Fashion | May 28th, 2025

Fashion A&M University?

By: Jermaine Edwards

Florida A&M University students wonder why the university lacks a fashion major, as they advocate for its introduction to better align with their passions and aspirations.  

 With the noticeable absence of a fashion program by students at FAMU, considering the influence FAMU has had on African American fashion and pop culture.  

 There are only 12 HBCUs that offer a variety of fashion programs, such as fashion merchandising, fashion design or textile apparel design management. FAMU students find it disheartening that FAMU doesn’t have a fashion program or more support for fashion creatives outside of modeling troupes and the annual homecoming fashion show. 

  Morgan Moody, a fourth-year business administration student from Grand Rapids, Michigan, believes the university could become a leader in Black fashion innovation if it were to implement a fashion program for students. 

“It’s honestly disappointing that a university with such a rich legacy in culture, excellence and self-expression doesn’t have a dedicated fashion program,” Moody said. “FAMU students are known for their style; we show up and show out, whether it’s at Set Friday or in the classroom. Fashion is a part of our identity, and it feels like a missed opportunity not to have a program that supports that passion academically and professionally.” 

 Moody is a fashion designer who has participated in the 2024 FAMU homecoming fashion show with her brand, Moody Fashion. Students like Moody with fashion brands feel that if FAMU had offered a fashion major or courses, they would have been more knowledgeable about essential skills in developing and maintaining a clothing brand.  

Photo Credits: Ashley Bigbee

“I would’ve loved to grow Moody Fashion with guidance from professors who understand both the business and creative side of the fashion industry,” Moody said.  

  FAMU has produced many alumni who work in the fashion industry or have contributed to the fashion culture. Alumni such as Jerry Lorenzo, founder of Fear of God; Caitlyn Davis, creator of Nike’s FAMU Dunks; Chazriq “Chazam” Clarke, founder of Chazam Fans; Robyn Mowatt, contributing fashion editor for Essence magazine; Aiyana Ishmael, associate editor at Teen Vogue; and Kathryn Lewis, wardrobe stylist and PR professional. 

  Alumni like Kathryn Lewis, who does not have a degree in fashion, believe that a fashion program would be a good start for students, knowing they want to work in the industry.  

  “Introducing a fashion major or minor could help give students a starting point and more structure as they explore their interests,” she said. “One of the biggest hurdles is not knowing how or where to begin. A formal program could provide both foundational knowledge and access to industry-specific tools, which makes a huge difference early on. HBCU students already lead in style and innovation—adding academic support would only elevate what’s already there.” 

 But Lewis says not being enrolled in a fashion program should not deter students who are interested in the industry.  

“Take initiative and treat your passion like a profession,” she said. “The students who create their own lanes early often stand out later. If you stay consistent, humble and hungry to learn, you can build a strong foundation without a formal program—and the results will reflect that.” 

 Moninuolaoluwa Fagbamiye, a fourth-year architecture student from Atlanta, Georgia, is a fashion designer who graduated from a performing arts high school but found it hard to express her fashion creativity.  

  “As a freshman coming from a performing arts high school, it was tough finding where my artistic lane was/ that creative community I was used to,” she said. “This lack of representation pushed me to create my creative community, Bloom.”

Photo Credits: Ashley Bigbee

Bloom is a creative experience runway show featuring fashion, art and music expression. It’s a show that Moni, alongside Damari Massey, has successfully curated with the help of more collegiate creatives, showing how students are taking the lead and finding their creative community to close that gap. 

 FAMU has gained many external fashion opportunities from the 2024 Romwe pop-up and PrettyLittleThing U.S. East Coast pop-up tour. These opportunities are great publicity for the companies, but not long-term, beneficial student work experience.  

Tamia Williams, a rising fourth-year broadcast journalism student from Tampa, Florida, is not only a Class of PLT ambassador but someone who is not naive to the fact that it is harder for students who are into fashion and must work twice as hard.  

 “It’s really just about opening your mouth and advocating for yourself,” Williams said. She believes that students must “build their own network” to help make up for any lack of opportunities.  

 HBCU students, as a whole, have been taking over social media with their culture and style. FAMU alums, like Robyn Mowatt and Aiyana Ishmael, have helped highlight FAMU fashion culture in articles featured on Essence and TeenVogue.  

 Howard University is one of the twelve HBCUs with a fashion program. Madison Star, a fashion designer and music artist, is one of their Fashion Design program graduates. She, alongside her mom, Fashion stylist Misa Hylton, helped produce A Taste of a Rattler Fashion Show in October 2024, allowing FAMU students to assist fashion designers such as Freddie Estelle and Heartrob.  

 Photo Credits: Ashley Bigbee

Morgan Sampson, a rising fourth-year MBA candidate from Waldorf, Maryland, is the founder of the Uproar Modeling Team and Chair for the 2024 Homecoming Fashion Show alongside Melanie Joseph.  

 “Uproar gave an outlet, and I needed somewhere to bring the ideas to fruition.” 

 Merritt Slaughter, a third-year public relations student from Houston, Texas, is a stylist and model for Uproar and has expressed her benefits of being a part of the organization.  

 “From styling a modeling show, creating a working set for a fashion show, or shooting experience with a camera,” Slaughter said. 

 Alongside working those modeling shows with Slaughter was Uproar member Mya Acuff, a rising fourth-year public relations student from Detroit, Michigan.  

 “Anytime I need something creatively,” she explained, “I can turn to this team, this family.”