This year, Pascack Valley High School has a new club: the Fashion Club, which aims to introduce the fashion industry to students and create a community through fashion.
The club is run by advisor Annette Molino— who teaches Interior Design, Fashion Design, and Culinary at PV— and Mia Kantowitz, a senior at PV, the club’s creator.
“In general, [I] really like fashion; I’m hoping to major in this kind of field,” Kantowitz expressed. “I think that’s kind of what inspired me.”
The Fashion Club is a national club, affiliated with Arizona State University’s fashion department, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM). As an added bonus, members can receive scholarships through this club, as it is sponsored by FIDM.
The Fashion Club wants to highlight its diversity and show that there’s something in it for everyone to discover and pursue.
Molino explained that she is trying to ensure the members will see a bit of everything that fashion has to offer.
“The purpose is to introduce different aspects of the fashion industry so people know what’s out there,” Molino conveyed. “[I am hoping to bring] awareness [to the fact] that we live so close to the fashion district. There [are] so many options for career choices in fashion.”
The club is more project-based than event-based. Students can expect to do upcycling projects, sewing projects, jewelry making, and activities that encourage group bonding.
Students who are not in this club are also able to get involved: by modeling in the school fashion show, for example.
“We [have] models from time to time, so I’m hoping to find ways to incorporate people from the school who aren’t a part of the club,” Kantowitz said.
Kantowitz is also hoping to familiarize the school with one of the most pivotal events of the club: The Valley Runway. This event is the school fashion show that will take place in the spring.
“There’s a fashion show, it’s been here for a long time, but…it’s not publicized [enough], so I’m hoping we can change that with this club and make it a bigger event,” the club’s creator explained.
Molino also revealed that one of the best parts of the club is the students being able to share different designs with each other.
“There’s always such great ideas from students,” Molino stated.
Kantowitz is excited to see how far this club will go: “I was hoping to kind of create a community in fashion and just let people create and see what happens,” she explained.
Molino discussed the flexibility of the club.
“There are different meeting times,” said Molino. “Not just in the morning or at lunch, but after school. So whatever fits into someone’s schedule to make them come [is possible].”
Kantowitz hopes to broaden the school community by creating a club that appeals to many.
“I’m hoping to create a difference in the school community in general,” Kantowitz conveyed. “I’m hoping we have a lasting impact.”
