The University of Utah’s Fashion in Business (FIB) student organization unites fashion enthusiasts with its motto, “For the love of fashion.” Founded in 2020 within the David Eccles School of Business, FIB initially catered to business students, focusing on fashion’s role in the business world. However, it has since expanded its scope to include students from various majors.
Isabella Nibley, FIB’s community engagement officer and an international relations and economics major, highlights the group’s commitment to fostering collaboration and networking. “Fashion is a form of creative expression and a way to connect with others,” Nibley said. “It holds a lot of symbolism and creates a sense of community.”
Dulce Vargas, the events director and a business major, notes that fashion serves as a universal bonding element. “We all wear clothes, which makes fashion an accessible way to express identity,” Vargas explained. “It brings people together, especially those with a creative side.”
FIB’s diverse events provide valuable professional development opportunities. Vargas mentions that the group’s business school roots inspire innovative ways to support members’ career growth. “We’re always looking for ways to connect the dots and enhance professional development,” she said.
In March 2023, FIB hosted a LinkedIn workshop where participants could take professional headshots for their profiles. Additionally, a November 2022 Adobe Skills Workshop taught students how to use Adobe software for fashion-related content and creative portfolios.
The organization regularly organizes member socials, movie nights, and creative workshops, balancing professional growth with enjoyable activities. “We aim to blend professional development with fun,” Vargas said.
Sustainability is a key focus for FIB. The group promotes eco-friendly fashion choices by encouraging members to explore second-hand clothing and thrifting. They host clothing swap events where students can exchange unwanted garments for new pieces.
FIB’s flagship event is its annual fashion show, which showcases student creativity and brings together the campus community and beyond. Nibley emphasized the importance of the show as a platform for students to display their work. “It’s a great way for students to present their creativity to a large audience,” she said.
The inaugural fashion show took place in January 2023. Due to its success and positive reception, FIB decided to make it a recurring event. The second annual “By U, For You” fashion show occurred in February 2024, in collaboration with the Union Programming Council. This year’s show attracted over 850 attendees, featured ten local designers, 50 models (many of whom are U students), and hosted more than a dozen vendors.
Joining FIB is straightforward. Nibley explained that attending events is all it takes to become a member. There are no mandatory meetings, and event details are shared via their Instagram page. “You don’t need to be involved in business or fashion to join,” Nibley said. “It’s a great way to network and make new friends.”
Vargas added that FIB has helped her build a sense of community on campus. “The beauty of it is finding your network through a shared interest,” she said.
Related topics:
