Boxed safely away from 60 mph winds and near-zero temperatures, Jasmine Cheung and Patricia Hwang sit across from me at a small, coffee-topped booth in Au Bon Pain on College Ave. The duo doesn't disappoint; our coffee date takes place at two in the afternoon (that free hour wedged in a thick run of weekday classes), yet Jasmine pulls off both 'comfortable' and 'neat,' decked out in hardware-crusted boots and a sheer green blouse. To her right, I admire Patricia's chunky knit-wrapped layers—made all the more chill with a Delevingne-esque flicked eye.
A few minutes in and already it's not hard to understand that friendship comes before business for the two co-founders of Rutgers' newest student organization: Fashion Organization for Retail and Marketing (FORM). They're quick to build off of each other's responses throughout the interview, bouncing playful comments off one another in the casual habit of longtime friends. The dialogue is natural and unpracticed, making my job of getting to know them so much easier. As second-semester sophomores in the Class of 2017, Jasmine and Patricia trace their history back to roommate search days during the summer before freshman year, the year in which the pair first encountered a demand for a business-centered fashion club at Rutgers. They recount to me their bewilderment, at the time, of being unable to find a fashion club on campus that catered to students who were interested in the business aspect of the industry.
“We didn't have any business opportunities or fashion classes on campus, which is really surprising since there are so many students at Rutgers and I feel like everyone is definitely interested in fashion at some level," Jasmine tells me as Patricia nods in agreement. “So we wanted to start a club that focuses on fashion and business since it's a career path that more people are gaining interest in."
The ladies are right. It's in the student body's best interest to explore all possible opportunities for involvement during its four short years—especially when virtually any vision or interest can be realized at a university of this size. Rutgers already has a fashion interest organization, as well as one that focuses on fashion print media and journalism. Their idea to pinpoint the business facets of an industry already popular among college students was gold (that much was obvious), but seaming together the smaller details and fleshing out a raw passion into a comprehensive organizational plan would pose more of a challenge.
FORM had its first meeting at the Busch Campus Center on the evening of February 12th. The executive board introduced themselves, proposed ideas, opened the floor to suggestions, and imparted their organizational mission onto those who attended—all this, while securing a relaxed, friendly vibe within the meeting. Since then, the club has hosted exclusive meetings featuring guest speakers with first-hand experience in the fashion or marketing world. For those who missed out but want the scoop on Rutgers' coolest new organization, I got the chance to ask these ladies firsthand about FORM, about their path to establishing a new student club, and about their personal style aesthetics. Meet them for yourselves through our exclusive interview!
The Odyssey: Tell us about your inspiration to start FORM.
Patricia: I guess it just stemmed from our own interests because in freshman year we're both new business students trying to figure out what we want to do career-wise as well as trying to use what we're learning in classes. Throughout our freshman year, we both found we really love fashion and part of the reason why we chose business was because we wanted to work in that business-side of fashion. But when we came here and when we went to a career fair, we tended to find that the companies at these events were largely in finance or accounting, and even if there were marketing and supply chain companies, they lacked fashion companies that we'd want to work for but don't have the connections to.
Jasmine: Definitely. I would just add that since Rutgers doesn't have those specific opportunities, like we don't have any fashion courses or majors, we really needed a club that could bring in connections to this industry that so many people are interested in working in.
O: So how was the process of creating the organization from scratch (there are no other chapters or parent organization), including the nitty-gritty of forms and approval processes?
J: I basically started by contacting people—I think like last spring or summer. And we officially met this past summer to plan out our constitution. It actually wasn't that much work to go through, just some paperwork and contacting advisors. I found out, actually, it's almost easy to just start a club. You'll need a few members, but you really just have to differentiate yourself as an organization on campus. So I'd say it is easy paperwork-wise, but afterwards sustaining the club and recruiting people, that's the hard part.
O: In terms of getting the right people: Who are the members on the executive team and what qualities were considered when bringing them on board?
P: We thought about what other positions we would need the most. We obviously needed a treasurer, and that was important because we didn't know exactly how to handle the money and or what needs to be done for a club. Treasurers have a big responsibility using the SABO account, so we definitely needed someone for that. And we also wanted a person to help with PR and marketing. That's a big aspect because it helps to have more connections and just someone to spread the word on campus.
J: The people we ended up picking were very qualified for those positions. Our treasurer is the treasurer for another organization and understands the responsibilities. And then we met our PR and Marketing Director through TREND Magazine. She was someone who also wanted to get more involved in fashion industry things, but wanted to see more than just the editorial side. Back then, she really had the same vision with us for a fashion business organization, which is why we invited her to the team.
