GENESIS: A NEW CREATION BEGINS traces the inspiring journey ofGeorge Feldenkreis, and how he built a lasting legacy. Presented in an exclusive documentary screening at STU
DEAN TARLIKA NÚÑEZ-NAVARRO And Fashion and Law students take over the STU’s courtroom in a bold editorial titled “The Verdict:This Is Fashion”
Step into the 2026 Fashion, Food &Wine Showcase where innovation takesform
BIG APPLE, BIGGER THE FASHION
This Spring 2026 semester, the Fashion Program traveled to NewYork City twice. Exploring keyfashion landmarks and industry spaces across the city
L E T T E R
This edition made me reflect on who we are, not just as a team, but as a community. At the beginning of the semester, we had the privilege of hosting the Feldenkreis family on our campus for the screening of their father’s documentary. That moment stayed with me. It reminded me of the power of hard work and dedication, of what we’re willing to let go of in order to grow, and how, when we come together, we can create something truly meaningful
No matter where we come from, how we look, or how we speak, we are united by a shared passion and purpose
With every year that passes, every Fashion, Food and Wine showcase we produce, and every edition we bring to life, we are growing and navigating new challenges. We do it with new friends, with old friends, but most importantly, we do it together This edition gave me the chance to pause and truly see what we have built as a program. And I couldn’t be prouder to be part of it.
Maria Ed
Lucia Battistel Editorial Director
Jimena Kunigami Art Director
Giovanna Calabrese Creative Director
Oriana Calcano Layout Supervisor
Ashlee Rzyczycki Editorial Supervisor
Maya Williams Model
Maximo Guidali Model
Maeva Roguet Model
Maria Ferreira Model
Mafer Sosa Model
Stephany Banegas Model
Dean Tarlika Núñez-Navarro Model
Antonio DeJesus Photographer
Gerasim Gerasimov Photographer
Isabella Peña Design Editor
Rood Lindor Design Editor/Model
Olivia Meyer-Massey Design Editor
Aaron Federico Design Editor
Mya Salazar Editorial Assitant
Vision
CHROMATIC Spring/Summer 2026
For Spring/Summer 2026, colors express individuality a balance of freshness and bold energy. Think Cloud Dancer and Lavender for lightness, paired with Solar Orange and Mango Mint for optimism. Electric Blue, Electric Fuchsia, and Vibrant Red add intensity, while Teal and Mint bring calm. Each shade tells a story, shaping a fashion outlook that feelsfresh, dynamic, and personal
CHROMATIC
Statement mules
This Spring/Summer statement mules will be everywhere, defined by bold silhouettes, sculptural heels and eyecatching details that will elevate any look. Scarves are also making a strong comeback this season, reimagined as versatile styling pice that adds personality to any outfit
Sca
ACCE SSORIES
It s offcial, bowling bags make a comeback, bringing with them a nostalgic nod to the iconic Pan Am era with structured silhouettes and timeless, travelinspired elegance. Handmade jewelry also stands out this season, featuring natural stones, organic shapes, and expressive details that give each piece a unique, personal character
Handmade jewelry
Blwo ing bag
Softly padded fabric pieces have to be in your closet this season, bringing volume and comfort; they balance any outfit’s structure with an effortless, cushioned effect. Yarn filet crochet also emerges as a key texture, offering handcrafted detail and airy, intricate patterns that highlight the return of artisanal craftsmanship. Lace also takes center stage this season with a romantic feel that adds softness and elegance to more modern silhouettes
FABRICS FABRICS
Ahcr i t e c
Volume
Volume defines the season’s silhouettes, with maxi tent dresses leading the way through their effortless but dramatic movement. Architectural tailoring also stands out, bringing structure, precision, and sculptural lines that contrast with soft volume and redefine modern dressing.
S S II L L H H O O U U E E T T T T E E S S
by
Photography
Jimena Kunigami
Back in January, some of our students attended the NRF Student Program and the NRF Big Show, where we experienced the highest level of the global retail industry, surrounded by executives, major brands, and groundbreaking innovation shaping thefuture of commerce.
