Globally renowned for its dedication to nurturing young creatives, most know SCAD as the place to be to prepare for an innovative future. What our institution doesn’t mention in its mission statement, however, is how inventive these visionaries’ attire is. The Atlanta campus is a hub for eclecticism and expression. Regardless of major, students treat the ordinary walls of 1600 Peachtree and 1430 Spring St. as a runway.
Instead of class time, 8 a.m. is call time. The hallways are catwalks; if you give a SCAD student an inch, they will provide you with a mile-long red-carpet-ready look. This past winter, I caught seven of SCAD Atlanta’s best-dressed around campus to break down their style, swagger, and fashion inspirations exclusively for the Connector.
Photo courtesy of Beita Tang.
Diesel for Days
With a washed and distressed Diesel cap, Diesel top, and pearl Chanel earrings, YuRan “Trendy” Chen – luxury and brand management class of 2024 – was dripped in designer. With a style inspired by the late Virgil Abloh, the senior paired customized Japanese denim with a muted viridian Artificial Fever (Carhartt’s second creation) sweatshirt. He donned New Rock boots with metallic trim and additional silver accents to round out his edgy look.
Photo courtesy of Beita Tang.
Racing to the Runway
Fashion marketing major Lovely Hills took a thrifted base – an Ed Hardy zip-up and corduroy skirt – and turned it into a childlike wonder. The standout pieces feature hand-sewn boots made of stuffed animals and a miniature toy car belt. Hills equates her eccentric style to the notion that everything around her – people, matter, energy – serves as style inspo.
Photo courtesy of Beita Tang.
Insects as Inspiration
Rhiannon Shakir – fashion marketing class of 2025 – constructed an outfit inspired by insects and other shiny, scaled creatures. Bug tights from PikuPajku, mixed metallic jewelry, and the pop of deep teal in her lacey top delivered innovation to SCAD Court. Black leather accents – knee-highs and a vest – and a bronze bag completed the look.
Photo courtesy of Beita Tang.
Damsel in Distress(ed)
On his route to class, Jaion Henderson – fashion design class of 2025 – strutted in a cropped Canadian tuxedo. Accessorized to the max, Henderson sported a distressed sweater, studded choker, fishnets, chains, bedazzled belt, beanie, and his most individualized addition: prescription glasses.
Photo courtesy of Beita Tang.
Moody Maximalism
Sal Catoe, a fashion design major who graduated last spring, manufactured a dark, eclectic arrangement. The focal points – an iridescent gown beneath a black Harley-Davidson jacket, red knitted scarf, and lime green beanie atop a Yankee’s flat rim – embody Catoe’s personal brand, which he described as “moody maximalism.”
Photo courtesy of Beita Tang.
A Rick Owens Rendevouz
Bill Li – fashion design class of 2027 – showed off his Rick Owens conglomeration for SCAN. Minus a vintage shirt, he found whilst celebrating his birthday in China and a Dolce & Gabbana chain, the entirety of Li’s garb is from the Californian fashion designer. Mystery – comparable to what the future of fashion will hold – plays a major role in his style.
Photo courtesy of Beita Tang.
Goodwill Goddess
NYC native Poetry Salaam – film and television class of 2024 – assembled a whimsical number full of layers, texture, and movement. Beaded bracelets, colorful quartz, and a shirt worn as a shawl make up the finer details that add authenticity to this look. From Queens to Atlanta, every item – except for the denim Urban Outfitters skirt – was thrifted. Salaam’s favorite place to curate her playful wardrobe? Goodwill.
Creativity and Innovation Converge
Fashion at SCAD is more than just a degree program, it is a statement of individualism that transcends majors. Our campus and surrounding city, as well as the peers we meet within our years, foster revolutionary flair. SCAD is shaping the future of fashion – one student at a time.
