1st annual FORM fashion show showcases fashion, styles

The Fashion Organization of Retail and Marketing (FORM) hosted its first annual Fashion Week last Monday, jam-packed with guest speakers, giveaways and a streetwear fashion show geared toward the students.

An organization on campus since 2012, FORM’s mission is to offer a community for students interested in fashion and prepare fashion industry hopefuls for a career in the field.

In light of New York Fashion Week (NYFW), the usually business-savvy organization wanted to show its creative side and bring NYFW to New Brunswick.

“Although FORM typically stands on the professional side of things with our career fairs, resumé workshops and company information sessions, we wanted to do something fun and artsy,” said Phoebe Mak, a Rutgers sophomore and secretary of FORM. “Besides FORM, there aren’t too many fashion-related clubs or events on campus. There are so many Rutgers students with a love for fashion, so we wanted to use our platform to do something special.”

On Monday, the Fashion Week kicked off with a discussion led by two impressive guest speakers— Samia Hampstead, an up-and-coming model who can be found in Urban Outfitters catalogs, and Alex Patakos, who owns Hub City Soles, a New Brunswick-based sneaker and streetwear store.

Victoria’s Secret PINK sponsored the giveaway event on Tuesday, where Rutgers students entered a raffle to win PINK products such as phone cases, socks and the iconic PINK plush dog.

On Wednesday, FORM teamed up with TRIM, a student-run fashion and lifestyle publication, and College Fashionista for a casual mixer. There, students got a chance to mingle and get involved with the three organizations.

Thursday was the big day for Fashion Week, as FORM hosted its first-ever fashion show where they showcased clothing from six designers and brands all associated with the Rutgers community.

“New York Fashion Week is fun because it’s artistic and over-the-top, but we (Rutgers students) can’t afford that,” Mak said. “We made the theme for the show urban cool streetwear that’s accessible and relatable to Rutgers students.”

Unlike typical fashion week, every model was a Rutgers student, making the show an accurate representation of the University’s diverse student body. Regardless of body type, height or skin tone, every Rutgers student was represented in the show.

All-American brand Unknown Territory opened the show with a long-sleeved, oversized sweater ensemble that was sure to turn heads. Founded by Richard Forde, the brand prides itself in designing their clothes with hand-cut materials made to fit any person.

While the show featured five other labels and designers, Remain Infinite stole the show with its diverse, youthful and upbeat showcase. Founded by Jonathan Solano and based in New Brunswick, the brand dedicated its style to the struggling youth, the underdogs and anyone willing to push the boundaries.

The brand featured oversized distressed denim, creative uses of bandanas and lots of layering in their line-up. To close the showcase, a model donned a top that read “A Day Without Immigrants,” referring to the political movement that happened nationwide earlier that day. The creative political statement was a show-stopper that perfectly illustrated Remain Infinite’s mission statement.

On a cold winter’s night, the east coast brand Western Sky Apparel added some refreshing summer vibes to the mix with its surfer-meets-preppy line of clothing and accessories. Inspired by good friends and good times, the beachy brand aims to give consumers the feeling of living on the coast 24/7.

In the midst of eye-catching, risk-taking streetwear, Western Sky Apparel brought a sense of relaxation to the crowd with its pastel color palette and minimal design.

With a merch table set up for every label and designer, event-goers were able to support and mingle with every brand featured in the show.

East Brunswick business Popcorn for the People was also in attendance, selling its gourmet popcorn products. The non-profit snack business raises money for and employs those on the autism spectrum.

To end the week on a relaxing note, FORM planned a trip to New York City on Friday to visit The Museum at FIT and cool off with some retail therapy.

In the words of FORM’s co-president Patricia Hwang, the club is always looking to unite students that love fashion. The club meets on alternate Tuesdays at the Livingston Student Center and will be hosting a "DIY dorm decor" session on Feb. 28.