Celebrating the Summer '24 Student Writing Program
This summer, Fashion Talk was proud to host the third installment of our Student Writing Program! *round of applause please*.
This initiative is designed to nurture the next wave of fashion writers. Over the past few months, we have seen eight impressive articles from five talented writers, covering a diverse range of topics from sustainability to beauty trends, runway reviews, and beyond. With over 3,700 views/reads, these pieces resonated deeply with you all, showcasing the thought-provoking, impactful content our students have created.
Our Mission
At Fashion Talk, we believe in empowering young, emerging voices in the fashion industry. Our student writing program provides an inclusive platform for aspiring fashion writers to explore their passions, share insights, and grow as professionals. Guided by our core values of integrity, inclusivity, innovation, community, empowerment, and self-expression, this program offers a space where fresh perspectives on fashion are encouraged and nurtured. It’s about creating meaningful dialogue that shapes the future of the industry.
This Summer’s Standout Features
Our students tackled important topics with creativity and critical thought.
Our Fandom Detective
Leah’s article on the overconsumption of music merchandise shines a light on the impact of fast fashion in the music world, urging fans and consumers to be more mindful of their purchases.
She also curated a THIS IS FT Playlist on Spotify, a mix of R&B, deep house, and soul music that evokes sophistication, glamour, and sensuality.
Our Conscious Fashion Critic
Redeate gave us two remarkable pieces. In one, she explores the devastating textile waste shipped to countries like Ghana from the West, highlighting the environmental and social implications. Her second contribution was a runway review of LaQuan Smith’s Spring Summer 2025 collection showcased at NYFW.
Our Bridgerton Style Scribe
Olivia gave us a deep dive into Bridgerton fashion. She broke down how the costume designers seamlessly merge Regency-era elements with modern twists to craft a world that feels both fantastical and accessible.
Our New Age Lizzie Mcguire
Divina’s writing brought vibrant energy to the beauty section. She produced a comprehensive guide on 10 hairstyles to reinvent your look during Autumn and offered an insightful analysis of Bella Hadid’s eccentric fashion sense, dissecting how the supermodel’s bold choices push the boundaries of modern style. She also reviewed the Sandy Liang Spring Summer 2025 collection showcased during NYFW, exploring how Liang reinterprets classic staples with a contemporary edge.
Our Voice Behind The Seams
Cindy captivated our readers with a personal narrative about her mother’s life as a seamstress working in a sweatshop in Philadelphia. This powerful piece sheds light on the exploitation of garment workers. Through this poignant and personal lens, Cindy’s article raises awareness about the broader issue of labor injustice within the fashion industry.
Guest Speaker Series & Workshops
In addition to the incredible writing, our students had the opportunity to learn from esteemed industry professionals. We hosted two guest speakers this summer.
Lauren Corcoran, a returning alum from our first-ever student writing program, shared invaluable tips and insights from her journey as a fashion writer. She offered guidance on breaking into the industry and finding one’s voice in a competitive field.
Professor Joseph Hancock, a distinguished fashion academic and author, spoke on finding a voice in fashion writing. He shared his unique career path, from his beginnings in retail leadership at The Gap and Target to reviewing a 1996 Jean Paul Gaultier ad that sparked his passion for writing.
Our workshops focused on essential skills in fashion journalism. These sessions included crafting compelling headlines and introductions, research and fact-checking, and using visual elements to elevate storytelling in fashion writing.
Collaborations and Milestones ☆
We were thrilled to expand our partnerships this summer. Notably, Divina contributed to our collaboration with Beauty2Go, a Philadelphia-based beauty supply store, with her hairstyles article. This partnership marks Fashion Talk’s growing commitment to exploring the intersections between fashion and beauty.
Looking Ahead ☆
As I reflect on the achievements of this summer, I’m proud of the incredible work these young writers have produced. Each article added to the ongoing conversation about fashion’s role in shaping our culture, making this program a critical part of Fashion Talk’s mission. I can’t wait to see what our next cohort of students will bring as we continue to foster a community of passionate, creative voices ready to make their mark on the fashion world!
