Design and Merchandising Magazine

FALL 2024 Edition | Volume 3

Denim Postcard by Claire Smith

This past fall, the team behind D&M Magazine published an excitingly diverse collection of articles that intimately explore Westphal students' love lives, closets, and academic journeys, along with insider guides to popular culture & media as we know it. Covering political controversies and TikTok stars to Drexel fraternities and the lure of vintage denim (see above, Denim Postcard by Claire Smith), we're building the excitement for your New Year with every new release. 

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Step into the spotlight of Addison Rae’s journey from influencer to pop icon, find your new favorite horror film, and explore the style and sophistication of Delta Eta’s frat culture with this diverse mix of content.

Westphal Wardrobes

Westphal Wardrobes

By Mia Hamilton

 

What does your closet say about you? Enter the colorful closets of Westphal students, filled with everything from Care Bear backpacks to Bratz dolls to leopard print clutches. Portraits of students alongside their closets invite you to dive into the heart of their personal style, reflecting individuality and passions. Discover the inspirations and origins shaping their fashion choices, and maybe even redefine your own fashion narrative. 

Achievement Never Looked So Good
By David Garcia Patiño

 

Sharp suits, outstanding Community service, and polished professionalism—the brothers of Delta Eta redefine what it means to lead with style. Known as Drexel’s “Pretty Boys,” they use fashion as a language, blending sophistication with service to uplift their community. From handing out roses on Pretty Wednesday to hosting financial literacy workshops, their coordinated looks aren’t just for show; they represent tradition, resilience, and a commitment to Black excellence. At the intersection of legacy and modernity, Delta Eta proves that achievement never goes out of style.

Achievement Never Looked So Good
The Future of Fashion Education by Hannah Adele Brong

The Future of Fashion Education
by Hannah Adele Brong

 

Drexel University has rebranded its well respected and renowned Design & Merchandising major, sparking curiosity and speculation among students about what this shift could mean for their careers. This strategic transformation hints at a deeper alignment with the ever-evolving fashion landscape, emphasizing innovation and sustainability in a bid to shape future industry leaders.

From TikTok Dancer to Pop Star:
How Addison Rae Won Me Over 

By Jared Letwat

 

Addison Rae’s transformation from viral TikTok sensation to polished pop icon is nothing short of extraordinary. What makes her stand out? Her seamless ability to fuse nostalgic Y2K aesthetics with a modern edge, paired with introspective lyrics and cinematic visuals. With tracks like Diet Pepsi and Aquamarine, Rae’s evolution proves she’s more than an influencer experimenting with music—she’s a visionary artist redefining pop stardom for a new generation. 

From TikTok Dancer to Pop Star: How Addison Rae Won Me Over By Jared Letwat
The Beginner’s Guide to Horror Movies By Sadie Patterson

The Beginner’s Guide to Horror Movies 

By Sadie Patterson

 

 

From blood-splattering to mind-bending, Sadie covers it all in her guide to horror movies. Whether you’re diving into horror for the first time or looking to expand your watchlist, this guide breaks down the essentials to help you find your perfect horror niche. 

 

Different Direction — Political Fashion of Today By Joy Weinsoff

Different Direction — Political Fashion of Today

By Joy Weinsoff

 

 

Politics are — ironically — in fashion. From suffragette sashes to 1960s tie-dyes to today’s genderfluid looks, clothing reflects society’s fight for freedom, individualism, and justice throughout the eras. Discover how your garments are not simply clothing but a means for revolution. 

Blessed be the Daughters of Cain By Izzy DeHayes

Blessed be theDaughters of Cain 

By Izzy DeHayes

 

 

Step into the world of Ethel Cain’s Preacher’s Daughter, a dark story of faith, rebellion, and haunting sexuality set in the 1990s deep South. The concept album weaves a vulnerable and nostalgic narrative about love and growing up in a conservative religious environment.  After all, it’s happening to everybody.

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Whether you're a book lover, a Carrie Bradshaw fan, or simply searching for modern love, these articles are your perfect guide to the trends, creativity, and romances shaping our generation.

The Carrie Bradshaw Style Formula By Madison Pfaff

The Carrie Bradshaw Style Formula

By Madison Pfaff

 

Carrie Bradshaw has one of the most enviable styles in media, and I’ve broken down the simple formula to emulate her style in your own way.

