Since the School of Fashion’s opening in 1984, the Fashion Student Organization has been welcoming members and hosting events, growing in its purpose over the past four decades. 

FSO is guided by faculty advisor William Perrine, who also works as a senior lecturer in the School of Fashion. For 18 years, Perrine has helped the organization grow to what it is today. 

With more international and out-of-state students joining the School of Fashion since its opening, Perrine said finding this smaller community within the college helps those away from home feel more connected. 

“We’re like a little family within the fashion school,” Perrine said. “As the school grows, so does our community.” 

While previously only accessible to students with either a fashion merchandising or fashion design major, FSO is now open to students from any course of study looking to find community. 

“It’s about more than just clothing,” Perrine said. “It’s about self-expression, innovation and collaboration. What FSO does so well is bring people together who might not otherwise see themselves as part of the fashion world and show them how they fit.” 

Zoe Alexander, senior fashion merchandising major and one of FSO’s co-presidents, said the organization’s board works to emphasize the importance of acceptance to those interested in joining. 

“We’re really inclusive,” Alexander said. “If you’re interested in fashion, we want you here.” 

Students in STEM fields have shown an interest in joining to learn more about the fashion industry for fun, said senior fashion merchandising major Aysha Durrani, the other co-president of FSO. 

“I know students who are biology majors and they like fashion, so they joined,” Durrani said. “We’re trying to branch out.” 

Not only has the number of students with diverse backgrounds grown, but the inclusion of students’ families in the organization’s events as well, Perrine said. 

“I always wanted to be family-friendly, because the other [events] we were doing a long time ago were just for students and things like that, and I wanted the parents to be able to see what their kids are doing and all the fun stuff that we do,” Perrine said. 

With family and friends of FSO members invited to previously exclusive events, Perrine said the number of event attendees spiked to an average number between 150 and 200. 

The organization hosting these events is important for fundraising, which allows the board to keep planning more experiences that will benefit members pursuing careers in the fashion industry or similar fields. 

“It was more of a social group back then,” Perrine said. “Now, we’re a vibrant organization with major events, like our two annual fashion shows, social outings and professional development opportunities.” 

Each semester, the board hosts a themed fashion show, a change from their previous tradition of hosting a single yearly show at their opening.

Alexander said she finds it amazing to see how far the fashion shows have grown since they first began. 

“[The shows have] also gotten bigger over the years,” Alexander said. “You can see it even if you just look on our Instagram, on our reels, and see the shows from four years ago compared to what they are now.” 

Two years ago, the board hosted its 40th annual gala, where Alexander won “Best in Show” for the styled look she created. She said this experience inspired her to continue pursuing fashion.  

“That was just confirmation for me, that I’m good at this and I can do fashion for life,” Alexander said. “There are so many jobs, so many industries and so many creative things to do with fashion. I feel like FSO really brings that all to life.” 

Events such as these are not only important for inspiring members but also for raising money to create more opportunities for students. The organization invites professionals to give speeches to members and offer career advice each semester, as well as provide two $500 scholarships each year. 

Perrine started the scholarship opportunity seven years ago, with one for merchandising and one for design. This is made possible through the fundraising events led by students each year. 

“All the activities we do throughout the year contribute to a fund that supports these scholarships,” Perrine said. “It’s really for students, by students, which makes it so rewarding.”  

Perrine said the most inspiring part of his work as the organization’s advisor is overseeing and leading the changes that have happened under his watch for the past 18 years. 

“For me, it’s the thing I’m most proud of during my time here at Kent State, seeing how much we’ve grown and all the different stuff we do,” Perrine said.  

While the co-presidents said honoring the original mission of the organization is the most important part of their work, they agreed making positive changes to FSO is essential.

“We like to keep the tried-and-true stuff of what we’re about, but just develop it and adapt it and make it new and fresh every semester,” Durrani said. 

Kayla Gleason is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].