Alex Lorenz, a sophomore in the Public Relations program had an interesting internship opportunity that sparked her passion in creating the Student Fashion Alliance, a fashion Registered Student Organization on campus.
Lorenz, an avid social media user started noticing internship offers from different fashion designers in her twitter news feed and started applying. After a few tries and much searching she landed an internship during Fashion Week in New York helping out behind the scenes and networking with some higher ups in the fashion industry.
While interning and even during the interview she was asked numerous times if she went to Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), the premier fashion school in New York.
“People don’t need to go to a fancy art school to get a job in fashion or other industries. Opportunities to learn and network happen much more outside the classroom and if you are passionate about it enough, you will find those opportunities to learn,” said Lorenz.
Currently, Lorenz runs the social media accounts for Kimberly Ovitz, a New York Fashion Designer and is a social media consultant for Kathlin Argiro, another designer in New York. Locally, she runs the social media for Snyders BBQ and Meat Market.
Lorenz knew little about fashion before starting interning at Fashion Week, but her dedication and drive allowed her to learn outside of the classroom and network with people. With the help of her fellow fashion enthusiasts, they have big plans for the Student Fashion Alliance.
“Our goal is to get as many people interning at Fashion Week and with other fashion designers as possible. I want to treat this as a professional RSO, but still have fun. Ultimately, I want Ferris to be known for this RSO and have people come here just to join,” said Lorenz.
Guys want to get in on the action as well? The ladies wanted to stress that anybody is welcome and they will not turn away anyone.
Samantha Bankey, a sophomore in public relations and the Vice President of External Affairs within the fashion RSO runs a fashion blog during her free time. She is looking forward to meeting new people and getting everyone involved.
“We want to stray away from excluding people from our RSO. We want to meet everyone and help out anyone that is willing to join. Just because you don’t know about fashion, doesn’t mean you can not come and try it out,” said Bankey.
This organization is not only looking to put an edge on the group member’s resume, but the benefit of the community as well. The group has plans to do several charity events and different seminars throughout the year. They want to give clothes to the poor, raise money for W.I.S.E. and even do seminars on how to dress professional.
Lindsay Parker, the Secretary for the Student Fashion Alliance, will use this group as a way to learn and grow as the new executive board pushes the envelope with their plans.
“We have so many ideas and we are so happy to finally get this organization off the ground. We want to have a good time next year and let the campus know that we are much more than a few people looking for a quick sale,” said Parker.
If you would like to know more please join their facebook group, Student Fashion Alliance or feel free to email them at: studentfashionalliance@nullgmail.com. The first meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 26th in the Dome Room at 5:00pm.