“Fashion has always been a part of my life, and that sparked me to want to start the club,” Poppy Pellissier, a sophomore marketing student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, said. “I remember looking for one on campus and thinking, ‘How is this not a thing?’”
When Pellissier began searching for ways to become involved on campus, she noticed something was missing: a creative outlet for students to explore, express and connect with fashion. This spark led to the creation of Vision, the University’s first fashion club since 2017. With an open heart, fresh ideas and endless passion, Vision’s journey to success begins.
Formerly named the Collegiate Fashion Association, Vision has been created with a brand-new purpose. Its mission, Pellissier explains, extends far beyond popular fashion trends. “I really want to connect students with entrepreneurial and real business opportunities,” she says. “I want it to still be about fashion but also a way for them to utilize fashion within their careers, maybe they could get an internship opportunity or more business experience.”
Built with a strong passion for creativity, inclusivity and collaboration, Vision welcomes students from all majors, interests, backgrounds and experiences. Through partnerships with on-campus organizations and taking part in major showcases like Acadiana Fashion Week, the club aims to inspire confidence, encourage self-expression and build professional connections across UL Lafayette’s campus. What started as an idea during a Boston vacation is quickly growing into reality, one idea, one connection and one vision at a time.
For Pellissier, fashion is more than just aesthetics; it’s a form of self-discovery. In college, where most students are still finding their identity, Vision aims to create a safe space where authenticity shines. “Through weekly meetings, I want to discuss different categories and trends,” she says. “Maybe we can give presentations on your least favorite and favorite fashion trends and just share different ideas with each other.” These group discussions guide students in exploring what styles reflect who they are.
At Vision, club members are strongly encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and explore ideas they may have never considered. “Maybe you didn’t think about wearing this with that or you saw someone wearing this outfit and now you have the confidence to wear it,” Pellissier explains.
Now that the fall season is here, with cozy layers and unique textures making their appearance, she adds, “I feel like fall is literally the perfect time to showcase your fashion because you can wear more layers. It really expands your horizon.” Fall encourages creativity through the use and combination of various patterns, textures, colors and accessories. “When people say, ‘I don’t know how to style this,’ a lot of tips I hear are to add more layers or add something else you already have,” Pellissier says.
Beyond layers and textures, fall is the perfect time for playful experimentation, especially with the spooky season around the corner. Pellissier notes, “I definitely think when people are really interested in fashion, I notice their costumes have more thought behind them.” From bold color combinations to eye-catching accessories, Halloween encourages us to push past our boundaries, mix unexpected styles and bring our craziest fashion ideas to life, all for one unforgettable night.
As Vision prepares for its official launch, Pellissier has big plans for where the club is headed. “What I am most looking forward to, and I think a lot of students will be too, is an end-of-the-year fashion show,” Pellissier says excitedly. The show would highlight the creativity, individuality and teamwork among members during meetings, events, market shops and more.
Vision plans to partner with existing campus organizations and participate in some of Lafayette’s major showcases, building connections across the area. Pellissier not only aspires to incorporate fashion into Vision, but modeling, photography and other forms of creative expression, creating opportunities for creative diversity and representation.
For Poppy, Vision is more than just a club, it’s a community where ideas flourish, creativity thrives and members are encouraged to dream boldly. “Vision came from me dragging my mom through stores as a kid and holding something up, saying, ‘I have a vision for this outfit. I know what I’m going to wear, I know how I’m going to style it,’” she recalls. The name beautifully reflects the club’s mission: guiding students in finding their personal style, expressing it confidently and turning their dreams into reality.