Insights from Industry Innovators: Students-led Interviews for Fashion Cultures Class
In the Fashion Cultures, taught by Justin Morin during the second semester, students had the opportunity to engage in a series of insightful interviews with industry leaders who are carving out unique and specialized roles within the fashion world. The interviews aimed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the practicalities, and potential challenges of working in fashion. Through these conversations, students gained firsthand insights into the evolving landscape of fashion careers, particularly in niche areas where creativity and innovation thrive.
Felix Choong: Bridging Art Curation and Fashion
The first conversation was with Felix Choong, an independent fashion curator and creator of the publication NiceOutfit. Choong’s interview covered a broad range of topics, from the intersection of art and fashion in gallery spaces to the intricate journey of building his own publication. Students learned about Choong’s unique approach to fashion publishing and how he navigates the evolving landscape of independent print media. Through his publication, Choong emphasizes the power of fashion to engage in critical discourse, examining how print media shapes cultural narratives and the art of storytelling. His work is a powerful reminder that fashion is not just about garments, but also about how they are presented, discussed, and understood in curatorial contexts. Choong’s journey inspired students to think beyond the runway and explore fashion’s role in the broader art and media landscapes.
Chouaib Arif and David Tolu: Redefining Casting and Representation
Next, students welcomed casting directors Chouaib Arif and David Tolu for a discussion about their careers and the shifting standards of the modeling industry. Arif and Tolu shared insights into the creative and strategic aspects of casting, from discovering new faces to building narratives through model selection. They also spoke candidly about the systemic limitations within the industry and how they are working to reshape the landscape with a focus on greater inclusivity and representation. The conversation delved into the behind-the-scenes power dynamics of fashion imagery and the impact of casting choices on cultural perception. Arif and Tolu’s work is not just about selecting models—it’s about challenging outdated norms and advocating for a more diverse and inclusive representation of beauty in fashion.
Molly Apple: Having fun with MERDE Media
The final guest was Molly Apple, a Parsons Paris alumna who turned her thesis project into an international platform that highlights emerging designers and artists. Since launching MERDE Magazine in 2019, the publication has been distributed globally, creating space for subversive, cutting-edge fashion narratives. Students had the opportunity to learn about Apple’s journey from her background in textile design to her role as a creative director and how her interdisciplinary approach allows her to foster collaborations across continents. Apple’s interview demonstrated how the merging of digital platforms and print media is not just a trend, but a powerful tool for reshaping the fashion landscape and giving a voice to up-and-coming talent.
These interviews are a key moment in the Fashion Cultures class, offering students rare opportunities to hear directly from professionals who are redefining their roles within the industry, while also gaining hand-on experience on learning to conduct interviews themselves. Each guest’s insights opened new perspectives on the power of fashion as a cultural force, whether through independent publishing, casting, or creative production. Stay tuned for the next issue of Printing Fashion, 2026 to see the transcripts and outcomes of these interviews in print!