Fresh Voices, Hot Takes: Welcoming Eight New Writers
This summer marked the exciting launch of FT’s inaugural student writing program, where I had the pleasure of collaborating with five exceptionally talented fashion students. Together, we delved into captivating topics such as exciting runway reviews, intriguing case studies exploring the intersection of fashion and music, the compelling art of brand storytelling, and the current fashion phenomenon known as "the doll effect."
Now, I'm thrilled to introduce the newest additions to our Fashion Talk family for the Fall/Winter program— eight writers set to infuse the newsletter with fresh perspectives over the next couple of months.
Coming from prestigious institutions like Drexel University's coveted Design & Merchandising program, the renowned School of Social Policy and Practice at the University of Pennsylvania, and the captivating fashion design program at Istituto Marangoni Miami, this diverse group of writers span from the vibrant streets of Miami to the cultural hub of Philadelphia.
Without further ado, let me introduce the writers who are set to redefine the fashion dialogue in the upcoming articles of Fashion Talk.
Hannah Adele Brong
“Soulful, Empathetic, Eccentric”
Hi! My name is Hannah Adele! I’m currently a junior studying in the Design & Merchandising program at Drexel University. I grew up not too far from the city of Philadelphia, and since starting at Drexel, my journey has been such a fun adventure, with numerous opportunities allowing me to dive headfirst into the urban lifestyle.
My interest in fashion is something I believe naturally runs in my blood. Ever since I was a little girl, my favorite things to do were pick out my outfit for school, write stories for my class, or even watch my mom put all her jewelry on before she went to work. As I've matured, my love for both fashion and writing has grown into my preferred means of self-expression. Expressing myself through style and words is something I live for. Being selected as a writer for the Fall/Winter Fashion Talk program almost feels too good to be true and I am so excited.
My Style
I like to think of my style as pretty classy and timeless but with an edge. I love blouses and button-downs, long skirts, and collared shirts.. but I also love incorporating cool sneakers, funky socks, and a ton of jewelry. I like to dress how I feel, although I do have a pretty open mind. I love and appreciate experimenting with various fashion elements and styles.
Joy Zorina Weinsoff
“Clever, Bubbly, Determined”
Hi! My name is Joy Weinsoff and I am super excited to be a part of the Fashion Talk newsletter this Fall/Winter! As a brief introduction, I'm a second-year Design & Merchandising major at Drexel University. I'm originally from Florida but moved to Philly in the summer of 2022. As a teenager, my aunt sparked my interest in fashion by constantly playing Fashion TV for me and taking me along with her as she bought and sold pieces in local second-hand markets. From that point, I immersed myself in everything fashion-related, and I'm thrilled to be given this platform to share what I've discovered.
My Style
My style is heavily influenced by the timeless ensembles seen in Europe. I typically go for muted colors (often all black), staple pieces, and very business casual items.
Julia Kulik
“Eclectic, Caring, Resourceful”
Hi, I’m Julia! Currently, I’m a second-year Design and Merchandising student at Drexel University. When I’m not on campus in Philadelphia, PA, I’m at home in Monmouth County, New Jersey, but I was born and raised in the NYC suburbs. From a very young age, I knew what I wanted to study and that I wanted to work in a major city. Luckily for me, NYC is one of the fashion capitals of the world, so I was very fortunate to grow up in such proximity.
Growing up close to Manhattan had a huge influence on my style. My mother, a Brooklyn native, frequently brought me to Manhattan for day trips, fostering my love for fashion and city life alike. Window shopping at Saks and Bloomingdale’s was our cardio, and we liked to get our steps in. Observing the intricate window displays sparked my interest in visual merchandising, ultimately leading to my decision to pursue a career in merchandising and styling. After deciding to attend Drexel, I have been exploring the hidden fashion scene in Philadelphia!
My Style
I wouldn’t say my style falls into any singular category. I used to put so much pressure on myself to put my style into a box that I ended up not dressing like myself at all. Now, my style philosophy is to wear whatever I want so long as it’s accessorized. My accessories are where my eye for style truly lies, represented by black cord chokers with oversized pendants, funky belts, and tons of rings.
Each year, I try and give myself a “style goal”. Last year, it was to rework the foundation of my closet by establishing a solid collection of basic pieces. This year, it was to incorporate more color into my wardrobe. In the past, I tended to stick to neutral tones as a safety blanket. This year, I’ve been loving some bolder colors, especially red. I am constantly growing and evolving, and my style reflects that.
Mia Hamilton
“Loving, Diligent, Artistic”
Hi! My name is Mia Hamilton, and I am a first-year Design and Merchandising student at Drexel University. I am from Berwyn, Pennsylvania, about 45 minutes outside of Philadelphia. In my hometown I worked for two local boutiques, solidifying my love for fashion. My favorite aspect of these jobs was not only unwrapping new merchandise when it came in but also helping customers shop and discover their specific styles. In my personal life, I enjoy curating new and playful outfits that reflect my style. The challenge arose when I faced the task of transitioning my wardrobe from home to campus. Despite only being at Drexel for a few months, I have already met so many creative and driven people who continue to inspire me today!
