Post Classifieds
FSA on the hunt for newest male and female 'Trendsetters'
By Samantha Wulff
On March 20, 2013
Trendsetting comes in many forms. A unique sense of fashion and the ability to style
others are usually good indicators of a true trendsetter. This isn't easy - certain people are
more adept at looking ahead of the fashion curve than the general public, going beyond
the basic jeans-and-sweater look common on college campuses.
This ability to create a new, unique look is what the Fashion Students' Association is
focusing on with its latest competition, "Mr. and Ms. Trendsetter," on April 2 at 8:00
p.m. in the social hall.
Fashion magazines and websites are abundant with the latest trends. It would seem that
nearly anyone could be a trendsetter if they replicated runway styles. However, this is
not the case. Trendsetting requires the ability to alter a fashion and make it original.
"True trendsetters know what looks good on other people," said FSA president
Fatoumatou Binta Barry.
In 2011, Barry volunteered to be styled for round four of "Trendsetter". She still
remembers one particularly creative contestant making a bowtie out of a garbage bag in
round three. Moments like this resonate with FSA because they go beyond garments and
focus on individual talent.
"We're not a materialistic org," said vice president Brittney Singletary. "We're more than
just fabric."
Singletary also had a bit of advice for those wishing to make their mark.
"Don't let the clothing wear you. Wear the clothing," she said.
The "Trendsetter" competition has been an annual event for as long as Barry can
remember. This year's event will be a reintroduction, as it was cancelled last year due to
a failure to secure a space.
"Trendsetter" will be split into five rounds. The first will allow students to introduce
themselves and talk a little bit about who they are. The second focuses on celebrity
inspiration and how influential people have impacted personal styles. The third is
a challenge round, where contestants are presented with "odd" materials to create
something fashionable. The fourth requires contestants to style someone else. The final
round is where upcoming trends are predicted.
During each of these rounds, judges will score participants on a rubric, in which the
categories are personal style, presentation and how well choices are supported. After
collaboration, Mr. and Ms. Trendsetter will be crowned. Winners will not only walk
away with a crown and a sense of accomplishment, but with applicable experience.
Those who identify as being trendsetters work well in creative careers. An article by Lisa
Manterfield, A Yahoo! Education writer, lists career matches for trendsetters, including
marketing managers, chefs and foreign correspondents. Trendsetting may seem like a
term with narrow application, but it translates into many facets.
Public speaking comes into play throughout the competition; the contestants will have to
speak and perform in front of a crowd. Also, the title "Mr./Ms. Trendsetter" will stand
out on a resume.
The concept of trendsetting also goes beyond the world of fashion. According to the
Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word "trendsetter" is synonymous with "leader".
Future employers could view the title as an indicator of leadership, or innovation. Barry
says a true trendsetter is able to inspire others.
FSA is still looking for female contestants for the competition. Of those who have
enrolled, about two thirds are male. The informational sessions have passed, but anybody
interested in competing is urged to contact a member through Bengal Connect.
FSA has been advertising for "Trendsetter" on its Bengal Connect page since Feb. 7, but
is planning to increase its media presence. Flyers will soon feature contestants so that the
student population can become acquainted with their trendsetting peers.
The event will cost $1 for students and $3 for non-students to attend.
Samantha Wulff can be reached by email at wulff.record@live.com.
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
Recent The Record News Articles
'Injustice' is a fighting delight
In the spring of 2011, the award-winning NetherRealm Game Studios established itself as a heavyweight in the fighting genre of the ...
NASO engages college community in cultural comeback
The Native American Student Organization explored oral history, cultural identity and other topics in a speaker series entitled ...
THE RECORD TURNS 100: Animal Kingdom - April 8, 1970
In celebration of 100 years of service to Buffalo State, The Record will re-print one former article in each of its 10 issues this ...
Discuss This Article
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST THE RECORD NEWS
- We've Moved to www.buffstaterecord.com!
- Obama divulges new higher education initiative during visit to UB
- Ailing Podolefsky steps down as president
- SUNY appoints Cohen interim president
- President Podolefsky announces leave to fight cancer
- Rappers put Pepsi in a bind
- Congrats to grads: take next step with gratitude
RECENT THE RECORD CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- A Story To Sing About
- The Gap in Gum Care: Why Caring For Your Teeth’s F...
- Top Tips for Signature Scents and Better-Smelling Laundry
- A Dog Trainer’s Top Tips to Support Pets Through Life S...
- Clear the Air of Indoor Pollutants This Spring
- Stroke & Dementia in Black Men: Tips for Staying Healthy...
- Hispanics and African Americans at Higher Risk for Eye...
- African Americans at Higher Risk for Eye Disease
- Infinity Kings: Final Book In A Favorite Fantasy Series
- What You Need To Know About Keratoconus and the iLink...
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- No Child is Forgotten By Marine Toys for Tots
- Sweeten Your Springtime Salads With Healthy Chilean Grapes
- Young Author Translates 4,000-Year-Old Text to Reveal...
- Keeping Cool and Energy-efficient Amid America’s “...
- Addressing Sarcopenia with a Healthy Diet
- Subway’s New Wraps Elevate Eating on the Go
- Family Teacher Conference Topics Beyond Academics
- Youth Take Down Tobacco
- BookTrib’s Bites: Four Reads to Kickoff Spring
- Curbing Colorectal Cancer in Minority Populations
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- Semiconductor Research Corp unveils 2024 Research Call, $13.8M Funding
- Charles River Associates Opens Second Scholarship Cycle, Expands to the UK
- BLUMHOUSE AND AMC THEATRES LAUNCH FIRST-EVER HALFWAY TO HALLOWEEN FILM FESTIVAL
- THE GEN Z IMPERATIVE: LISTEN TO FEELINGS AND GIVE GEN Z A VOICE
