Western Michigan University students Genesis Fernandez and Ainsley Rahm won an all-expenses-paid trip to New York Fashion Week (NYFW) through the Bronco Spirit in Motion Competition. This exclusive opportunity provides a unique educational experience, offering a glimpse into the high-fashion world with access to exclusive runway shows, insightful panel discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities with industry leaders.
The competition, launched in 2022, challenges students interested in fashion careers to showcase their skills and creativity. This year, participants were tasked with creating a visual design, product design, or marketing project that embodied the spirit of the Bronco through fashion and design.
A committee of faculty and staff judged the projects based on various criteria, including concept, creativity, presentation quality, relevance to the Bronco theme, and market consideration. Fernandez, a fashion design and development student, conceptualized Bronco Boots, a line of cowboy boots designed for Western fans. The boot designs incorporated star-studded W’s and the distinctive gold and brown stripe of the popular overalls sold in the university bookstore.
Rahm, a supply chain management student, developed a comprehensive marketing campaign for a student-designed T-shirt. Her campaign included market research, student polls on shirt preferences, and a promotional plan incorporating social media, pop-up events, and discounts at athletic events for students wearing the shirt.
The judges were impressed by the diverse range of ideas, from AI-powered design programs to upcycled newspaper garments. Fernandez’s boot designs were praised for their complementary approach to existing spirit wear, while Rahm’s marketing campaign was recognized for its understanding of the target market and sustainable approach.
Several other students also presented impressive concepts. One student created a Western-style jacket from scratch, complete with fringe, rhinestones, and embroidery. Another student proposed an AI program that would allow students to design personalized spirit wear reflecting both the WMU brand and individual style.
This unique opportunity to attend NYFW allows Fernandez and Rahm to immerse themselves in the fashion industry, network with professionals, and gain firsthand experience of Exclusive Fashion Shows. They plan to connect with last year’s winner for advice on maximizing their NYFW experience. Both students expressed excitement about this dream-come-true opportunity to learn from industry leaders and explore potential career paths in the fashion world.
