FASHIONISTA SPOTLIGHT: JENNIFER RUPPERT

[JENNIFER RUPPERT]

Senior at University of Illinois, Jennifer Ruppert is founder of UIUC's College Fashion Week and an all over young, successfully driven fashionista. I sat down with the bubbly extrovert for a short interview on her influence on the fashion industry.

Name: Jennifer Ruppert

Year: Senior

Major: Communication

DLN: As the founder of College Fashion Week, can you describe exactly what the organization is and how you began? 

Jennifer Ruppert: CFW is an independant, student led and run organizaiton. Our main focus is to provide students with opportunities to build thier resumes and portfolios. CFW is a week long event that showcases campus fashion through runway shows, educational seminars, nights out to celebrate fashion, concerts and more. 

It started with a few like-minded students that wanted more opportunities for fashion on campus. We were looking for outlets to express ourselves and decided to start something of our own because we werent satisfied.

We did our research and realized that not a lot had been done with CFW. For students on our campus, they have no access to the fashion world unless they travel. There aren't many outlets on campus for designers to showcase their work, so CFW became a  safe place to express their fashion ideas. CFW is a place where ideas aren't hushed and people aren't intimidated by big-industry leaders.

DLN: What can we expect for this year's College Fashion Week?
JR: This year, CFW has grown exponentially. Staff quadrupled and more events have been booked than last year. This year we are collaborating with Canopy Club, for a CFW kick off concert. Music and fashion will collide with the club featuring Beats Antique and Random Rab. We also are having a poolside fashion show as well as an educational networking conference. There is a larger variety in events this year and a lot more fashion oriented students are involved.

DLN: How would you describe your personal style?

JR: I like wearing what everyone else is NOT. I love thrift stores and bohemian influenced looks. I like extremely unique and antique vintage pieces. I hate things with brand names on it.

DLN: What is one piece of advice you could give to college students on style?

JR: Have confidence. People are more preoccupied with themselves than what you are wearing. If you wear your fashion with confidence, it is sure to stand out more.

DLN: Who are your stylistic inspirations?

 JR: My grandmother Mary Lou. Despite having 10 children, she always managed to look chic and composed. Also, Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen, Blake Lively, Emma Watson and Mandy Shadforth of Oracle Fox.

DLN: Who are your favorite designers?

JR: Balmain, Rodarte, Marchesa, Alexander McQueen 

DLN: What are your plans for the future?

JR: I have absolutely no idea...I prefer to not have a set plan. I like going with the flow. However, I do hope to own a company and work for myself. I would like to make enough money to see the world and travel!

DLN: What would I find in your refrigerator right now?

JR: boca burgers, salsa, leftover mac-n-cheese and lime diet coke 

DLN: What are some of your ‘Desert Island’ essentials?

JR: A good book, a journal, my best friends and a hammock.  

DLN: How would you describe yourself in three words?

JR: Determined, spontaneous & eccentric

DLN: What era would you travel to if you had a time machine? Why?

JR: 1970's. Woodstock, peace & funky clothes! 

DLN: What is one thing you like about yourself?

JR: I am an extravert & make friends fairly easily. I love meeting new people!

DLN: Who would win a battle between a ninja and a pirate?

JR: PIRATE. Arggggg. 

It is clear Ruppert has her head on her shoulders. She is going to make a stamp in the fashion universe and we are guaranteed to see her in the future. 

Check out College Fashion Week / HERE