Meet the Hokie Fashionista Reviving Vintage Chic and Rocking the Runways - Whitney's Wild Ride!

Hold on to your hats, fashionistas and Hokies, because we've got the inside scoop on a rising star who’s combining fashion flair with a touch of historic charm! Meet Whitney Jackim, the fashion maven with roots in Melbourne, Florida, who's set to jazz up the sequin-studded runways right after graduating in fashion merchandising design with a spicy minor in consumer studies.

But wait, what's next for this trailblazer? Whitney, propelled by her electrifying Hokie memories, including the unforgettable "Enter Sandman" game night, plans to stride right back to those iconic corridors at the Oris Glisson Historic Costume and Textile Collection! Keep an eye out for this dynamo gathering lab hours and spinning some serious fashion magic.

The passion ignited when Whitney was just a wee fashionista at age 7. Inspired by her grandmother’s sewing-tutelage, Whitney's needlework evolved from a stuffed bear to jaw-dropping apparel on the grand stages like Hokie Designers and Vetement de Rue. And, guess what? Granny still gets in on the action, offering textile tips and applause from the wings!

Intrigued by how she found her groove at Virginia Tech after transferring in 2022? Led by the welcoming Hokie vibe and a second va-va-voom fashion show moment, the butterfly design, Whitney soared! This piece transformed not just her portfolio, but her spirit, echoing those soul-churned butterfly transformations.

Research, you say? Oh, Whitney's diving deep into it! In tandem with professor Jessie Chen-Yu, she's unraveling the secrets of naturally colored cottons and testing their mettle for kiddie sleepwear. We're talking dimensional stability, air permeability, and more! Let’s just say she’s blowing the lid off textile science.

Feeling generous yet? Whitney is. Embodying the spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), she’s all about preserving fashion history. While readying a World War II exhibition, she uncovered a link to local history through a 1949 wedding dress – talk about bringing the past to life!

Stay tuned, folks, because Whitney’s fashion whirlwind is just starting and who knows—your next favorite piece could have been inspired by some vintage magic or Hokie lore!