But while NRF showed us the power and scale of the business side of fashion, this field trip brought us closer to its creative core. It allowed us to step into studios, ateliers, and showrooms, connecting directly with the people, processes, and craftsmanship that turn ideas into reality.
One of our first visits was to Cotton Incorporated, where we learned that the company goes beyond the fabric itself. While the majority of what they produce revolves around textiles, they don’t “put all their eggs in one basket”, they’re also involved in unexpected product categories like wipes and other cotton-based goods What stood out most was how strategic and global their approach is Their team researches not only fashion trends, but also psychology, economics, and even music, analyzing what people are spending money on and why They travel to places like Australia and across Asia to study denim trends and observe how people are dressing.
During our visit, they walked us through their detailed trend reports, covering color palettes, fabrics, textures, and overall vibes Their digital team even creates visual representations of how trends may look in real life Then, they take these presentations around the world, meeting with brands and decision-makers, acting as the ultimate fashion consultants.
Photography by Antonio de Jesus
Photography by Antonio de Jesus
Photography by Jimena Kunigami
Photography by Jimena Kunigami
COSTUME DESIGN FROM SCRIPT TO SCREEN WITH
LAURA FRECON
Laura Frecon, costume designer for Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story and Inventing Anna, begins her process by studying the script to understand the story’s mood and emotional tone. She also manages budgeting by calculating costs per episode and getting producer approval. Productions usually purchase costumes rather than borrow them to avoid damage or delays during filming.
After production, costumes from major shows like Queen Charlotte are archived, exhibited, saved for future seasons, donated, or kept for other projects.
COUTURE AND CRAFT WITH
BECCA MOSES
FASHION WITH T RALPH PUCCI
At the Ralph Pucci store, we met Rebecca Moses, whose work extends far beyond traditional fashion design.
Surrounded by the Ralph Pucci collection, we listened as she explained how art, fashion, and interiors constantly influence each other Her perspective made it clear that creativity doesn’t belong to just one discipline. Whether designing garments or conceptualizing interior spaces, her approach is rooted in storytelling and emotion.
FRANKEL
Stepping into Danielle Frankel’s studio was like stepping into modern bridal couture. Known for her effortlessly elegant designs, her team spoke to us about building a brand that redefines what bridalwear can look like.
The team shared details about her collaboration with Birkenstock, a surprising yet refreshing fusion of couture and comfort.
One of the most fascinating details was learning that some of her gowns are made in the south of France and hand-painted, making each piece completely unique. It reminded us that couture is not just clothing, it’s art
DANIELLE
Netflix
Danielle Frankel
Danielle Frankel
On day two we attended an exhibition to honor the iconic fashion stylist Freddie Leiba, whose work has shaped iconic imagery in fashion photography. Seeing an exhibition of his most important projects, and the major names he has worked with, helped us understand the power of styling. It’s not just about clothes; it’s about constructing an entire narrative
The idea that he worked with major celebrities and big editorial names, and the powerful images he captured was extremely inspirational but the conversation also highlighted the critical role of fashion’s business, and how creativity must be balanced with a focus on profitability, his work for Macy’s is a clear example of going from a very creative point of view to a more realistic one.
The biggest lesson we learned about Leiba is that no matter where you come from, how you look or even how you sound, you can get asfar as you want in life.
The last day in The Big Apple, we met Eric Charles-Donatien, a French feather-craft designer whose career is deeply rooted in gratitude and mentorship. He explained how staying open to learning led him to collaborate with legendary figures such as Karl Lagerfeld. One of his most memorable creations was an iconic feather dress designed in 2000 for Jean Paul Gaultier, a piece that showcased the exceptional craftsmanship behind haute couture He emphasized that feathers, though light and delicate, demand immense technical skill, precision, and patience, reflecting the dedication required to preserve and reinvent traditional artisanal techniques.
