Ole Miss: The Surprising New Fashion Capital of the South! Discover the Style Revolution Happening Now!

Hold onto your hats, fashion fans! Ole Miss is turning into a style powerhouse, and it’s all thanks to some savvy students with big plans. Every August, social media erupts with collegiate women flaunting their trendiest looks as they dive into sorority recruitment, transforming the Grove during football season into the hottest fashion runway you’ve ever seen. And don’t even get us started on the buzzing boutiques on the Square!

Meet Amelia Sweeney and Gracie Brooke, two sophomore integrated marketing communications majors who are shaking things up with their brainchild, the UM Fashion Panel. Their goal? To turn Ole Miss into the unexpected fashion capital of the South, even without a dedicated fashion major. “We wanted to showcase people’s styles at Ole Miss and prove that we can be a fashion school,” says Sweeney with an infectious enthusiasm.

And how did this fashion frenzy start, you ask? Brooke spills the tea! She and Sweeney teamed up with Professor Mark Dolan, who was itching to put on a fashion show. In a classic case of seizing the moment, Amelia approached him after class saying, “We really want to do this.” Talk about initiative!

Professor Dolan reveals the mastermind inspiration behind this chic venture: fashion as art and a form of self-expression. He couldn’t be more thrilled with the dynamic duo's energy. Clearly, Ole Miss students are thirsty for a fashion outlet, and this panel has already taken off like a rocket!

Get ready, because this spring, the fashion world at Ole Miss will come alive with a show that embraces all styles and voices. Until then, the UM Fashion Panel is setting the stage with interactive ways for students to flaunt their fabulous outfits through the PhotoCircle app, where over 1,220 photos and videos are already dazzling users.

Even though this club just strutted onto the campus scene, it already boasts a glam group of around 90 members, with 250 more fashionistas eagerly waiting in the wings. The only requirement? A passion for fashion!

Finance major Kate Drawbaugh, the stylish treasurer of the UM Fashion Panel, lets us in on why students are flocking to this gig. Surprise, surprise: it’s all about a mutual love for style! In a place where there aren’t many fashion outlets, student interest is skyrocketing.

For those yearning to dive into fashion academically, the university offers a specialization in fashion promotion and media via its integrated marketing communications degree. It's not a full-fledged fashion degree, but it’s a start!

Gracie Brooke hits the nail on the head, pointing out the inherent style in the student body, campus life, and especially on game days at the Grove. Over the coming months, the UM Fashion Panel plans to spice things up with smaller events and fundraising activities, all leading to the big spring show.

There’s room for everyone in this stylish saga. Whether you’re joining as a general member, participating in fun committees, or simply sharing that passion for fashion, there’s no denying the UM Fashion Panel is where the cool kids are at Ole Miss—so why not join the fun?