Secondhand Stories: Your Guide toUsed Bookstores in Philadelphia 

By Audrey Kingree

 

Looking to browse for a new book? Philadelphia’s rich secondhand literature scene has you covered. Explore these seven used bookstores in the city and discover the one that suits your personality best. 

Secondhand Stories: Your Guide to Used Bookstores in Philadelphia By Audrey Kingree
From Chefs to Ballerinas: The Importance of Childhood Dreams Written By Simone Bollinger

From Chefs to Ballerinas: The Importance of Childhood Dreams

By Simone Bollinger

 

A chef, a ballerina, a designer, a doctor. It doesn’t matter what dream job you started with; these FI&M students chose fashion above anything else.

Fashion’s Next Generation Designers

at Drexel University 

By Chiara Hamazaki  

 

Dive into the creative minds of three junior designers at Drexel University as they break boundaries with their Korean American roots, rockstar aesthetics, and gender-fluid design philosophy. 

Fashion’s Next Generation Designers at Drexel University By Chiara Hamazaki
The Love Lives of College Girls: The Digital Age of Dating By Carla Scarpato

The Love Lives of College Girls: The Digital Age of Dating 

By Carla Scarpato

 

In the age of hookup culture and Tinder swipes, college dating is an endless maze of situationships, blurred lines, and fleeting connections. Can Gen Z reclaim romance and find real meaning in modern relationships? Explore the journey here. 

What’s In Your Bag? 

By Takhmina Gabdilova

 

Curious about what’s in a Drexel FIM student’s bag? From daily essentials to quirky treasures, we’ve captured it all. Maybe you’ll spot where they got her favorite lipstick, those stylish glasses, or the water bottle you’ve been secretly eyeing. Take a closer look—you might find your next must-have!  

What’s In Your Bag? By Takhmina Gabdilova
VISIT THE FASHION INDUSTRY AND MERCHANDISING PROGRAM
AT DREXEL UNIVERSITY

Set out for time travel by diving into the studded and sparkled Y2K era, discover the power of scent in your ‘memory wardrobe,’ and discover which red flags aren’t worth your time in this compelling mix of stories. 

Wearing Many Hats: Fashion’s Most Underrated Accessory By Molly McCabe

Wearing Many Hats: Fashion’s Most Underrated Accessory

By Molly McCabe

 

A hat is far more than a mere accessory—it is the crowning piece of any captivating look. A hat goes beyond elevating style by capturing beauty, charisma, and personality in every curve, trim, and embellishment. Be the mysterious figure under an elegant wide brim or the charming individual in a cap, either way the timeless allure and warmth of a hat will never fail you as the air catches a chill. So, top off your looks with confidence and wear that hat well, wear it often, and let each piece upon your head speak as your defining statement.   

Get Dressed With Me: The Sequin Series By Delaney Gruver

Get Dressed With Me: The Sequin Series

By Delaney Gruver  

 

 

Looking to add a little more vibrance to your everyday style? A touch of sparkle is always the answer! Join me as I style my favorite second-hand sequin tops!

Scent & Memory: How to Style Your Life Through Fragrance  By Sabrina Morin

Scent & Memory: How to Style Your Life Through Fragrance

By Sabrina Morin

 

Fragrance is more than a scent—it’s a story. Discover how to curate a 'memory wardrobe' through iconic fragrances, pairing them with outfit ideas to capture and elevate life’s most meaningful moments, places, and emotions. 

CAUTION! RED FLAGS AHEAD! By Kadence McCalla

CAUTION! RED FLAGS AHEAD! 

 

By Kadence McCalla

 

In college, you are pushed into a sea of singles all perusing dating apps and parties trying to find “the one”. But at this age, most people get the “ick” or find a major turn off before they even swipe right. Today, we are asking the juicy question: what are your biggest red flags? 

The Transformation from Scraps to Style Written By Jenna French

The Transformation from Scraps to Style

 

By Jenna French

 

Creativity and sustainability go hand in hand for product designer Galaxie Cantú and fashion designer Miranda Marte of Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design. These two talented individuals are making a difference in the fashion landscape by reworking discarded materials. The focus is no longer on the next big trend but on rethinking fashion's footprint on the planet. 

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