Charles-Donatien also addressed the current crisis in couture, explaining that fewer people are willing to pay for its true value, which puts this art form at risk. At the same time, he acknowledged brands like Zara for making fashion trends more accessible to a wider audience
Ultimately, he left us with a powerful message: the fashion industry is not always what it seems, and growth often requires adaptation, resilience, and evolving, even through challenges that may not alwaysfeel ideal.
What made this trip unforgettable wasn’t just the big names, it was understanding the depth of work behind every garment. From global textile research and trend forecasting to couture bridal artistry, costume archives, and feather craftsmanship, we saw that fashion is a world built on strategy, collaboration, emotion, and detail.
Photography by Jimena Kunigami
DANA DANA MARTINEZ MARTINEZ
A FABULOUS FRESHMEN A FABULOUS FRESHMEN
Photography by Jimena Kunigami
Styling by Giovanna Calabrese
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Photography by Jimena Kunigami
Leadership & Involvement
Being named Fashion MVP was both surprising and affirming. It showed Dana that her involvement and dedication had not gone unnoticed and made her proud to share the recognition with her family.
Her involvement in Fashion Society keeps her connected to both her peers and the larger fashion world It builds community within the program and creates opportunities beyond the classroom.
As a work-study student, Dana also contributes behind the scenes Whether completing small tasks or assisting with operations, she values understanding how the program functions from multiple perspectives.
Looking Ahead
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Photography by Jimena Kunigami
Photograp
by
Photography
Antonio de Jesus
STRUT: WAS THERE A DEFINING MOMENT THAT LEDYOUTOSTARTYOUR OWN LABEL?
Ashley: A key moment was my internship with Oscar Carvallo in Miami It was my first real experience inside a workshop, seeing how everything actually works. That’s when I thought, “Okay, I can do this too ” After that, I started from home, making custom pieces for friends and charging very little just to get started Then I moved into a small workspace and focused on made-to-measure dressesfor events.
After COVID, I began creating more structured collections, launched my website, and built an online presence. Now I want to focus more on readyto-wear because it allows me to grow and reach more people.
STRUT: WHAT EARLY EXPERIENCES FIRST DREW YOUTO FASHION?
Ashley: Growing up, I always liked fashion. My grandma used to sew, so my sister and I spent a lot of time at her house watching her work I was always really immersed in that world. At 11, I started making my own dresses with a sewing machine my mom bought me at Walmart. I learned by watching YouTube and made dresses for parties and events Everything was very experimental, but I loved it. Looking back, I don’t know how those dresses didn’t fall apart but they worked
Photography
by
Jimena Kunigami
STRUT: WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE INTHE EARLY DAYS?
Ashley: At the beginning, one of the biggest challenges was trying to do everything on my own. I wanted everything to be perfect, and it felt like I wasn’t making progress. Over time, I learned to set boundaries, say no, and focus on what really aligns with my vision. That helped me grow in a more sustainable way, and now I have more support.
STRUT: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR BRAND IDENTITY?
Ashley: For me, the brand is about being “made for the moment.” I don’t like to define it too much with words it’s more about how each dress fits into a special moment in someone’s life. It should add to that moment without taking over, and make the experiencefeel unique.
STRUT: CAN YOU TAKE US THROUGH YOUR DESIGN PROCESS?
Ashley: My process starts with sketching a lot of ideas. Then I filter them down until I’m left with the designs that really work. Fabric selection is a key part sometimes the entire design depends on the fabric. After that, we create patterns and prototypes, and I go through a lot of trial and error. If I don’t like something, I change it whether it’s the fabric, the fit, or the details, until it feels right. If I’m not completely convinced by a design, I don’t move forward with it I trust my intuition a lot.
STRUT: WHERE DOYOU FIND INSPIRATION?
Ashley: I get inspired by what’s happening right now, especially colors and silhouettes Sometimes it’s small details, like adding a strap or a belt, that make a design feel current without losing its essence
STRUT: DID DESIGNING YOUR OWN WEDDING DRESS INFLUENCE YOUR WORK?
