By CAMILLE DANIELICH
Imagine an outlet for creativity, philanthropy, a commitment to service and a love of fashion. It can be found in Fordham’s very own Fashion For Philanthropy.
The fairly new organization deserves recognition for its incredible work, which not only mobilizes the Fordham community, but also gives back on a statewide level through partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In addition to giving to charity, the club “strives to expose students to current issues and trends within the fashion industry” and can provide members with information and opportunities to advance their interest in the field and in the market.
Kathlyn Monahan, GSB ’16, talks about her club experiences: “A few members received tickets to see “The Chew” and “Nikki and Sara Live”—a lot of companies around the city hear about our club and are willing to contribute,” she said.
Monahan also noted the club’s participation in a Manhatta, N.Y. based program that took place in late March, Capstone Weekend. It was a comprehensive three-day marketing event that included big names like L’Oréal Paris, Rent the Runway and Seventeen magazine. Sponsors, editors and other fashion insiders were present to share useful information. Club members were given the opportunity to attend.
Monahan elaborated on other club initiatives, such as the organization’s online presence. “We have an Instagram, and we have a partnership with Rent the Runway,” Monahan said.
Rent the Runway is one of the most popular designer garment rental networks. Additionally, the club has an online blog with fashion tips, suggestions, trends and the occasional shout-out to fellow Rose Hill fashionistas.
But, this is only the beginning of Fashion for Philanthropy’s work. Club mediators and participants have found a way to seamlessly meld a serious interest in and love of fashion with the desire to help those in need through a variety of fundraisers that appeal to Rose Hill’s student population.
Monahan cites FFP’s affiliation with a Zumba event on campus and with fundraising that occurred during midterms in the form of peanut butter and Nutella sandwich deliveries.
When asked why she joined the club, Monahan replied, “I’m definitely interested in the fashion industry, so it’s a great way to meet people with similar interests. The club does a really good job in combining the two factors – the fashion part and the philanthropic part. I think that Make-A-Wish is important because it does great work: it’s important that we give back to kids struggling with illnesses, and all of our energy and focus goes into making that successful.”
The organization’s biggest event and fundraising effort, a fashion show entitled Rebels On The Runway, will be held this Friday. The club selects models from Fordham’s student population. Expect to see them strutting the runway in head-to-toe leather, with bold lipstick and pops of color, including colored leather.
“The senior executive board is incredibly excited about the show, and have spent a lot of time and effort putting it together. It’s got a lot of punk rock style, and all of the models are actually students,” Monahan says.
Many of the clothes donned by the models are creations of design students at both the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses, though contributions from donors and sponsors are present as well.
The event has garnered support from well-known designers, from such well-established names as Jeffery Campbell, Michael Kors and Theory, to up-and-comers such as Tadashi Shoji, Helmut Lang and Madonna & Co. In addition to a guaranteed good time, prizes abound – such as a $300 gift card and VIP gift bags, featuring products from Naked Princess, Boo-Boo Cover-Up, ZICO Coconut Water, myface.cosmetics and more.
Raffle prizes include items from Helmut Lang, OPI, GHD Professional, Madonna & Co., Warby Parker, Satya Jewelry, Two Birds and Tata Harper.
College students are always looking for free food when attending events on campus. This year’s guests will snack on cupcakes with Stash Tea and Hint Water.
Friday night’s profits will be donated completely to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York and Western New York. Last year, the club was able to donate an incredible $7200, but it is hoping to top that amount this year with at least $10000.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. in the Rose Hill Gym on Friday, April 11. Tickets are $5, and VIP entrance is $12.
