I have always been impressed with anyone who is a serious college student making their studies a top priority. Likewise, I am impressed when that studious student also spends his/her free time creating an organization to help those in need, while still having fun and learning about fashion. This is precisely why I interviewed Southern Illinois University student, Kyla Williams, to learn more about her fashion studies and her awesome organization Styling for a Cause.
Name: Kyla Williams
Role: Fashion Merchandizing major, Founder of Styling for a Cause
CollegeFashionsita: Why did you decide to study fashion in college?
Kyla Williams: Fashion has always been a passion of mine since I was little. I wanted to be a model for a while but decided against it. I then decided to study the industry more by attending college. I was also inspired to study fashion in an academic setting from bloggers, celebrities and reading magazines.
CF: What has been your involvement in your club Styling for a Cause?
KW: I started my own club here at Southern Illinois University and called it Styling for a Cause; it is a fashion organization and resource in addition to being involved in community service. It started out with me and this other girl in the fashion department, and we felt the need to have an organization for fashion that allows us to help the community, build our portfolios and basically make a difference. We did a lot of charitable works like feeding the homeless and making Valentine’s Day baskets for the elderly. By building our portfolios, we participated in St. Louis’ fashion week.
CF: What fashion icon has been a huge inspiration toward your fashion tastes, and what are some of your favorite places to shop?
KW: I would have to say Victoria Beckman as she mixes with my style; she is like a representation of me. She has a very clean cut, basic and casual, business type look. I like the way she carries herself even with a simple T-shirt; she makes it look like a million bucks. I like to shop at Urban Outfitters; I love the shoes, as they are so unique. I also enjoy shopping at Topshop, Zara and H&M.
CF: What are your aspirations after graduation. Do you plan to work in the fashion industry?
KW: I want to attend graduate school this fall at Philadelphia University. I am going to study Global Fashion Enterprise. My main goal is to be a fashion editor for a magazine; I would love to work for Teen Vogue. Although, there are so many different fields in this industry, so I am going to keep my options open.
Learn More: Help make the world a better place by joining your local organization. For more info about the group Styling for a Cause check out their Facebook page, and like it.
