FINET brings members and professionals together with shows and seminars

Chelsea Duquette
Journal Contributor

With a campus in such a fashion-focused district, it is no wonder the Fashion Industry Network (FINET) is a growing, non-profit organization at Suffolk. This group of material-minded students has set out to broaden their knowledge on the industry with the advantage of Boston’s urban setting.

“The FINET is a group dedicated to helping Suffolk students step foot into the
fashion industry networking with elite individuals that will in turn help the students gain recognition and experience before they even graduate,” said sophomore Kristle Haynes, Chief Public Relations Officer/ Treasurer.

FINET was formed last year by a group of graduated Suffolk seniors. Those in charge are focused on delivering the best Boston and all global fashion has to offer.

“Big names in the industry are lined up to give seminars throughout the semester,” said junior Frederick Akpoghene, President.

“Big names in the industry are lined up to give seminars throughout the semester.”

The organization is currently in the works with industry professionals to visit and speak at Suffolk. “FINET is currently meeting with the publicists of fashion forward individuals in the industry,” said junior Adam Rajchel, Vice President. “They have spent much time working to gather highly prestigious speakers to share some of their insider information with the students.”

“As a group, we recently attended Fashion Night Out in New York. We met with top designers Thom Brown and Nigo, and also with fashionistas like Mark Ronson who we’ve asked and seemed optimistic to come in and speak for us,” said Haynes. “Other professionals that we are expecting to bring in are publicists who write for major magazines, local designers that have recently launched their lines, professional designers, professional models, cosmetic artists, and local magazine directors.”

In addition to associating with industry professionals, FINET is also working to get members of the organization invited to shows during Boston Fashion Week. These opportunities allow students to network with people in their preferred industry. Members may actively participate in seminars showcasing events such as the catwalk, body-art, make-up and sewing classes each month.

“We have a lot of ideas that we are working to put into play, such as a
spring show as well as a fashion show,” said Haynes. “Interesting works of art will be displayed; we’ve been talking to some local designers and body painters.”

Members will be able to showcase their own art in a “Bazaar” later in the semester where members will display their own artistic expression such as music, fashion and photography.

FINET’s first meeting of the semester will be held tomorrow in Donahue 220 at 1. Current members will be seeking talent for an upcoming fashion show through a mini-photoshoot.

On Thursday October 7, FINET will host its first event of the year featuring a photo shoot with a full light setup and backdrop.