Design and Merchandising Magazine

SPRING 2025 Edition | Volume 6

Floral Absurdity Written By Chiara Hamazaki

Spring is in full bloom, and so is our latest issue! Floral Absurdity by Chiara Hamazaki is taking florals to new heights. This round, fresh perspectives flourish, and self-expression knows no limits. This issue is a celebration of bold choices, unexpected pairings, and the beauty of embracing the unconventional. Catch up on all our freshest releases below!

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There's no better time to buckle your belt up and get to line dancing, face your deepest fears, and witness the power of individuality through one vest. Shop the top Y2K brands, explore the rise of soft influencing, and get to know the iconic employees keeping Boyds Philadelphia thriving.

Boyds For Life Written By Kadence McCalla

Boyds For Life

By  Kadence McCalla

 

Step inside Boyds, Philadelphia’s premier luxury department store, and find out how these loyal employees truly encompass the company's slogan, “Boyds For Life.”  

1 Vest, 10 Styles
By Audrey Kingree

 

Come celebrate the individuality and versatility of fashion by seeing how 10 different people style the same vest in their own way.

1 Vest, 10 Styles Written By Audrey Kingree
Thrift like it's 2002: The Top Y2k Brands to Score Secondhand Written By Delaney Gruver

Thrift like it's 2002: The Top Y2k Brands to Score Secondhand

By Delaney Gruver

 

That’s Hot! Want to dress like a y2k icon? Follow along to learn how to thrift the best early 2000s wardrobe!

Kickin’ it Country: My Journey into Line Dancing Written By Molly McCabe

Kickin’ it Country: My Journey into Line Dancing

By Molly McCabe

 

Check out my experience getting into line dancing at the amazing Giddy Up Philly! It's fun, It’s country, and it’s for everybody. So, grab some friends and get ready to boot scoot.

 

When Fear Takes Form Written By Simone Bollinger

When Fear Takes Form

By Simone Bollinger

 

 

 

Ever witnessed your biggest fear right in front of you? Reimagine your fears as they are on display – and maybe they won’t look so scary anymore.

The Death of the Hard Sell and the Rise of the Soft Influence Written By Jared Letwat

The Death of the Hard Sell and the Rise of the Soft Influence

By Jared Letwat

 

From overhyped infomercials to scrollable soft sells, marketing has traded the hard pitch for trust, relatability, and creator-led influence. In an age where authenticity is curated and the line between ad and algorithm blurs, what we buy says more about who we follow than what we need.

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Get some Spring style inspiration, navigate trends through your own wardrobe, and reflect on your personal style with this fashion-focused collection of content. From vintage slumber parties to alternative footwear, these stylish stories will inspire your upcoming fashion adventures.

Pillow Talk Written By Madison Pfaff

Pillow Talk

By Madison Pfaff

 

Inspired by the recent rise in chic sleepwear, step into this dreamy scene of vintage nightgowns and PJ sets, imagining yourself at a sleepover in the late '50s/ early '60s.

The Importance of Personal Style and How to Find Yours

By Sadie Patterson

 

Find out why personal style matters and how to find yours by following Sadie through the years of her personal style journey. 

The Importance of Personal Style and How to Find Yours Written By Sadie Patterson
50 Shades of Green: How Pop Culture is Painting Fashion’s Future  Written By Cindy Lin

Sole Expression: The Power of Shoes in Personal Style 

By Cindy Lin

 

Sky-high boots, platform Mary Janes, or studded stompers — your shoes aren’t just footwear—they’re statements.  Whether you're stepping out in thrifted gems, grunge-inspired boots, or bold sneakers, every step tells your story. 

Navigating Trends with The Closet Compass: A Stylist’s Guide to Personal Interpretation

By Sabrina Morin  

 

Fashion is about making trends your own. This guide breaks down key styles, offering expert tips to blend them seamlessly into your wardrobe while staying true to your individuality. The Closet Compass helps you navigate fashion on your terms—ensuring trends enhance, not define, your style.

Navigating Trends with The Closet Compass: A Stylist’s Guide to Personal Interpretation Written By Sabrina Morin
14 Pieces for 14 Days of Spring Written By Mia Hamilton

14 Pieces for 14 Days of Spring

By Mia Hamilton

 

Need some inspiration this spring? For whatever unpredictable weather this season holds, this lookbook has you covered. From playful patterns to fun denim pieces, satin skirts to the perfect boots, discover 14 must-haves to upgrade your wardrobe! 

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AT DREXEL UNIVERSITY

From the styling of different zodiac signs and interior spaces to surreal floral photography, become inspired with these articles! Dive behind-the-scenes of Philly’s restaurant life, learn more about FIM seniors such as Kyd Kacani, and discover the story of Choi Sulli and the feminist movement. These pieces offer a blend of style, culture, and powerful narratives that will leave you thinking long after you’ve read them

Peaches and Goblins: Choi Sulli and the Feminist movement Written By Izzy DeHayes

Peaches and Goblins: Choi Sulli and the Feminist Movement

By Izzy DeHayes 

 

Choi Sulli challenged the rigid expectations placed on women in South Korea, embracing her individuality despite relentless scrutiny. Her story reflects the broader struggle of feminism in Korea and beyond—a battle against societal constraints, impossible beauty standards, and the silencing of women who speak out. 

Podcast Series: Pop & Purpose Episode #2 – Guest FIM Senior, Kyd Kacani Written By Hannah Adele Brong

Podcast Series: Pop & Purpose Episode #2 – Guest FIM Senior, Kyd Kacani

By Hannah Adele Brong

 

Welcome back to the Pop & Purpose Podcast, Design & Merchandising Magazine’s newest podcast series! Tune in for more about the Fashion Industry & Merchandising program and Drexel University. Episode 2 IS... OUT NOW! Hannah is back and talking up a storm with one of FIM’s current seniors and previous editor-in-chief, Kyd Kacani! Listen up as they pop off about everything: fashion, senior thesis, CO-OP, failing, and Crocs.

Blood, Sweat, and Extra Ketchup: The Diary of a Restaurant Worker Written By Joy Weinsoff

Blood, Sweat, and Extra Ketchup: The Diary of a Restaurant Worker

 

By Joy Weinsoff

 

Cascading plates, flickering candlelight, and irreverent flavors—but look behind the swinging aluminum doors, and you’ll see an entirely different reality. As a former worker in some of Philadelphia’s most sought-after restaurants, I’m revealing the industry's good, bad, and downright brutal truths.. 

Zodiac Threads Written By Jenna French

Zodiac Threads

 

 

 

By Jenna French

 

Get an inside look at how your zodiac sign influences your fashion. Four signs and their personal style, from Eclectic and bold to playful and dreamy- discover how unique traits come to life through clothing and accessories, reflecting their cosmic energy in every outfit. Is your one of them?

Small Space, Big Style: Transforming Your Apartment Interior Written By Claire Smith

Small Space, Big Style: Transforming Your Apartment Interior

 

By Claire Smith

 

Transform your home into a chic, cohesive, and personified retreat. A well-designed space should feel stylish and authentically yours, whether through bold artwork, texture, or subtle details. Explore these four expertly curated design categories and how you can use them to elevate and design a welcoming space.

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