Fashion Forever!!!
Ever since AI has started taking a ballooning share of public discourse, an age-old question has been back in fashion: “What makes us human?” Among all possible answers, I’ve found one to be more comforting than the others — we’ve got great style. Everyday, we make a statement about who we are and what we believe in with how we choose to dress, and maybe that’s something fundamental to the human condition, something LLMs can’t steal from us.
For something so important to our culture and our identity, it’s been surprising to notice Vanier has been giving it little attention. Sure, students interested in fashion had their own circles in which they could discuss it, but they wouldn’t have much opportunities to express their interest in fashion aside from discussion. Even worse, if you didn’t know anyone else with an interest in fashion, or wanted to learn more but didn’t know where to start, there was no one to turn to.
I find it odd no one thought of making a Fashion Club at Vanier up until now. I mean, in one way or another, we all care about how we look and how we’re perceived, and it’s obvious that style plays a great part. And it’s easy to notice that people at Vanier are into fashion — just walk around campus! I’m very grateful to have been part of the team of people that decided to step up and make the Fashion Club a reality; it’s a lot of work, but it is all worth it when passionate people join the club and become dedicated to its success.
When the executive team first dreamed up the idea of the club, we had two main ideas in mind. Firstly, we wanted to organise a jacket and jean exchange. Instead of throwing their old jacket away and buying a new one, students would exchange it for one we would have on our racks. As such, we would reduce waste and promote a sustainable fashion culture at Vanier. Secondly, we planned to host multiple events to celebrate the talent and sense of style Vanier students bring to the campus everyday, for example, by hosting fashion shows or photoshoots.
These ideas might take a long time to bloom; we’re just getting started, after all. Yet, I’m not worried about the club’s future. If one day, you drop by and talk to the people of the Fashion Club, you will notice that they all speak with a passion and a sparkle that might be hard to find anywhere else. And I hope it’ll inspire you like it inspired me.
