494 Fashion Magazine, a student organization at Grand Valley State University, is looking ahead to the upcoming school year with intentions to release the group’s first traditional publication. Previously having hosted many photoshoots and artistic projects, the group spotlights film and video, photography and writing from students interested in displaying their artistic talents and expanding their repertoires. With an emphasis on fashion, the club provides a platform for creative expression through aesthetics and styling, as well as the opportunity to refine skills such as sewing and pattern-making.
Sophia Gafa, a film and video production major at GVSU, founded the 494 Fashion Magazine Club in November 2023. Gafa expressed the club was created for students to have fun and express themselves, on top of creating content for their portfolios.
“Over the years, I’ve seen people around campus (wearing) the coolest stuff,” Gafa said. “I (thought) people would actually really like this (as a magazine). It’s supposed to be fun, but we also allow (those who) want to go the extra mile to go the extra mile, and see what they come up with.”
Along with encouraging creative passions through the art of fashion, the club has provided Gafa and other members with networking opportunities, new friendships and experiences that can benefit them after graduation.
“I was in a film for a random music producer,” Jaden Rice, a member of the group, said. “(Originally), I would never do that! But here I am in a Pyramid Scheme bathroom filming a music video.”
Within the club, members are able to model for shoots, create and write fashion inspired media and work behind the scenes on editing and productional aspects of fashion photography. Some of the clothing used in shoots or worn by models for the club are sourced from student designers that also attend GVSU. All outfit and vision board creation for each editorial project is done by student stylists in the club.
Interested students are also encouraged to come to meetings with original ideas, in which they are then provided with the resources and support to bring those ideas together in a cohesive final project.
“What it’s all about is helping people find their passions, and helping them make these projects that we can all put together in the end,” Rice said.
The 494’s website has a blog page where club members write fashion editorial pieces, post behind the scenes photos and organize the club’s recruitment information. The club’s mission is to inspire students to be daring in their fashion choices and go against fashion norms.
“(Fashion) serves as a powerful means of communication, allowing individuals to convey their personality, beliefs and cultural affiliations,” according to the group’s website. “Fashion is a versatile art form that extends beyond mere clothing choices, representing a cultural dialogue and a mirror of societal values. It’s a powerful vehicle for self-discovery, enabling individuals to experiment with identity and express their personality through unique styles and trends.”
On top of the goal of releasing their first traditional publication in December 2024, the club members plan to design and release an original line of 494 Fashion Magazine merchandise. To make this happen, the organization’s biggest goal is to grow the size of its club to help bring creative ideas and projects to life.
While GVSU does not offer a fashion program, club members say the magazine and its creative ventures can be the perfect outlet for students who love experimenting with fashion and the arts. The club’s Instagram showcases snapshots of photoshoots and student stylists’ work.
Students interested in putting their creative ideas into motion can visit the club’s LakerLink or Instagram account for more information on upcoming events and how to get involved. Members of the club and its magazine meet weekly during the fall and winter semesters.