My interest in fashion developed ever since I was little and would go on shopping trips to the mall or different boutiques with my mom. I enjoy learning about different designers, brands, and companies, and how their ideas and morals relate to their products. Similarly, writing has also remained a steadfast passion of mine; my parents instilled the importance of writing in me from a very young age, encouraging me to write every day even if it was a single sentence. The idea of blending both fashion and writing feels like a dream, and I am so grateful for this opportunity to experience the field of fashion journalism through Fashion Talk!
My Style
My style can vary depending on my mood, but most often I would define it as minimal and chic with an occasional streetwear flare mixed in. I enjoy wearing staple colors such as black and white and mixing in different fabrics, with most of my inspiration coming from the late ‘60s to early ‘70s fashion eras.
Simone Bollinger
“Compassionate, Vibrant, Earnest”
Hi! My name is Simone Bollinger, and I am a Freshman at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. I am studying Design and Merchandising at the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design and love it so far! I am originally from Pottstown, PA, which is about forty-five minutes outside of the city. As a child I loved fashion, watching designers craft garments on Project Runway, and dressing my toys in unique outfits.
Even though I had an interest in fashion, I never viewed it as something I could practice in my own life. It was not until I matured that I began using fashion as a tool to express my gender and sexuality. In my future fashion career, I would love to be a stylist or image consultant to support others in discovering which style represents their identity.
A fun fact about me is that I used to want to be a scientist and I had a Benjamin Franklin phase!
My Style
My style varies often, but I would describe it as eclectic and vibrant, mixing androgynous silhouettes, vintage pieces, and playful colors. I love coordinating accessories and footwear to diversify my outfits and capture my self-expression.
Trapetas McGill
“Resilient, Courageous, Artistic”
I am Trapetas C. McGill, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, class of 2021. I prefer to be called “Kat” which is my artistic persona and muse. I'm actively pursuing my dreams in the world of fashion as a stylist at Marc Jacobs.
In addition to my endeavors, I am also a student working towards my Master's in Social Policy at Penn’s School of Social Policy and Practice. As a first-generation American with roots in West Africa, specifically Liberia, my academic background lies in political science and African studies. I aspire to merge my love for fashion with a commitment to sustainable trends, particularly in creative directing, textiles, and print. My goal is to carve out a niche in fashion and beauty culture that reflects a non-Western perspective.
My Style
Presently, I would define my style as “Street Couture”. I often mix high-end luxury with sustainably thrifted pieces. My fashion choices draw inspiration from African-American street style and incorporate the rich patterns, textiles, and designs of West Africa. My style icons are Erykah Badu, Rihanna, Raf Simons, and ASAP Mob.
Uma Peña-Cabrera
“Nurturing, Authentic, Driven”
I’m Uma Peña-Cabrera, a Dominican aspiring fashion designer studying at Istituto Marangoni Miami. A Jersey native at heart, I am alchemizing my world in Miami via upcycling, deconstruction fashion, and sustainable efforts on a global scale. Embodying a spirit that is young, wild, and free, I still enjoy simple things such as hanging out in nature and writing poetry under my pseudonym 'La Bonita'.
My Style
My style is reminiscent of T.L.C.'s ‘Crazy, Sexy, Cool'. I enjoy pops of colors and prints, bodycon silhouettes, deep cuts, and crop tops. My ‘uniform’? A graphic tee, a good denim piece, and something baggy.
Vrinda Neb
“Resilient, Passionate, Ambitious”
Hi! My name is Vrinda, and I am a freshman Design and Merchandising Major at Drexel University. I was born in Delhi, India but raised in the suburbs of Princeton, New Jersey, about an hour outside of Philadelphia. Growing up, I loved exploring fashion and styling by creating mood boards, mixing and matching outfits from my closet, and especially thrifting and upcycling! Having grown up between India and the US, I've always been fascinated by exploring the distinctions in ethnic styles and visual expressions between these two diverse places. The cultural differences intrigued me, prompting a continuous examination of their effects on the world of fashion.
When I realized fashion was something I could pursue long-term and curated a deep passion for art, I switched my major from politics to D&M in just the first week of school! During high school, I had the rewarding opportunity to blend my passion for both fashion and public relations in various capacities. One of the most impactful experiences was serving as a digital design intern for a small fashion magazine. The thrill of translating an idea from my head into a digital form, to be shared with others, was so exciting that I knew I had to channel this excitement into the realm of fashion, leading me towards a path in fashion journalism.
Through this first term at Drexel, I have been able to indulge in so many fashion projects involving styling, visual art, and social advertising, so I am beyond excited to expand that with Fashion Talk, as well as create an impact in this industry we are all so passionate about, with the fellow like-minded writers.
My Style
I would say my style is a deep YTK aesthetic with a combination of dainty, minimalistic pieces. Given my love for thrifting, I gravitate towards vintage styles such as lace and denim along with lots of GOLD jewelry (earrings, bracelets, and necklaces are my best friend!), along with lighter tones such as pink, beige, black, or white in every one of my outfits. One of my biggest fashion inspirations is and will always be Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl! Mini skirts, knit ponchos, satin dresses, chunky sweaters, you name it. If you have seen it on Blair, there's a good chance it's in my closet already!
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