Marist University’s Second-Ever Fashion Fest

Vendors during the Fashion Fest on the Marist green. Photo by Ava Battinelli '26.

The fashion program at Marist University provides a diverse range of opportunities for involvement in various sectors. While successful on their own, when the four organizations come together, they can create something amazing. 

On April 23, Marist’s MPorium, Silver Needle Runway, Ethical Fashion Initiative and Measure Magazine collaborated to host their second annual Fashion Fest. This event allowed each organization to showcase their work, sell products to students and establish a positive presence on campus.

“We each focused on different areas,” explained SNR’s Student Branding Logistics Director, Lena Tsourides '25. “SNR focused on getting all of the clubs to the event and a lot of the behind-the-scenes logistics, whereas [Measure Mag, EFI and MPorium] focused on getting all the vendors here. We all worked together to make the event possible.”

The event, held on a warm, sunny day, featured various vendors stationed around the perimeter of the green, allowing students to walk around and visit different tables while interacting with one another. 

Jacky Downey ‘26, a student visiting the event, said, “I love fashion, but I also really enjoyed the sustainable side of it. I appreciate that Marist hosts events like this, especially since our fashion program is so amazing.”

Although similar to last year’s event, this year’s offered one stark difference: the involvement of EFI, Marist’s club dedicated to educating others on ethical and sustainable fashion practices.

EFI’s table featured a poster, offering tips on achieving sustainability and highlighting it as a key future focus, as well as a popcorn maker, with free popcorn offered to students. 

“I'm only a sophomore, so having the next two years to continue doing Fashion Fest, I'm beyond excited for,” said EFI President Malena Russo ‘27. “Although we're a club, I hope that one day people will choose Marist because of what [EFI] is doing here. I was so honored to be a part of the organization's planning; it was so much work, but it was so fun.”

Planning for this event began in January, when the four organizations started reaching out to vendors and started collaborating to make this day possible. 

“There were a few minor hiccups on the day of, mainly with setting everything up on the campus green, but other than that, everything ran smoothly,” noted Diana Finchi ‘25, MPorium’s eventing and community outreach student director. “I had a great team and a great group of girls to work with, so it’s definitely a super successful day so far.”

The tables scattered around the green offered interactive initiatives, ranging from complimentary haircuts to caricature artists, and everything in between. A new addition this year, the caricature artists, offered students quick, on-the-spot drawings for only a dollar, whether solo or in a group. The three artists, each showcasing a distinct style, became one of the busiest tables, working tirelessly throughout the event.

“We don't do caricatures a lot, so this is a totally new experience,” said studio art major Jenna Carado ‘25. “Drawing on the fly in front of people is kind of intimidating, but people have been really friendly. We're definitely putting our hearts into this, trying to create things people like. It's been a really awesome, cool day so far.”

In addition to the new developments, Fashion Fest also featured students' favorite vendors, such as Rags. Located at Crossgates Mall in Albany, Rags offered a unique selection of vintage items and current trends.

“[Russo] reached out to us cause we've been doing events with them,” said Rags Owner Luis Ramirez. “Of course, there's always a great turnout, so we always come. I'm happy, it's nice outside, there are good sales and people are nice. It's a great environment.”

The great weather and positive atmosphere also fostered the perfect opportunity for refreshing lemonade and a great cause. As the social media intern this summer, Rebecca Brown ‘26 hosted an Alex's Lemonade Stand, where all proceeds would go to pediatric cancer research. 

“I’m so happy with the turnout,” said Finchi. “This has been so exciting to see everybody come to campus and come to the green and come together and enjoy it.”