The O’More College Fashion Show

In the spring of 2024, I was one of the co-producers of the O’More School of Design Fashion Show at Belmont University. I had no experience in event planning, never mind organizing a fashion show. However, this experience turned out to be the highlight of my college journey. We were a small, but fierce team of eleven students and one professor, and we produced Belmont’s most successful fashion show.

We were divided into three groups: production, marketing, and back-of-house; I was on production. We wanted to tell the story of the designers and their design process and highlight the sheer amount of work that was put into their collections.

As a team, we faced several challenges. Belmont University’s Curb Event Center, where the show would be hosted, had to sign off on every aspect of the show. We had to abide by their rules and regulations and keep in mind our tight budget. In the beginning, we had wild ideas like a fog machine on the runway, a raised lit-up runway, and a Glambot™ photo booth for guests. However, reality reminded us of our limitations, and we had to get creative.

 As every designer has their own style, we decided on a minimalistic theme for the fashion show. We’d utilize the dress forms, fabrics, sketches, and previous designers’ work. Our idea was to walk the viewer through every step of the design process – from the initial sketch to the muslin draft, and finally the finished product. This didn’t cost us any money, which we could then use towards the DJ, lighting, videographers and photographers, and refreshments and hors d’oeuvres.

The fashion show went off without a hitch, and seeing it come together was one of the most rewarding experiences of my time at Belmont. The months we spent as a team perfecting every detail paid off, and it was clear that we had achieved something special. More than just putting on a fashion show, we told the story of the creative process and gave each designer’s vision a platform to shine. This experience taught me that creativity, collaboration, and resourcefulness are key to overcoming challenges. It's a reminder that even with limited resources, passion and teamwork can produce extraordinary results.

“La Maison”: The YSL Museum

During my study abroad trip to Paris, I had the incredible privilege of a private tour at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, housed in La Maison, the designer’s historic home and atelier. It was here that Saint Laurent not only created his iconic collections but also held his celebrated fashion shows, making it the heart of his legacy. 

The tour offered a behind-the-scenes look into Saint Laurent’s life and work. Seeing his original sketches was like stepping into his creative process—each line on paper a glimpse into designs that revolutionized fashion, from the Mondrian dress to Le Smoking tuxedo. Walking through his atelier, with swatches, notes, and vintage garments preserved, felt like time traveling to an era of haute couture mastery. 

The guide’s stories brought Saint Laurent’s world to life, from his early days at Dior to his daring innovations that redefined style. La Maison itself felt alive with history, blending the intimacy of his personal workspace with the grandeur of his influence. 

For anyone passionate about fashion or artistry, visiting this museum is a transformative experience. It’s more than a homage to Saint Laurent—it’s a celebration of creativity that continues to inspire. 

Fashion Forecasting: “Techstiles”

For my fashion forecasting final project, I wanted to push boundaries and dive into the exciting intersection of technology and textiles. I called my project "Techstiles," a nod to the groundbreaking innovations reshaping how we think about clothing and materiality. 

The foundation of "Techstiles" was research into emerging textile technologies—smart fabrics with built-in sensors, biodegradable materials that address sustainability concerns, and self-healing textiles that could revolutionize durability. Each innovation told a story of how fashion could evolve to meet the demands of our changing world. 

To bring these concepts to life, I created digital flats showcasing garments that incorporated these textiles. Using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, I designed pieces that highlighted each material's potential, such as activewear made from self-cooling fabrics or outerwear embedded with solar panels to charge devices. The visuals aimed to show not just the functionality but the aesthetic possibilities of these innovations. 

This project challenged me to think about the future of fashion through both a creative and practical lens. It wasn’t just about forecasting trends—it was about imagining solutions that align with sustainability, technology, and user-centric design. 

"Techstiles" reminded me why I love this field: it’s a space where creativity meets innovation, and ideas can shape the future. I left the project feeling inspired and eager to see how these concepts might one day become a reality. 

Switching Majors, Switching Life Paths

When I first started college, I was a Motion Pictures major. The idea of creating stories through film was exciting, but as time went on, I felt like something was missing. While I enjoyed aspects of the program, it didn’t fully align with what I envisioned for my future. After some soul-searching, I realized that my true passion had always been fashion—a field where I could combine creativity, business, and culture in ways that felt more authentic to me.

Switching to Fashion Merchandising was a turning point. The decision wasn’t easy, especially because changing majors felt like a big leap. But as soon as I started my fashion classes, I knew I had made the right choice. Learning about trend forecasting, retail strategies, and the history of fashion sparked a sense of purpose that I hadn’t felt before.

Fashion, for me, is more than just clothing—it’s a way to tell stories and reflect societal shifts. From exploring sustainability to curating looks that inspire, I’ve found a field that feels dynamic and meaningful. It also bridges my creative instincts with a love for detail and strategy, offering endless opportunities to grow and innovate.

Looking back, I’m grateful I listened to my instincts. Changing my major was a reminder that it’s okay to pivot when something doesn’t feel right. Sometimes, the path you start on isn’t the one meant for you—and that’s okay.