Our Treasurer is Tenzin Tsepel and PR/Marketing Director is Sascha Fernandez.
O: So in regards to the club, what would you say a potential member could generally expect from joining FORM?
P: I guess if you're looking to intertwine to creative side of the fashion industry with the corporate, business style environment, then you could bring those two together at this organization. You could learn more, but at the same time really explore your interests, whether it's looking at different parts of the fashion industry or learning about the specific jobs you could have. I think it just opens doors and eyes for how much potential this industry has.
O: What kinds of events or activities are in store for FORM members during the semester?
P: We invited a few speakers like, for example, Kru & Krahn's owner. It's the thrift store here in New Brunswick.
J: I was the Fashion Marketing Intern for it last semester, so I was able to build that connection there. I always told [the owner] that I was starting a fashion club in the spring semester and she was excited about partnering with us. So when this opportunity came up, I just invited her to speak at one of our meetings.
P: We're also bringing in a marketing professor to talk, Professor Pollack. He's our advisor and he teaches more upper level classes mainly over in Newark. And we also have the Fashion Fair, which is like our main, biggest event.
O: From what I know so far, the “Fashion Fair" seems like a really cool idea. What exactly is it and where will it be hosted?
J: Basically it's the main event for our semester, and we really wanted a huge kick-off event for our first time on campus. We definitely think that this is something that would draw a lot of students in. It's a career fair, so that kind of models the business aspect of our club and then only bringing in fashion employers really focuses on the fashion interest. It'll really be about providing opportunities for students interested in fashion all in one place, where they can get more information and easy access to these different companies in fashion, beauty, and accessories. And we are making the event kind of casual, so instead of having everyone coming in strict business attire, it'll mostly be about talking to recruiters and meeting people to practice for fall recruitment.
P: It's just in the Multipurpose Room [of the Rutgers Student Center], so you could just walk in. It'll be open to the public. We aren't sure yet about the dress code, but we are deciding that right now.
J: We just wouldn't want people to come in like sweatpants… {laughs}
O: Are there any membership eligibility conditions or major requirements for joining FORM?
J: There are no requirements to join. For members, we originally said like 4-5 meetings per semester, but in our first semester we don't really want to focus on requirements. We just want to really build the foundation for the club.
O: What is the chief goal you hope that FORM can accomplish in its near future? And in what direction do you hope that FORM develops towards as a club at Rutgers?
P: So actually, at Wharton, there's actually a fashion retail club and it's pretty established. They go to conferences and all of their alumni or graduated members will share about their internship experiences or blog it. I want FORM to be this like hub of people to share their experiences, whether it's supply chain or marketing or finance for any fashion company, I want people to come and share their stories. I feel like there's so much in the business aspect of the fashion industry that isn't shown that much in media or social networking. Most of the time, it's just that creative or designing side, but there's also a lot of potential on the business side too! I want FORM to like, ring a bell in people's minds when it comes to business and fashion.
J: Obviously, like way down the line, I want it to be a very big club with a lot of members and, as years go by, alumni who come back to help out and be an alumni network. The fashion industry is competitive and cutthroat as it is, it'd be nice to get some help especially for Rutgers, which doesn't have any fashion programs. I mean, NYU and Colombia are already in the city and have that close access to jobs in the fashion industry; we want to create that opportunity for Rutgers and get it on the same level as those schools.
O: Which areas of the fashion industry are you two ladies in particular aspiring to work in?
P: Lately, I've been interested in Buying, whether it's at a big department store like Barney's or a cool place like Opening Ceremony. Opening Ceremony has its own line but also features other designers—I think it would be interesting to work for a bigger name and also help pick out cool, new emerging lines or put together designs in a showroom. I think that's what I want to do.
J: I think the same thing for me. A lot of people studying supply chain and interested in fashion want like the buying or merchandising jobs. Those are the jobs that really incorporate both aspects the most. You get to pick out the actual clothes for the next season, but also forecast and analyze data. It's kind of like the perfect mix of both, whereas other business jobs might be less creative. In Planning or Budgeting, you might never get to touch the clothing, but with Buying you get to really interact with that medium.
O: So what is like, the dream company?
P: So I definitely like Opening Ceremony, but Alexander Wang is one of my favorite designer labels. Those two are my favorite styles currently, and it's nice to work for something you actually enjoy.
