That's a Wrap: 2026 F&B End of Year Recap

What a wild ride it has been for Temple’s Fashion and Business Professional Organization (F&B). As the 2025–2026 academic year comes to a close, we have so much to celebrate. From craft events to professional fairs, F & B members stayed booked and busy all year long.

A look at F&B's DEI Committee bake sale fundraiser, organized by Hillary Boateng-Agyemang.

Fashion and Business kicked off the year with its first General Body Meeting in early September, welcoming both new and returning members to Alter Hall Room 34. The room was packed, with some attendees even standing, a true sign of the excitement and dedication surrounding the club. Members were introduced to the executive board and given a full overview of what F & B has to offer, from professional opportunities and social events to creative craft days. It was clear from the start that those in attendance were excited by everything the club had in store for the year.

Every Wednesday from 4–5 p.m., F&B hosts meetings featuring guest speakers from across the fashion industry, including designers, entrepreneurs, educators and sometimes all three. These sessions have been one of the most valuable parts of the year, giving members the chance to hear firsthand from industry professionals and connect with them afterward through questions and conversation. For students hoping to break into fashion, those moments of insight and connection are especially meaningful.

A few standout speakers this year included Darren Greenblatt, former designer and freelancer, and Kevin Parker, CEO of Philly Fashion Week. Greenblatt, founder of the jewelry brand KabelWaer and creator of the teen runway show Girls Rule!, shared stories from a career filled with success and collaborations with iconic faces and fashion brands from the ’90s and early 2000s. It is safe to say he received a roaring round of applause, followed by a long line of F&B members, myself included, eager to speak with him after the meeting. Kevin Parker was another especially memorable guest and served as the club’s final speaker of the year. As the founder of Philly Fashion Week, he highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for fashion locally, helping emerging talent feel less limited to New York and Los Angeles. Many of our own members have worked with Philly Fashion Week, and it continues to be an incredible resource for students, designers, and anyone looking to get involved in the industry. We had so many amazing speakers this year, and we are incredibly lucky to learn from people who have already walked the path so many of us hope to follow.

Temple Depop x F&B Founder's Flea, Spring 2026. Photo by Jaedyn Taylor.

F&B partnered with Depop to host not one, but two flea markets in Founder’s Garden right here on campus. Featuring more than 25 vendors selling vintage clothing, art and jewelry, the markets also included live music and created such a fun atmosphere. Held from the afternoon into the evening, the timing made it easy for students to stop by before or after class, while also welcoming locals since the events were free and open to the public.

F&B and Editorial Committee member, Aidan Angeles (left) and Graeme Duffey (right), Director of Editorial, at the Spring 2026 Founder's Flea. Photo by Colt Gunn.

It is safe to say I found a few gems in between classes while also getting the chance to chat with friends and vendors throughout the event. Our very own Graeme Duffey, Director of Editorial, and Aidan Angeles, both current Temple Depop ambassadors, played a big role in making these events such a success. We cannot wait to see what is next!

Beyond professional events and guest speakers, F&B also hosted a variety of craft events, socials, and the beloved Fashion Talk Fridays. One standout craft event was the upcycling workshop, where members were encouraged to bring in damaged or older clothing pieces that could be refreshed and reworked. Some added buttons, fixed zippers, or incorporated fun details like eyelets and grommets. I even brought in a vest that needed a few upgrades of its own, including some new buttons.

Another favorite was the Valentine’s Day craft event, featuring collaging, foil embossing, linocut art, and card making. It was such a creative and thoughtful way for members to express themselves and show appreciation through handmade crafts

Fashion Talk Fridays created an extra space for members to talk about all things fashion, whether that meant trend forecasting, discussing new releases, or simply showing off a cool piece from their own collection. Held on the rooftop of Mazur Hall, these gatherings had a relaxed, out-of-the-classroom feel that made them especially fun and inviting. They gave like-minded students a chance to connect, collaborate, and enjoy fashion in a more casual setting. Fashion Talk Fridays were also a great way for members to build friendships, strengthen connections within the club, and enjoy the nice weather along the way.

To close out the semester, F&B had the opportunity to visit URBN headquarters on April 17th for the Find Your Voice Conference, hosted in partnership with This Is It Network, Campus Philly, and URBN. The event was led by Cheldin Rumer, CEO and executive producer of This Is It Network, who had also previously joined one of our Wednesday meetings as a guest speaker. She is also one of Temple’s own professors, teaching Personal Branding in Klein, making her the perfect person to lead a conversation centered on confidence and self-presentation.

The purpose of the event was to help students and young professionals build confidence in themselves while learning how to present and promote who they are in professional spaces. The conference had a fireside chat in which Cheldin interviewed Anthropologie’s Brand Marketing Manager as well as a professional from Comcast. Afterward, members had the chance to network, making the experience both inspiring and valuable for everyone who attended.

For the grand finale of the year, F & B joined Beauty Birds and Women in Business to host the 3rd Annual Fashion and Beauty Professional Fair last month. The event was an incredible success and reflected the hard work of many students, including F&B President Ainsley Massey, Vice President Noah Lauture, Olivia Dunn, Director of Marketing for WIB, and many others. The fair featured a fashion show along with networking opportunities with QVC, Doll 10, Burlington Stores, Inc., and URBN. The event was covered from curtain call to closing in another blog post written by me, Angelina Dang and Sydney Aldred for those looking for an even closer look at the day.

Fashion & Beauty Fair organizers gather after the show (Spring 2026).

It has truly been an amazing year for the F&B family, filled with events, weekly meetings, and so many exciting opportunities. I cannot wait to see what is in store for next year. Until then, see you all soon!

Written by Kaya Hall

Edited by Graeme Duffey