On Friday, March 21, Fashion Student Organization (FSO) held their Spring 2025 Goodwill fashion show in Cartwright Hall. The show, titled “It’s Only a Game,” consisted of talented designers, stylists and models who portrayed their own stories through classic card and board games—Chess, Monopoly, and Candyland— from second-hand garments.

The inspiration of “It’s Only a Game” is from Alexander McQueen’s 2005 design collection centered around Chess, showing the reality of intense competition in the fashion industry. The name is symbolized through personal stories and game stories coming together knowing that competition is scarce, but it does not have to be taken as seriously. The main goal of the FSO Spring 2025 Goodwill fashion show was to create and show designs and looks strictly related to recognizable card and board games while also having a personal connection. 

After all 40 designed and styled looks were presented, the event continued with giveaway prizes and special awards. Giveaway prizes from vendors of the show included Branded in Kent, FLI (Clayton Flies) and Vignettes by Van (Van Weinmann). 

Branded in Kent is a small business in downtown Kent, specializing in vintage clothing while pushing the boundaries of sustainability in fashion today. Freshman fashion design student Clayton Flies is the founder of FLI, creating custom-made products by using letters from older shirts to sew onto new ones, creating a unique flare. Sophomore fashion design student Van Weinmann is a live fashion illustrator who created Vignettes by Van to showcase his live outfit sketches made in five to six minutes during runway shows, weddings or social gatherings.

The judges included Aimon Ali, Dr. Catherine Leslie and Dr. Laura McAndrews. They determined Designer Runner Up, Designer Best in Show, Stylist Runner Up, Stylist Best in Show and Top Model. Aimon Ali is recognized as a successful fashion entrepreneur, fashion runway show producer, stylist and creative director from Toronto, CA. She is currently making efforts towards the fashion industry in Cleveland, Ohio with her fashion services and events agency, Fashion Talks. Another judge, Dr. Catherine Leslie, is a researcher, writer and professor at the Kent State School of Fashion with a focus in the fashion and textile business and education, publishing several articles and books. Lastly, Dr. Laura McAdrews is an assistant professor of design and product management at the University of Georgia who brings her expertise in the fashion industry to her students while continuing to prioritize design and product development. 

Awards were given to the following recipients: 

• Designer Runner Up: Tanvi Reddy, designing for model Marissa Stewart
•  Designer Best in Show: Zach Krohn, designing for models Grayson Dovola and Lydia Czuba
• Stylist Runner Up: Chloe Brosch, who styled and modeled independently
•  Stylist Best in Show: Maddy Demuzio, who styled and modeled independently
•   Top Model: Julia Franz, modeling for designer Jack Grandfield. 

Congratulations to the FSO executive board and everyone involved in the FSO Spring 2025 Goodwill fashion show to make this a memorable experience! A special shoutout to President Aysha Durrani, senior fashion merchandising student, who has contributed immensely to Fashion Student Organization ever since she joined the executive board as a junior. Fashion Student Organization at Kent State University is the oldest and largest fashion organization on campus open to all majors. This organization offers many opportunities for students, such as making genuine connections, expressing and showing creativity through fashion, two $500 scholarships for members in the club and the option to travel to New York City every year. 

To get involved or keep up with recent news with FSO, you can visit their Instagram @fsokentstate to find more information.

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