J: I love Saks. My friend worked there and he got me very interested. From what I hear, it sounds like something I would really love to do. And the cool thing is they can like, move you around and you can get different experiences doing different jobs.
O: Who are your favorite style icons?
P: These days I've been into random bloggers. I think Jenn Im is just like, everyone's true love. {laughs}
J: I like admire people, but I never actually wear the stuff. For instance, I like Emma Watson because she is very classy. And definitely back in the day when I watched Gossip Girl, I think I watched it for the clothes.
O: A twist: who are your favorite business icons?
P: Mine is Sophia Amoruso, the CEO of Nasty Gal. I read her book and definitely felt it was an easy read that motivates you to some extent. I think it's just her character though, that like 'bad ass girl' concept, just doing what she wants to do. And of course it's really weird to see that she was picking up bagels from the trash can and now she's like, filthy rich.
J: I would say the CEO of PVH Corp.—his name is Emanuel Chirico and he's really interesting. He worked his way up at the executive level until he was finally CEO. He was the one who oversaw the acquisition of Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and basically the entire company right now. I think he's definitely very powerful and very successful, while he also gives back. That's always admirable: companies that do social responsibility. He serves on multiple advisory boards for fashion-related companies, which is really cool.
O: Describe your personal style aesthetic in three words.
P: Feminine, masculine, balance.
J: I can't! {laughing} Um, this is such an ugly word, but I want to say 'buffet'. Just a little bit of everything! Oh man, this sounds really bad. What's a better word for 'mix'?
P: 'Eclectic'?
J: Yeah, someone just pick out my words for me, I like everything. I don't know how to explain my style, I can be really girly one day and then I can really like leather and studs or something the next. Or I might mix those too.
P: Bit. Of. Everything?
J: Yes, I like to think that. 'Juxtaposition'! That's a word. {laughs}
O: What is your top wishlist item right now?
P: I really want the Nike Air Force 1—not the high tops, and in white. It's just really chunky and simple. I think it'd look good with boyfriend jeans.
J: I want to find a trench coat or a raincoat in a pastel color for the spring. I've also been into watches lately. I'd love to get a rose gold one sometime soon and start building a collection.
O: Best fashion advice you've ever gotten?
J: My fashion teacher from high school, for a sewing class: 'Less is more.' I think she meant in regards to makeup, but later on it meant in regards to modesty and not being too revealing. I really liked that, I don't know how else to word it. Just keeping it classy, I guess. Being a lady.
P: I know that, starting from middle school, I liked pairing really weird things together and that just became fun. Growing up, my mom used to be a designer and she'd always make things out of scraps of fabric because she's good at sewing. So basically: Anything can look good if you just put it together and wear it like you really want to.
O: What is one thing that you've taken away personally from your journey to creating FORM?
P: I guess there's a lot of importance in creating relationships with people. Sure, it's easy to start a club, but it takes more to bring people together and get loyal members. I think everything has a smaller start so we just have to find a way to keep growing and branching out.
J: In terms of takeaways, I guess I learned the importance of passion for what you're doing. Obviously we have this passion for the fashion industry. And in some other clubs, I may not have total passion for what I'm doing, but it makes a big difference for the work that I could be putting in. Passion is definitely really important for whatever you're doing in life. That would be my biggest lesson.
During one of our tangents, Jasmine jokes about the ridiculous price tag of living in the city and Patricia laughs easily in agreement to her friend-and-e-board-colleague's rant. It's then I catch on: for leaders of a student organization, these girls are incredibly chill and genuine. There's a general trace of warmth in the air around us, and it's not coming from the drip brewers. Jasmine and Patricia exude nothing but good vibes and positive attitudes as individuals taking time out of their day to share their experience, which leads me to believe in their vision for a network of members who will eagerly impart career wisdom to others.
Armed with sharp, goal-oriented worldviews and personal passions, the two have created the perfect cocktail for tremendous success and growth for FORM at Rutgers. Even now, with events like guest speakers and the Fashion Fair underway, you can tell that they've secured a steady hand on what they set out to do for the Rutgers student body. I called it first: there's a Nasty Gal-comparable success story brewing for these ladies, and whatever is fueling it—passion, personality, or taste—it's working.
I have high hopes for the club and can tell it's only a matter of time until FORM becomes a campus-wide name and immutable presence among Rutgers' emerging fashion world moguls!
If you want to jump in on this momentum, like them, tweet them, follow them, and keep an eye out for FORM Bake Sales in the Livingston Student Center this April to get in on the trend of FORM!
If you have any other questions about the organization, shoot them an email at form.ru@gmail.com.
