Kent State University School of Fashion

Calling all students and faculty!

The College of the Arts is seeking student and faculty stories to feature on our website and social channels! If you want to participate, please fill out the form through the link below!

https://bit.ly/4gbNEQO

Meet Carlyssa Tenaglia, a recent graduate of the Master of Fashion Industries Studies program who successfully defended her thesis!

Carlyssa wrote her thesis on “"Redefining Professionalism: Generation Z's perceptions of workplace dress and appearance.” She was interested in the challenges that employers faced when integrating Gen Z members into a multigenerational workforce. After completing her research, she found that Generation Z believes in dress and appearance in order to appear professional.

“As I neared completion of my undergraduate degree, BA in Health, Exercise, and Sports Studies at Denison University, I wanted to expand my education and qualifications to be able to pursue a more creative field of work. I chose Kent State's MFIS program for two main reasons. First, they have an established, strong reputation in the fashion industry and in producing high-quality education. Secondly, one of the unique traits about the MFIS program is that you can apply with any undergraduate degree and don't have to have a fashion undergraduate degree. This makes this program very desirable for students like me who were looking to pivot in their career goals and education. “

Carlyssa has had the opportunity to intern at French Rooster and Reignn Outfitters in Hartville, Ohio. During this internship she learned many valuable skills such as visual merchandising, marketing, social media content creation, and customer-interactions and engagement in a retail setting. Her favorite opportunities that have come from her internship have been collaborating with Reignn to design and create their Carly X RO collection and modeling for French Rooster in the Hall of Fame Fashion Show in an outfit that she curated and styled!

Great Job, Carlyssa!

Triumph Over Tragedy: Kent State's Paris Program Has New Home, Bright Future The Paris American Academy will be fully moved into its new spaces as of Sept. 1.

Internship Spotlight! Junior Fashion Merchandising & Design Student, Monya Brandt was a design intern with William Fredrick Clothing in Cleveland, Ohio! “I didn’t know that an internship could be this collaborative. William truly cares about our opinions and is constantly involving us in the decision-making. It is so inspiring to know that I am making an impact in the fashion industry and that something I designed/suggested might be on the market." Way to go, Monya!

Meet Madison Kish, a recent graduate who chose to study away in New York City during her time at Kent State. “Studying away at the NYC Studio was necessary to my success in the industry. Not only did I make a ton of connections, I was able to experience the epicenter of fashion itself! New York was an experience that taught me a lot about myself and what I can do within the industry itself.”

The application for 2025 is now open! 🎉 Take the first step in your journey to becoming a Golden Flash and apply today: https://tinyurl.com/47rcz2df ⚡️

“I chose to attend the Kent State School of Fashion because the program's national excellence is unmatched. We are nationally ranked in merchandising while still providing a holistic campus feel with sports, Greek life, and gorgeous greenery. Further, industry connections are brought right into the school, and I am grateful for the future KSU helped to provide me.” - Fashion Merchandising Student, Audrey Ayars

Career Spotlight! Mary Beth Zimmerman graduated in May of 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design! Mary Beth has accepted a position at Kohl’s Corporate Headquarters as an Assistant Designer. Congratulations, Mary Beth!

🌟 Happy National Intern Day! 🌟

Today, we celebrate the energy, creativity, and fresh perspectives that our fashion students bring to their internships. Your hard work and enthusiasm is truly inspiring, and we are excited to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish in the future!

It’s the 1970s, and women are showing up at the doors of the most popular clothing stores and boutiques with one mission in mind.

Walking in, they each tell the store clerk, “Just show me the Jerry Silvermans, please.”

Throughout this decade and much of the '60s, Jerry Silverman Inc. became a practical, sellable fashion brand headed by businessman Jerry Silverman and his partner, designer Shannon Rodgers.

Their careers would eventually intersect with Kent State, leading them to become the founders of the Kent State University Museum.

