When people think of Vanderbilt University, fashion likely isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, fashion is quietly thriving on campus as a powerful form of artistic and personal expression. Each year, this creative energy is brought to life through Vanderbilt Fashion Week (VFW)—a vibrant series of events that culminates in a student-led runway show spotlighting original designs and bold individuality.
Now in its fourth year, VFW is directed by junior Sophia Arnold, who is majoring in psychology with a minor in human and organizational development. Arnold highlights how VFW has become a welcoming outlet for students from all academic backgrounds to explore fashion and art in meaningful ways.
“We don’t have an official fashion major here at Vanderbilt, so this is kind of our way to bring fashion to the students,” Arnold shared. “It’s a great place for creative expression.”
This year’s VFW ran from April 6 to April 12, showcasing a dynamic lineup of events rooted in sustainability, culture, and collaboration. The week began with a Sustainability Symposium on April 6, featuring local eco-conscious brands and organizations. The next day, students explored cultural diversity through Threads of Culture, a curated exhibit featuring outfits from a variety of campus cultural groups.
On April 8, the focus shifted to industry insight with a virtual speaker session spotlighting three influential women leaders in sustainable fashion and beauty. Then, on April 11, the campus hosted a pop-up thrift shop, where students could buy and sell second-hand clothes—an effort to encourage fashion reuse and reduce waste.
“VFW does this to [support] the sustainable cycle of reuse in fashion and [at] Vanderbilt,” Arnold explained.
The week concluded with the VFW Fashion Show at the Wond’ry, the innovation center on campus. This event brought together 19 designers and over 50 models, including 15 models from the Tennessee State University Fashion Society, a collaboration that Arnold says helped expand perspectives and foster community between campuses.
“[The TSU collaboration] was really cool for us and a way to bring different people, perspectives, and cultures into Vanderbilt,” Arnold said.
VFW is also deeply committed to inclusivity, especially when it comes to casting models. Arnold emphasized that there are no height, size, or appearance requirements.
“We accept everybody. In terms of who you are, what you look like, that doesn’t matter,” she said. “You can be 4’8, you can be 6’10, you can be any size, any color. All we judge at model auditions are confidence and coachability.”
This inclusive mindset extends to the designers as well. Many student designers focused on sustainable fashion, handmaking their pieces and working with eco-friendly materials and practices. Arnold noted that VFW’s corporate sponsorship team carefully researches designers and brands, factoring in sustainability ratings from trusted resources like Good On You.
“We have seven or so brands this year, all of whom are sustainable,” she added.
The fashion show itself was a vivid celebration of creativity without being confined to a single theme. From statement pieces made of men’s neckties to elegant linen dresses and cozy cashmere sets, the collections reflected each designer’s personal flair while incorporating popular fashion trends like fringe and loungewear.
In many ways, VFW is more than just a showcase—it’s a platform for identity, innovation, and impact. As Vanderbilt continues to explore creative possibilities, fashion remains an unexpected but powerful channel for students to express themselves authentically.
“We value uniqueness, individuality, and we want this to be a space where everyone feels completely free to be themselves,” Arnold said. “Fashion is a beautiful medium in which to do that.”
With its growing influence and continued emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and self-expression, Vanderbilt Fashion Week is steadily making its mark—not only as a stylish campus event but as a meaningful cultural force.
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