Fresh Voices, Hot Takes: Welcoming Five New Writers
Happy Friday. 🫶🏾
Incredibly thrilled to introduce you all to five new writers who will be gracing the newsletter this summer with their unique perspectives on the ever-evolving world of fashion.
From Drexel University's much sought-after Design & Merchandising program, these talented fashion students are coming to us from as far as Los Angeles, to right here in New York City. Their articles will thrill us with an array of captivating content, from exciting runway reviews to insightful analyses of the hottest fashion trends.
Meet the writers who will be shaping the conversations in the upcoming articles of Fashion Talk.👇🏾🤍
Hailey Washington
“Stylish, Passionate, Caring”
Hi, my name is Hailey Washington! I’m a rising junior at Drexel University, studying Marketing and Design & Merchandising. I’m from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and am now living in the city of Philadelphia.
For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in fashion as well as writing. From a young age, I loved arranging my outfits, studying different brands and designers, and expressing myself through my clothing. I always knew I wanted to work in the fashion industry at some point and I believe that every role in the industry is equally important. I have always dreamed of marrying my passions of writing and fashion, (my Carrie Bradshaw fantasy as you could say) so I am very excited to pursue these interests during my time contributing to Fashion Talk!
My Style
My style is a fusion of feminine Y2K pieces and masculine athleisure. I love to mix masculine athletic pieces with feminine pieces and accessories to make a balanced outfit!
Hala Idrees
“Charismatic, Thoughtful, Ingenious”
Hi, my name is Hala! I am an incoming second-year Design & Merchandising student at Drexel University. I’m originally from South Jersey, right next to the beach, so naturally, I spend a lot of my time by the water and in the sun. I’ve spent my whole life making and exploring art in all forms, whether it’s the latest fashion trends, making jewelry for my small business, or visual arts such as painting and drawing. Art has always been such a huge part of my life, and it’s what makes me, me.
During my first year in college, I expanded my creative side in ways I never would have imagined, by meeting and collaborating with the most talented people I now call my friends and mentors. Being a vendor this year with my jewelry business, Chand Ka Hala, allowed me to develop skills that deepen my love for design and business, and I am so thankful I get to do what I love as a career. I would love to one day own an established jewelry company in which I can combine not just my creativity and business mindset, but my love for my culture and Pakistani identity.
One part of the fashion industry that I am interested in exploring is the new age of connecting brands to various cultures, and the people that make up the industry. I am also interested in the sustainability and ethical aspects of the industry, as many of these unethical practices occur in countries like mine. I am so passionate about creating safe spaces for underrepresented people in major industries like fashion and art, and during this summer I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share my knowledge with you all!
My Style
My style is a blend of indie and boho aesthetics, reflecting my love for lace and the art of layering. I gravitate towards earthy tones, often wearing outfits in shades of brown, black, white, or green. While I adore earthy colors, I do love a pop of color here and there. I thrift most of my pieces so they're vintage and unique, and I love combining textures and mixing vintage pieces with newer trends.
Long skirts and babydoll tank tops are staples in my wardrobe. I’m also a HUGE jewelry girl … you won't catch me without earrings, many necklaces, and rings!
Itzel Sosa
“Passionate, Creative, Intuitive”
Hi, I’m Itzel and I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I’m a rising Sophomore at Drexel University, studying Design and Merchandising. I initially began college as a Political Science major at Drexel, but after discovering my passion for fashion, I made a pretty big switch!
My journey into the world of fashion writing is one of passion and purpose. I aspire to make my mark in the fashion journalism world by sharing stories of creatives who are overlooked and underrepresented. The act of sharing these stories is what ignited my passion for writing and eagerness to join the fashion industry.
My Style
My style can best be described as a"soft chic" aesthetic with a dash of LA streetwear flair. Drawing inspiration from my roots as a Latina, raised in the vibrant tapestry of Los Angeles, I like to blend elements of my cultural heritage with the sleek and polished aesthetics of contemporary fashion.
Lauren Corcoran
“Imaginative, Hedonic, Whimsical”
I’m Lauren, a stylist, runway production assistant, and a Junior Design and Merchandising student from NYC. Attending LaGuardia high school for performing arts in Manhattan sculpted my sense of fashion at a young age. Our hallways were runways, our after-school activities were thrifting, and if there was ever a substitute in class, our makeup bags were immediately whipped out for makeovers.
Through Drexel’s D&M program, I had the opportunity to attend the London College of Fashion. While there, I conceptualized an editorial photoshoot featuring the British-based designer “Frock U” and collaborated with stylist Joeseph Toronka and photographer Lucas Bardo.
In the States, I worked as a PA for CS Global, a live fashion and lifestyle events agency in SoHo. There, I worked on-site at the Tom Ford SS23 runway show, the CFDA Awards, the 15 Percent Pledge Gala, and other high-profile fashion events. I see fashion not as a commodity, but rather as a reflection of the cultural zeitgeist at the time. The study of the history and future of fashion is a microcosm of human behavior and values. Through my work, I hope to document and emphasize the significance of fashion through the lenses of more than just a commentator, but also a historian.
My Style
I define myself through a “whimsigothic” style. Lots of earth tones, ornate jewelry, and draping layers. When I’m not feeling witchy, I’m most inspired by masculine styles with a feminine touch. Some of my style icons include Annie Hall, Stevie Nicks, and Mana-Sama.
Nyah Khan
“Creative, Driven, Compassionate”
Hello! I'm Nyah Khan, and I'm a rising Second-Year Design & Merchandising Major at Drexel University. I grew up not too far away from Philadelphia, in Lancaster, PA, which has quite the artistic and musical scene that most people do not expect. My passions in fashion and music were always strong growing up there, but throughout my first year at Drexel, I met so many amazingly creative people that truly inspired me to blend the two.
Connecting with Music Industry majors, I began to produce, record, write, and sing my music that I had been working on all my life. In the process, I realized how much music and fashion are interconnected. Both industries depend on and work off of each other, and the art of each of them influences the other. I became extremely passionate about marrying the two in my future career, arriving at the aspiration to become a stylist, particularly in the music industry.
But, the fashion industry still calls my name, particularly in its need for better sustainable practices. So, in addition to my passion for Music x Fashion, I aim to develop a career that utilizes ethical methodology in the fashion industry. For 3 years now, I have been conducting research and extensive writing regarding the Fast Fashion world, and I aspire to continue to develop my knowledge to educate others to create solutions one step at a time, allowing this industry that so many of us love to become better for us all.
My Style
My style is a blend of whimsical and “cool-girl” girly styles with a classy, chic touch. I wear a lot of long flowy skirts or pants with tighter tops and some colorful but classy accessories. A signature look for me usually includes lots of jewelry, some cool boots, and a "newsboy" cap. My primary color palette includes light pink, black, purple, green, brown, and white! My most significant features of all are my winged eyeliner and dark pink lipstick!
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