Read more here

https://kentwired.com/120950/latest-updates/kent-state-university-museum-honors-past-founders-and-designers/

📰 Lauren Cohen
📸 Abigail Kress

Jakyah Beatty, a 2018 alumna of the fashion merchandising program, is headed to Ghana for a sustainability project in the textile and apparel industry. Beatty recently received a Fulbright Research Award to investigate the environmental, social and economic effects of overconsumption in the Global North on Ghana.

“I am most looking forward to immersing myself in Ghana's vibrant culture and learning from the innovative solutions being developed to address the challenges of textile waste. Ghana, the largest importer of second-hand clothing, presents a unique opportunity to study the impact of fast fashion and explore sustainable practices.”

Read more: https://bit.ly/4dbSuv3

Meet Fashion Design Student, Avery Marrs! Avery is a hardworking student who has had many incredible experiences during her time at Kent State!

Avery founded the Ladies Lift Club at Kent during her Freshman year! The club focuses on helping women get comfortable and confident in the gym.

This past semester, Avery studied abroad in Florence, Italy. She has also had multiple internship opportunities during her few years here. Last summer, she was a Design Intern at Michelle Farmer Collaborate in West Palm Beach Florida, and this fall she will be interning at William Fredrick in Cleveland, Ohio.

“I feel super prepared for post grad through all of these experiences! I’ve learned independence, hard work, leadership and more in my time at Kent State.”

Meet Junior Fashion Design Student, Anna Kaper! Anna was a Fashion Design Intern at Victor dE Souza in New York City! “I am enjoying how much I am being exposed to the whole process of creating high level couture garments. I have learned that patience and consistency is key to success.” Way to go, Anna!

Highlight

Meet Dayoung Park, a recent graduate from the Master’s of Fashion Industries Program. During the spring semester, Dayoung successfully defended her Master’s Thesis!

“My thesis centers on designer brands in South Korea and the impact these brands have in the South Korean fashion industry. I explored the critical success factors of specific South Korean designer brands and their retail strategies.”

“I chose to pursue my master's degree in fashion at Kent State to gain a deeper understanding of the industry in an academic environment, following my experience as a fashion stylist in Korea. The MFIS program offered both theoretical courseworks and practical projects that helped me develop a strong foundation for fashion research. Additionally, the program's focus on internship/practicum allowed me to gain valuable industry insights.”

Congratulations, Dayoung!

Kaleigh McGreal arrived at Kent State four years ago, not knowing how to sew yet, recently graduated with a degree in fashion design and experiences in the fashion centers of the world in New York City and Florence. Her advice to those inspired by her success and progress? 'Now is the time to do what you want'
https://bit.ly/4bA9cCR

Meet Fashion Merchandising Student, Aysha Durrani! Aysha is an exceptional student who is involved in many clubs and organizations!

This past semester, Aysha chose to Study away in NYC! This is what she has to say about her time in New York: “I choose the New York Studio Campus, mainly because I wanted to get an opportunity of making my NYFW dreams come true! Also, getting an internship was a huge plus! I have been interning at Christian Siriano for four months now and it has been super interesting to see the different sides of the fashion industry! I work on the PR team, but I also hop around and help in the design studio sometimes, do a lot of garment drop offs to clients, and help the sales team with setting up the showroom for fittings! It was amazing to get to see this big of a Fashion show, not only behind the scenes putting it together, but also getting to watch! I can never be more grateful for this opportunity!”

Aysha is currently involved in the Fashion Student Organization! Last semester she was the Executive Board Member Away and she will be returning for her senior year as Co-President! During her time at Kent State, she gas been involved in A Magazine as a Web Writer and Diversity Committee Team Member and a Social Media Team Member on HER Campus!

Aysha states that coming to Kent State has been one of the best decisions she has ever made!

Kent State Fashion students in Los Angeles, CA for the 2024 LA Study Tour class!