Ashley: Designing my wedding dress was a very special experience, but also demanding. It gave me a deeper understanding of how important these moments are, especially for brides, and I think it changed how I approach designing for those occasions
STRUT: WHAT HAS BEEN A DEFINING MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?
Ashley: One of the most important moments for me was working on my first Met Gala project Everything happened very quickly I had about three weeks, but it turned out amazing. The reaction from people was incredible, and it really meant a lot to me I focused on movement, volume, and creating something impactful, which is something I always love to do.
STRUT: HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED IN SUCH A FASTPACED INDUSTRY?
Ashley: I try to stay true to my style while also evolving. I keep certain elements consistent, but I also incorporate small updates that make the designsfeel more current.
STRUT: HOWWASYOUR FIRSTRUNWAY EXPERIENCE?
Ashley: My first runway at St. Thomas University was amazing, but also intense. By the end, I had seen the dresses so many times that they didn’t feel as impactful to me, but seeing the audience’s reaction changed everything
It was also interesting to see how the designs look different on models, the proportions and movement completely change That’s something you don’t fully understand until you see it in real life. Seeing people connect with the designs was the best part. It honestly exceeded my expectations
STRUT: HOW DOES YOUR VENEZUELAN HERITAGE INFLUENCE YOUR DESIGNS?
Ashley: I think it comes more from the environment I grew up in. It’s very social - there are always events, parties, reasons to dress up That definitely influenced how I think about fashion.
I also feel like Venezuelan women really embrace glamour and go all out, especially for special occasions. I love that energy, and it’s something that shows in my designs.
STRUT: HOW HAS MIAMI SHAPEDYOUR BRAND?
Ashley: Miami has a similar culture where people like to dress up, but I think my perspective is also shaped by the fact that my close circle is still very Venezuelan. That mindset of putting effort into how you look has stayed with me
STRUT: WHATEXCITESYOU MOSTRIGHTNOW?
Ashley: Right now, I’m really excited about expanding into wholesale It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but I didn’t feel ready before. Now I’m starting to connect with retailers and grow the brand in that direction.
STRUT: WHATARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?
Ashley: I want to grow the brand and take it to a much bigger level And in the future, I would love to dress Hailey Bieber I feel like her style really aligns with the brand.
Photography by Jimena Kunigami
FASHION, FOOD & WINE SHOWCASE 20 26
Hannah F Michaels
All photography by Antonio De Jesus
The Power of Student Leadership
This showcase is the perfect example of a project that is truly by students and for students. Every detail of the fashion show is managed by STU fashion students, who take on high-level responsibilities to bring the vision to life. From Sophia Téllez leading the makeup department to Oriana Calcano managing the intense backstage production, the students are the ones in charge On the night of the event, students were everywhere, dressing models, overseeing fittings, running the setup, and ensuring every part of the production moved smoothly A major highlight of the night featured 13 student designers who debuted unique pieces made entirely out of recycled materials from McDonald’s. Their creativity didn't just look amazing on the runway; it also highlighted the importance of sustainability and innovation for young industry professionals.
STU Fashion, Food, and Wine Showcase: The ultimate by Students, For Students
The St Thomas University Fashion, Food, and Wine Showcase recently celebrated its signature annual event, and it was a true masterclass in student talent and teamwork Held at the Gus Machado College of Business, this high-impact evening is much more than just a fashion show. It is a yearlong project where the fashion and culinary programs join forces to create a professional-level experience rooted in education and creativity.
This year’s theme was "Genesis: Every Creation Has a Beginning. "The show focused on origin stories, exploring how ideas, careers, and collaborations first start. To bring this theme to life, four incredible brands joined the showcase to present their latest collections. These included Shantall Lacayo, Bululú, House of Suits, and Ashley Stambouli. Guests experienced a dynamic runway presentation along with curated spaces that blended fashion, hospitality, and storytelling.
More Than Just
While the runway was a focal point, the event offered a full sensory experience including an elevated "Food Village" and interactive brand activations. The showcase brought together fashion and wine influencers, corporate sponsors, chefs, and business leaders in a setting designed to inspire connection and impact.
