A professionally run fashion show being planned right here on campus.
A sewing lab (like a math lab, only fun) where students can use top notch sewing machines, mannequins, drafting tables and other high-end equipment.
How did I not know that?
Brookdale’s Fashion Club’s e-board is perhaps the most enthusiastic group of students I’ve ever met. The students ooze creativity, feeding and building off each other’s ideas. The word joyful comes to mind, and it was easy to see why this is such a popular club.
The club’s vice president, Catherine St. Germaine, 19, a fashion design major from Freehold led the meeting. “We’ve had a shift in leadership after our club’s e-board graduated, so we’re just recovering and getting back on track now,” she explained.
The spring fashion show was the focus of the meeting. What makes this event unique is that the clothing worn in the show is sewn, made or upcycled by the students.
“The sewing lab is an amazing resource,” said the club secretary Madailein McCarty, 20, a fashion merchandising major from Manalapan. “Not every student has access to a sewing machine at home, and so students can come to the lab and work on their projects, and the fashion club also has access.”
The sewing lab room, spacious and well lit, had rows of sewing machines and large worktables spaced throughout the area. Several students worked on projects amidst an array of mannequins, some wearing students’ creations, others lining the wall, waiting to be utilized. Fabrics were everywhere, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.
“It’s also a great way to socialize,” said St. Germaine. “Last year, I wasn’t on campus too often because of my schedule, but when I could make it to the sewing lab, it was always fun to check out other students’ projects and start a conversation.”
Both students agreed that the Fashion Club has been a fun adventure. “It’s an amazing way to de-stress and meet people,” said McCarty. “Especially now during exams – to get together each week during college hour, eat candy, snacks, laugh and have a relaxing activity where we explore our creative side.”
The fashion show isn’t just about modeling; it provides a number of ways for students to participate, and some students assume multiple roles. Besides modeling, there’s photography, makeup artists, hair stylists, helping backstage, lighting, distributing programs, and even helping the models change into and out of their ensembles. “There is help needed in every corner,” said St. Germaine.
The club will begin advertising for models and assistance on Instagram and throughout the college as the fashion show planning progresses. Photographers may want to expand their portfolio and photograph the show. Art students can help with design, and hair and makeup artists gain experience by participating.
“We plan the fashion show for the entire spring semester,” McCarty said.
It takes months to gather everyone’s ideas and bring everything and everyone together. This year’s show, tentatively scheduled for the first week in May, will be held in the evening, to enable parents and friends to attend and support the club.
While club advisers, Associate Professor AnnMarie Hughes and Assistant Professor of Fashion Merchandising/Marketing Alexis Jankowski, assist the students if needed, the students maintain full creative control over every aspect of the club. “They mostly keep us on track, but we make all the decisions,” McCarty said.
“The group will be hosting a Thrift Store Tour to New York City in March,” said club treasurer Montez Swartz, 18, a political science major from Neptune. “An experienced tour company will take the group to three of the best thrifting spots in the city.”
Thrifting is the perfect way to purchase clothes that are both practical and attractive, without contributing to the ecological damage caused by the global fashion industry. Not only does it save money, but it helps find unique looks no one else is wearing.
The club is also looking forward to assisting with costuming for the upcoming Brookdale theater production of Legally Blonde in April.
The Fashion Club meets 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays in Larrison Hall, Room 208. Everyone is welcome and if today’s meeting is any indication, this club is a great opportunity for students to make new friends, explore their creative side, and truly have fun.
For more information:
AnnMarie Hughes – 732-224-2920
Alexis Jankowski – 732-224-2026