Site Visits Included: Outerknown/ Black Design Collective / Happy New House / Bleusalt / AG Jeans / Aviator Nation/ Sheats Goldstein House (Conner & Perry Architects, Inc.) / Mickalene Thomas / Vans / Melrose

Photo of the Week: Kent State’s Summer Fashion Academy welcomes high school students to campus for a full week of lessons and activities that explore all aspects of the world of fashion.

“I've always loved fashion. Since I was a little girl there were signs all over the place indicating that I would end up in a school of fashion. It was also a big dream of mine to study abroad and with the American Academy in Brazil It was made possible. Maybe It was coincidence but I like to think It was fate that Kent got one of the best fashion programs in the country.” - Senior Fashion Merchandising Student, Giovanna Marinho

Meet Taylor Mends, a recent graduate of the Master’s of Fashion Industry Studies Program who successfully defended her thesis this past semester!

Taylor wrote her master’s thesis on "The Influence of Diversity in Fashion Ads on Underrepresented Consumers: Exploring Body and Ethnic Representation in the Fashion Industry," Her thesis examines whether diverse representation in fashion advertisements positively impacts consumers’ brand support. Throughout Taylor’s research, she found that participants consistently emphasized the importance of inclusive representation and advocating for visibility of all individuals from various backgrounds.

Taylor is currently involved in developing two new study away and abroad opportunities with the Kent State School of Fashion Study Away Program. She is also involved in helping to develop material for a Study Away Store. Taylor had a Social Media Internship with Noite Rose, where she felt that she gained valuable experience.

“Reflecting on my journey through both undergraduate and graduate studies at Kent State, I am immensely grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have helped to shape my academic and professional growth. These experiences have given me a very strong foundation for success beyond graduation, and I am eager to apply my knowledge and skills in my professional career.”

Congratulations, Taylor!

In a recent feature, Vogue magazine named Kent State as “One of the Best Fashion Schools for Design, Marketing, and More.”

Read the full article in Vogue:

The Best Fashion Schools in the US Whether you dream of a degree in design, merchandising, or more, this Vogue-approved list will help you narrow down your search.

Meet Fashion Merchandising Student, Sara Gallimore!

“Opting to study away in Los Angeles was the realization of a lifelong dream, thanks to Kent's remarkable program that provided extensive opportunities to visit renowned fashion schools and companies, explore museums, and discover myriad attractions. This experience enriched my academic path and expended my networking horizons, aligning perfectly with my senior year objectives.”

Meet Senior Fashion Merchandising Student, Alexus Carpenter! Alexus was a Merchandising Intern for Altar’d State in Knoxville, TN. “I enjoy the office, the people, and getting hands on learning experience! I am able to be a part of vendor meetings, read and complete weekly reports, and be active in the purchase order process!”

Internship Spotlight! Meet Fashion Design Student, Keeley Breischaft. Keeley had the opportunity to intern at Jevon Terance over the past semester as Design Intern.

“I enjoy working with Jevon because there’s always something new and exciting going on and he values my feedback and is open to new ideas. One hour I will be making social media content, the next hour sewing a dress, and later that day bedazzling a piece of plastic or painting shoes. I didn’t realize how different every day looks for a fashion designer and all the prep that goes into a collection and fashion show.” Congratulations, Keeley!

Meet Fashion Merchandising Student, Ryan Gibson!

Ryan is a Model Coordinator for the 2024 Kent State Annual Fashion Show! They also participated in the Haute For The House Fashion Show and JcPenney’s Fashion Week. Ryan is also a Stylist for A Magazine and a member of NRFSA.

In the past, they interned with Clash Dayton, a vintage apparel boutique as a Sales & Marketing Intern. Ryan also has an internship this summer at Michael Kors, where they will be gaining first-hand experience in visual merchandising and product inventory processes!

Ryan plans on studying away in Florence and New York City in hopes to gain more insight into the world of luxury fashion.

“I find enjoyment in pursuing new endeavors and professional experiences and am constantly seeking new opportunities to challenge myself and my skills as a merchandising student. I am hopeful that my experiences at Kent State in the Fashion program will allow me to pursue a career in luxury buying or product development.”