The influence of the night goes far beyond the glamour The showcase is a major fundraiser where every penny gathered goes right back into the fashion program. These proceeds directly support student experiential learning, such as global education opportunities, study abroad programs, and professional visits This year, the event even included a special scholarship awarded by McDonald’s to a deserving student.
Now in its 5th year, the showcase has become one of the biggest events the school offers every year With over 600 guests in attendance and more than 1,000 hours of student-led work, this event proves that the next generation of STU industry leaders is already prepared to lead with integrity and a global perspective.
Bululú Resort Wear
Photography by Jimena Kunigami and Antonio De Jesus
The process was spontaneous and constantly changing, even leading to a last-minute decision to eat fries on the runway, adding a playful, on-brand touch.
Seeing his design on a professional model made the experience feel real, but more importantly, it changed how he sees hisfuture.
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His design told a story of transformation, inspired by McDonald's early 1970s uniforms.
Starting with blue tones, he evolved the look into the iconic red and yellow, creating a timeline that connected past and present.
What began as a challenge became a turning point, inspiring him to explore design further and stay open to new opportunities.
Photography by Jimena Kunigami
Mc Donald’s Corporation
THE TRENDSETTER
THE EFFORTLESS STYLISH
THE COMFORTFIRST MINIMALIST
You see fashion as a statement, not just something to wear You’re naturally drawn to bold silhouettes, unexpected combinations, and pieces that spark conversation. Trends don’t intimidate you; you enjoy being ahead of them, remixing them, or even setting your own. You’re confident about taking risks, whether it’s a striking color, an experimental cut, or a look that turns heads when you walk into a room Your style is expressive, creative, and fearless People may not always dress like you, but they definitely notice you, and often take inspiration from you. Your vibe: fashion-forward, daring, expressive You dressfor: impact and individuality
Your style feels natural, polished, and intentional, even when you claim you “just threw something on ” You understand balance: mixing trendy elements with timeless staples, and knowing when less is more. You care about looking put-together, but you don’t chase trends blindly Instead, you choose what actually works for your lifestyle and personality Your outfits feel appropriate, stylish, and easy, making you someone others trust for fashion advice
Yourvibe: refined, modern, confident You dressfor: balance and versatility
For you, fashion is about feeling good before anything else Comfort, fit, and authenticity matter more than labels or trends. Your wardrobe is built around pieces you truly love, items that feel like an extension of who you are
You’re not interested in overthinking outfits or constantly buying new things Instead, you value simplicity, repeat outfits proudly, and prioritize ease Your style may be subtle, but it’s grounded, confident, and real.
Yourvibe: relaxed, authentic, grounded You dressfor: ease and self-assurance
THE FUTURE THE FUTURE OF FASHION IS OF FASHION IS LOCAL LOCAL
MAKING HISTORY FOR ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY
Fashion Design student Yesenia Urena secured a prestigious win in the 2026 Fashion Scholarship Fund case study competition
Inspired by her roots, this Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) Scholar turned a personal story into an award-winning project Her collaboration between Bottega Veneta and Damasca, Costa Rica stood out for its strong focus on sustainability and meaning
Growing up in Costa Rica, she watched her father farm pejibaye, a tropical fruit native to the region That memory later became the foundation of her idea: transforming the fruit’s peel into a textile fiber. It was a way to combine innovation with her background and values Her focus on sustainability helped her project stand out, especially as the fashion industry continues to shift toward more environmentally responsible practices. At the same time, she put a lot of effort into researching both brands, making sure the collaboration felt authentic and well thought out.
Winning the FSF scholarship came as a surprise, especially during a time when she was facing financial challenges. “It felt like a blessing,” she shares, since it allowed her to continue and finish her studies.
Through FSF, she was also able to attend the gala that took place in NYC, connect with industry professionals, and gain mentorship that continues to guide her career.
