SCM and Fashion Studies Students Teaming Up to Examine Fashion Trends for Latest #Focus Project

*A 30-minute special on fashion followed by Red Carpet and Fashion Show events will stream live on Hawk+ on Friday, May 5*

After producing award-winning stories and news programs on topics such as immigration, climate change, the pandemic and the 2020 election, more than 100 School of Communication and Media students are teaming up with Fashion Studies students to examine the fashion industry through a series of events called #FOCUS: Fashion.

On Friday, May 5, students will livestream a 30-minute magazine style news show that was shot on campus and in New York City. The program will highlight what is popular in fashion, and how our clothing and accessory choices may signify diversity, inclusion and cultural interests.  Hosted by senior Journalism and Digital Media major Bernice Ndegwa, the show will also include stories on Rocky’s Closet here at Montclair State, and how global fashion brands have turned to social media platforms like TikTok to launch clothing lines and showcase fashion influencers.

Following the news program, SCM students will produce a Red Carpet show hosted by senior Journalism major Emma Caughlan. That show will include backstage interviews and behind-the-scenes stories leading up to the MASS APPEAL Fashion Show, which will feature student models and awards judged by fashion industry leaders. The Red Carpet and Fashion Show events will take place in Presentation Hall. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased here.

The news program, Red Carpet event and Fashion Show will be livestreamed on Hawk+, SCM’s streaming service on Friday May 5:

5-5:30 p.m.: #FOCUS: Fashion news magazine show

5:30-6:00 p.m.: Red Carpet show

6 p.m.: Mass Appeal: FADM Juried Fashion Show

“Working on #FOCUS this semester has been an exciting experience collaborating with my peers in the School of Communication and Media and the Fashion Design department has taught me more about teamwork. I’m excited for our broadcast and the Red Carpet and Fashion Show events to come to life on May 5,” said junior Digital Journalism and Digital Media major Ashleigh Corby, who is one of the Senior Producers for the news show.

#FOCUS: Fashion is part of a series of #Focus initiatives that SCM students work on each semester. The project topic, which changes each semester, incorporates their skills in journalism, digital media creation and public relations strategies throughout the production process. Topics in previous semesters have included #FocusDemocracy, #FocusDisruption #FocusImmigration, #FocusClimateChange and #FocusRacialJustice.

About the School of Communication and Media: Founded in 2012, the School of Communication and Media offers a range of dynamic programs in communication and media to a talented and diverse student population of over 1,700. Offering degrees in film and television, social media and public relations, advertising, journalism and digital media, sports communication, communication and media studies, animation and visual effects, and an MA in public and organizational relations, the School prepares the next generation of communication and media practitioners and leaders. The School houses award-winning student programs that include WMSC Radio, The Montclarion newspaper, Hawk Communications Agency, the Red Hawk Sports Network, Hawk+ OTT streaming platform, and News Lab, as well as the Center for Cooperative Media, which serves the public by working to grow and strengthen local journalism. Recent national School recognitions include an Edward R. Murrow Award, several Marconi Award nominations, and two College Television Awards from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

About the BA in Fashion Studies: The BA in Fashion Studies program focuses on the evolving field and multi-billion dollar industry involved in the design, production, and sale of fashion products. Explore the many facets of fashion while learning to identify consumer needs and how a dynamic industry meets these needs. Students also learn how fashion is branded to appeal to various demographics and forecasting where the industry is headed.

Story by Keith Green, School of Communication and Media