Alice Dehghanzadeh
Senior Staff Writer
The Fashion Club at UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) serves as an outlet for students in the community to collaborate in expressing themselves through their clothing and accessories. Open to all UCSB students regardless of background, experience, or identity, the club provides a safe and welcoming space for creatives. It hosts events such as informational meetings, markets throughout Isla Vista with student vendors, and its trademark event on campus: an annual student-led runway show.
The Bottom Line (TBL) had the opportunity to speak with Ashley Cayne, a senior at UCSB and president of the Fashion Club, to learn more about the mission and activities of this organization.
Founded in 2020, the Fashion Club transitioned from Zoom meetings to in-person events, such as a “Dress to Impress”-themed event, sponsored by Poshmark, where members were given materials to sketch outfits they were roleplaying with in the popular Roblox game. Occasions such as these act as a creative outlet for members who wish to express themselves. It has grown into an extremely popular club, amassing over 4,000 followers on its Instagram page. Cayne shares that there’s a “preconceived notion that it’s super exclusive,” when, in reality, the club is open to all grades and majors, and the executive board “urges people who have no background [in fashion] to meet people and connect with them.”
Cayne got involved with the Fashion Club in her sophomore year, starting on the Events Team. Now, as president, she wishes to organize events that are “larger than [her], creating a legacy of connecting with people.” She also told TBL how rewarding and satisfying it is to arrange and assemble events that encourage members to return and actively participate in future gatherings.
When asked about specific on-campus trends, Cayne highlighted the diversity at UCSB: “This school has a lot of different types of people… Being at a beach school encompasses a beachy vibe, but there’s a lot of east coast [articles of clothing]… People like the chunky shoes, layering, and big fur coats,” but there are also Californian classics like “swimwear and athletic wear.” It is clear that the trend cycle is shifting rapidly, and the Fashion Club is a place to delve into that.
Fashion Club also acknowledges the undeniable fact that the fashion industry holds its fair share of flaws. Cayne shared that part of addressing the problem is “actually challenging and confronting systemic issues,” like the wasting of materials and the unsustainable means of production. The Fashion Club promotes sustainability through an emphasis on reworking events where members take clothes they already own and repurpose them. They also foster discussions about how young people can shape a more sustainable future through mindful consumption and advocating for more ethical standards.
When asked about what message she hopes students will take away from this club, Cayne said that she wants students “to feel welcomed, to feel proud of their means of expression, and feel like no matter how different it may be, it’s embraced.” This theme of empowerment is strung throughout the club’s goals and leaves members with newfound confidence. Cayne also informed us that she “truly found a home” within the club, and that she has even met her roommates and lifelong friends that she’s traveled the world with. Even cabinet members from years ago are still in touch. This club has truly “brought [her] out of [her] shell.”
Future endeavors include a fashion magazine titled “Moi,” which is in its preliminary stages, and hopefully launching in spring quarter. According to Cayne, the magazine is set to include photoshoots and personal pieces, and act as a “less intimidating space for people where there’s no guidelines or restrictions as to where they can dip their toes in the water.”
As for how to get involved, Cayne strongly recommends following the club’s Instagram page, @ucsbfashionclub, to stay informed about meetings and events.