Looking back, she encourages other students to apply, trust the process, and believe in their ideas Her story shows how personal experiences can turn into something impactful, and how sustainability and creativity can go hand in hand in shaping the future offashion
Photography by Jimena Kunigami
Arnoldo Robert, Getty Images
Miami Jewish Film Festival, 2026
From Cuba to Amercia, 2026
From Cuba to Amercia, 2026
From Cuba to Amercia, 2026
LEGACY, REWRITTEN: FROM HAVANA TO MIAMI
There are names in fashion you learn through textbooks, runways, and history names that carry weight long before you ever encounter them in person. For me, George Feldenkreis was one of those names
Not being from Miami, I arrived with an understanding of fashion rooted in global perspective rather than local legacy I knew the brand I knew the influence. Perry Ellis International was synonymous with innovation, accessibility, and American fashion evolution. But what I did not yet understand was how deeply one man’s story was woven into the very fabric of Miami’sfashion identity In Miami,
In February 2024, that legacy camefull circle.
George visited St Thomas University to share his journey not as a headline, but as a human story. A Jewish Cuban immigrant who came to the United States in search of opportunity, his narrative felt deeplyfamiliar
It echoed the lived experiencesofso manyofour students, who, like him, arrive with ambition, resilience, and the hopeofsomething more. And in that moment, his story becameours.
George Feldenkreis is not just a name —it is a presence.
So when I was given the opportunity to meet with him one-on-one, I expected formality Distance The kind of guarded interaction one imagines when sitting across from the CEO of a global fashion company Instead, I encountered something entirely different.
Humility. Warmth. An openness that was as disarming as it was inspiring.
It is rare to meet someone whose legacy precedes them so profoundly, yet who carries it so lightly
St Thomas University itself was born in Havana as SantoTomás de Villanueva, later reestablished in Miami as Biscayne College in 1963 a university forced to begin again, rooted in the same pursuit of opportunity that defined George’s journey. This was not coincidence. This was alignment.
But legacy does not end with one individual it evolves. Through George, I was introduced to his daughter, Fanny Hanono. And it is here that the story deepens. Fanny is not simply a continuation of her father’s legacy she is its living expression
There is a quiet strength in her presence, a humility that mirrors his, and a steadfast dedication to faith, family, and purpose. In her, you see not just inheritance, but intention.
Through our connection, and in collaboration with Dr Hagai Gringarten, we were entrusted with something extraordinary: the opportunity to bring George Feldenkreis’s story to life on our campus through a documentary.
It is one thing to build something. It is another to fight for it when everything is at stake.
That kind of resolve does not simply inspire it transforms
St Thomas University became thefirst to host its screening.
The film, directed by Jerry Levine,
is not just a biography—it is an emotional landscape. It is love. It is laughter. It is loss. It is perseverance. And perhaps most strikingly, it is resilience.
To witness the story of a man who was once outed
As I sat there, surrounded by students, I could not help but wonder what they were feeling. I hoped they saw themselves in his journey I hoped they understood that success is not linear, that setbacks do not define you, and that legacy is not given it is earned, protected, and sometimes reclaimed. What struck me most, however, was not just the story itself, but the way it was held by those around him
from his own company through a hostile takeover and then, in his eighties, fought to reclaim it alongside his family was nothing short of profound.
The admiration of his family. The loyalty of his employees. The respect of the Jewish community.
These are not things that can be manufactured. They are built over time, through character, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to others.
I am humbled to have met George Feldenkreis Grateful to have collaborated, even in small ways, with someone whose impact is immeasurable.
And deeply honored that our students were given the opportunity to witness his story.
Because what he leaves behind is morethan a brand. It is morethan a company. It is a legacy of resilience, of leadership, and of possibility.
And through Fanny, his son Oscar, his family, and the countless lives he has impacted, that legacy lives on
AshleeRzycky
For this edition, we put fashion on trial, literally. In collaboration with the law program, our editorial transforms the courtroom into a runway. Inspired by the idea that both fashion and law are built on expression, identity, and interpretation, proving to us that these two worlds that have more in common than you think.
