MS Int’l Fashion Design Mgmt Students Present Capstone Thesis

The MS International Fashion Design Management program congratulates the six students who presented their capstone thesis on December 6, 2023. The MS IFDM Capstone Thesis taught by Professor Farai Simoyi is a student-led and faculty-monitored independent study course. Our students are challenged to create a project demonstrating topic mastery through the synthesis of knowledge and skills inspired by their previous coursework. From developing detailed business plans for entrepreneurial businesses to building case studies for commercially recognized brands, our students were guided by an industry or professional mentor who served as a guide and support system throughout the semester.

Lucas Circello- HOUSE OF CIRCELLO

“House of Circello was founded by queer femme presenting non-binary designer Lucas Circello to disrupt the binary that shrouds creative industries. Through the duration of a one-stop-shop for gender-affirming fashion and commodity designed for all with inclusivity at its forefront.” Congratulations Lucas!

Check out more about this brand at:
instagram

www.houseofcircello.com

Caroline Webster- MENSWEAR AT ATHLETA

“Athleta is an activewear brand that champions diversity and inclusion, but there is a glaring hole in the brand’s inclusivity Although Athleta’s website proudly states it caters to ‘all ages, races, ethnicities, identies, sizes, and abilities,’ the brand does not carry any men’s or genderless pieces.” Caroline examined the white-space for menswear in Athleta’s current product offerings, and provide a path forward for the company.

Check out more from Caroline at:

Sriya Chavali- CREATIVES TODAY

“Creatives Today strives to develop a globally recognized platform to identify and celebrate the work and voices of underserved creative communities impacting the world of art and technology.” This virtual platform developed by Sriya seeks to introduce brand and professionals with some of the most talented and impactful people from across the globe for creative collaboration. Creatives Today also has a podcast called “The Creative Disruption” which interviews creative individuals of different backgrounds.

Check out more about this brand at:

www.creativestoday.co

Ramya Venkatesan- RAMYA V DESIGN STUDIO

Ramya Venkatesan is a textile designer and the owner & designer of Ramya V Design Studio. Offering design edits, custom prints, and color-way options, Ramya V Designs is a one-stop shop for fashion and interior design brands in need of unique prints.

Check out more about this brand at:

www.ramyavenkatesan.myportfolio.com/

Samantha Davis- THE CATALYST CONCEPT

“Our work focuses on creating change in the creative industry. We believe it is our corporate social responsibility to focus on social action, environmental impact, and accessibility, alongside creativity and growth. We strive to educate and improve the creative industry by customizing concepts that have a purpose because we believe change starts with a catalyst.” The Catalyst Concept is a creative consultancy group that works collaboratively with brands to increase awareness, exposure, and sales.

Check out more about this brand at:

www.thecatalystconcept.com/

Michael Reaves- REAVES BESPOKE HAT CO.

Reaves Bespoke Hat Co. focuses on both health and sustainability. Tight-fitting, cotton hats and beanies often worn in the winter months can cause traction alopecia in some individuals, resulting in temporary hair loss. “Wearing hats that are very tight — or very hot — could decrease blood flow to the hair follicles, stressing them and causing them to fall out,” says dermatologist John Anthony. Inspired to create a healthier alternative, Michael creates custom, bespoke beanie-style hats, lined in friction-resistant silk, using upcycled textiles and pre-loved garments. Customers can submit some of their favorite pre-loved garments to be repurposed into new, luxury hats to keep them warm and their hair healthy.

Thank you to industry guest critics:

• Clifton Wilson- Creative Director of the Clifton Wilson Brand
• Eji Benson- Founder & CEO of Ennui New York
• Anne Millman- Director of Philadelphia Fashion & Garment Industry Task Force
• Cheldin Barlatt Rumer- CEO/ Executive Producer/ Host of This is It Network
• Marquies Smith- Assistant Designer at FITE Fashions
• Nasheli Ortiz Gonzalez- Executive Director of Taller Puertorriqueño
• Jovan O’Connor- Owner & Designer of Jovan O’Connor Studios
• Kevin Parker- Founder & Producer of Philly Fashion Week
• Joanne Litz- Owner of Steel Pony
• Professor Veronica Guzman- MS IFDM Adjunct Professor
• Professor Dareyna Swann- FD Adjunct Professor
• McKenzi Migliorini- Assistant Designer at Free People
• Meitong Yan- MS Int’l Fashion Design Mgmt Alumni & Owner/ Designer of MUFY NYC