that students at Fordham are interested in. And with our close proximity to Lincoln Center, the heart of Fashion Week, Fordham students can take advantage of all that the fashion world has to offer. So I encourage you to do just that – put on your fancy heels, tie that bowtie, and strut your stuff around New York City!


FNO 2012 Promo Video!

Oh, What a Night: FNO 2011

On September 8^th, my friends and I headed into the city for Fashion’s Night Out. Created by legendary Vogue editor Anna Wintour back in 2009, Fashion’s Night Out was pursued to restore consumer confidence in the fashion industry amidst the economic recession and kick-off New York Fashion Week. For one evening, retailers extended their hours and lured customers inside with celebrity appearances and giveaways. Three years later, it has quickly evolved into an international phenomenon with events taking place as far away as Australia and China. However, as the fashion capital of the world and original site of FNO, there is no question that NYC hosts the largest bash of them all.

This year’s event was the biggest yet with retailers all over the city sponsoring events and giving out tons of free swag. While I worked my way up 5^th Avenue, other popular shopping districts near Columbus Circle (right by Fordham's LC campus!), SoHo, and Williamsburg, were swarmed by fashionistas. On 5^th Avenue, I was in sensory overload from the vibrant atmosphere. With colorful displays abounding storefronts, music blasting, and people dressed to the nines, I could hardly recognize this familiar street. Inside almost every store, DJs spun, live models showed off new styles, and employees doled out free refreshments. In the Tiffany & Co. store, there was even an airbrush tattoo station and an assortment of chocolate treats. Meanwhile, the highlight of my night was Guess, which featured free manicures, cupcakes, and a photo booth. Not to mention, I got to meet model Kate Upton. She was just one of the countless celebrities about; we saw photographer Nigel Barker at Nine West too! There were also several musical artists, including Joe Jonas, who performed in the area.

Overall, I would highly recommend going and taking advantage of this unique NYC experience. If you like to shop and are interested in fashion, it’s definitely a great way to step inside some of the more upscale stores and discover new trends. I know that I share a love of fashion with numerous students on-campus and was fortunate to have heard about FNO during a Fashion for Philanthropy club meeting last year.

Considering going next year? Here are a few tips from my experience:

1. Go early- Although the night doesn’t officially start until 6pm, most of the major department stores begin offering free salon services around 3 or 4pm. Many stores have long lines or run out of freebies later in the night, so don’t be fashionably late!

2. Plan ahead- If you go to the official website, there is a free tool to help you arrange your itinerary and map out your top picks. Be sure to check out retailers’ websites and research offerings as stores often feature exclusive coupons online.

3. Shop smart- Don’t let the contagious energy go to your head and spend half your semester’s allowance on the new “it” pair of shoes. If you’re looking to make purchases, your best bet is to stay clear of major stores and head to smaller boutiques with better sales.

To learn more and get updates about next year’s event, check out http://www.fashionsnightout.com .