Riddhi, Miami || Fashion Continuing Forward
Quarantine has pushed us into a new era in fashion, one where designer’s must turn to digital innovation to create global showcases for the future. With fashion weeks being postponed, cancelled, or moved to a new virtual reality, adaptability has become the name of the game.
Apr 28, 2020
Introduction and interview by Caroline Skou ‘20
Quarantine has pushed us into a new era in fashion, one where designers must turn to digital innovation to create global showcases for the future. With fashion weeks postponed, cancelled, or moved to a new virtual reality, adaptability has become the name of the game. And Riddhi Chopra, president of Miami University's Fashion & Design organization (MUF&D), is no stranger to these new developments.
Miami University's Fashion & Design organization (MUF&D) has always been a part of Riddhi Chopra’s college experience; having served as finance assistant her freshman year and finance director prior to stepping up as President of the 2019-20 executive board. She described the moment of finding out the remaining months of her senior year as ironic, having learned so while planning out the remaining MUF&D events for the semester. A calendar full of events, including the annual fashion show, a show that is completely student-run and draws in an audience of over 1,100, would not be happening this Spring.
For this installment of The Class of MMXX series, I interviewed Riddhi about how she continues to display leadership and looks for solutions to help continuously support her 500+ peers in MUF&D while in Quarantine.
We were planning out our calendar for the rest of the semester, ironically enough, when we received the email from our university’s administration saying that classes for the next month were cancelled.
Could you walk us through how you found out about your school closing, where you were, what’s the first thing you thought?
My friend and I were working on an upcoming event for our fashion & design organization at the campus’ student center. We were planning out our calendar for the rest of the semester, ironically enough, when we received the email from our university’s administration saying that classes for the next month were cancelled. For the first half hour, we just sat quietly in shock trying to absorb it all. A few days later, when things were starting to settle down, we received a follow up email saying that campus was closing indefinitely and everyone was encouraged to leave Oxford immediately. I quite literally felt the panic around me as underclassmen were quickly trying to pack up their dorms and upperclassmen were going back-and-forth in deciding whether they should move out of their houses. Many of the seniors refused to leave but many were made to by their parents.
It was the most devastating feeling when I realized that after countless hours and many sleepless nights planning for this event, we wouldn’t see it all come to life
Is there any particular event for MUF&D that you're going to miss. Are you trying to work out a new virtual version of this event?
As President of my school’s fashion & design organization, a majority of my senior year was dedicated towards planning for our annual spring fashion show. It was the most devastating feeling when I realized that after countless hours and many sleepless nights planning for this event, we wouldn’t see it all come to life. The 50+ student models and 15+ student designers, who have been practicing and preparing for months, had to stop their efforts midway through the process as well. In order to not let everyone’s hard work go unwarranted, we have decided to showcase the collections at a more intimate exhibition in the Fall, when campuses open back up. A virtual platform is also another back-up option – I know many designers and luxury brands are opting towards this and see it as the future of fashion shows.
What's the first thing you're going to do when quarantine is over?
Go to a nice restaurant and coffee shop! I’m a huge foodie and love exploring restaurants of different cuisines and cute, casual coffee spots. I’m definitely cooking a lot more at home, but miss the variety I have access to when going out to eat. I can’t wait to go to a Japanese sushi bar or order my favorite chimichangas at a Mexican restaurant! Although I recognize the importance of social distancing right now, I am hoping that I am still able to have a fun and adventurous summer full of friends, food, and lots of iced coffee!
Although I recognize the importance of social distancing right now, I am hoping that I am still able to have a fun and adventurous summer full of friends, food, and lots of iced coffee!
