Fashion Merchandising Students Shine at 2020 Style-off Competition

Aspiring stylists from JWU North Miami’s Fashion Merchandising & Retailing program rocked the runways at the Wildcat Center for the 2020 Style-Off Competition.

For the runway show, the student stylists were asked to put together outfits based on the concept of “Our Future Selves,” which included 3 themes: “A Day at the Office,” “Social Butterfly,” and “Cocktail Hour.” Throughout the process, the students were advised and guided by JWU alumna Kamaria McCall of Empire Fashion Firm and Assistant Professor Melodie Davis-Bundrage; Ann Taylor Aventura provided sponsorship.

“As a proud JWU alum, I love helping the university in planning and producing these fashion events,” said McCall. “My mission is to impact, inspire, and sustain everyone that fashion affects. Here at JWU that begins and ends with the students.”

Cash prizes, as well as one-in-a-lifetime career opportunities, were at stake as part of the competition. Gold level partner Ann Taylor Aventura provided signature marquee swag bags for the event.

This year’s judging group consisted of 4 seasoned industry experts:

• Alexis Entner is a personal assistant who specializes in luxury and vintage styling for men and women. Her clients include multiple Urban Latin artists.
• Marcela Alma is a Miami-based fashion & celebrity stylist.
• Anna Ruiz is a Miami-based wardrobe stylist and founder of LUMIERE Magazine.
• JWU alum Rachael Russell is fashion director of Miansai and founder of Style Saves, a nonprofit providing clothing and accessories to underprivileged students.

Emma Sumner won first place for her trio of looks, with Mirrikat Murray and Alexis Corrigan earning 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. “Both women and fashion are bold, beautiful and daring. I am thankful for this opportunity,” she said as part of her acceptance speech.

As part of her grand prize, Sumner will meet one-on-one with each of the judges; she is also scheduled to shadow judge Anna Ruiz during an upcoming photo/video shoot. In addition, Ann Taylor Aventura gifted her with select career-ready wardrobe pieces — and also shared their industry insights and mentorship advice.