21 November 2023
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A classic collection of sports jerseys and a velvet coat, styled and photographed here by American students, are being worn by the college to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bronco Hockey.
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The advertising campaign’s objective was to portray the vintage hockey jersey line and authentically portray American students.
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The classic velvet jacket commemorating the 50th soccer anniversary is displayed by Fritz, the center, and two MODA versions.
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Students from MODA had a fire showcasing their Eastern pride in various locations near Kalamazoo.
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The Western staff decided to film some of their photos in a downtown Michigan pizza shop in order to get “vintage vibes.”
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Both online and in the WMU Student Center, the whole 50th anniversary range of sports for the University of Michigan is available at the store.
The Lawson Lunatics of Western Michigan University, who have been named one of the top college hockey enthusiast groups by the NCAA, have an additional reason to cheer this year in Kalamazo, Michigan. The breakthrough is marked by a new product line, and some European students contributed to the market’s adoption of the vintage aesthetic.
The strength, fashion, and awareness of this generation are all very present. According to Steve Koich of Men’s League Sweaters, a 2008 grad of Western Public Relations Program, we wanted to take advantage of that and give students the opportunity to stand out in an authentic go-to-market battle. He made his pitch for promoting new retro sports sweaters and jackets through a connection with Bloomingdale, Michigan style merchandising student Madeline Fritz.
Madeline Fritz, Olivia Bolognia, and Anna Vitale’s classic idea were brought to life with the aid of MODA designs.
She says,” This is the first professional opportunity I have been given on this level.” ” It allowed me to consider various job options and opened my eyes.” Because I’m not precisely a photojournalist, I have always been engaged in creative way for stems. Although I’m not quite a model or artist, I do enjoy and excel at uniting groups of innovative individuals and putting the show on display. I actually came to the realization that’s also what I’m passionate about thanks to this task.
Olivia Bolognia, a fellow fashion merchandising student and MODA vice president from suburban Chicago, was enlisted by Fritz, who is also the marketing director for Western’s Merchandising Opportunities and Design Association ( MODA ), to co-direct the project. Anna Vitale, an undergraduate at the Gwen Frostic School of Art in New Buffalo, Michigan, has been hired for photography.
” I was over the sky when she reached out to me to take pictures for this shot!” says Vitale. ” It is incredibly interesting to be able to work professionally for the class I attend and to express my school spirit in such a special manner.”
Giving students the ability to direct the task, according to Koich, is” no brainer.”
What better way to preserve this reputation than to see it through the eyes of current kids? he claims. ” We put our faith in them, and they fled to the sky with it.”
The European contingent met several times to plan a multiday, four-location shoot that included 15 different models, drawing inspiration from an old mood board Koich had provided. In order to get the concepts in real school settings, such as a pizza shop city and Lawson Ice Arena, they sourced accessories and clothing from Fritz’s company, Sizo & Peny Vintage.
According to Koich, he was “impressed but no surprised.” I had complete faith in them. Madeline was expert, inventive, and clearly passionate about creating from the moment we first spoke. As an alumni, he continues,” It’s wonderful to see kids taking on a job like this and performing well.”
On the WMU Bookstore website, the party’s efforts are currently live.
Being in charge of the marketing plan and strategy for the soccer team’s 50th anniversary shirts is on a whole different level for me, Fritz says.” I’ve worked for smaller businesses and managed their social media and advertising. It” sort of opened my eyes and opened the door for me to think about another career lines,” I believe.
The WMU Bookstore is currently selling sports memorabilia from the 50th commemoration.
Bolognia continues,” I gained a ton from this opportunity.” With Madeline serving as the other co-director, it was good to learn how to direct a blast and exchange ideas.
The project’s biggest lesson, according to Vitale, is the value of working with a group to advance challenging jobs.
According to Bona,” I loved working with various creatives and models to bring these photos to existence while utilizing all of our distinctive skills and ideas.” By introducing me to so many different persons, assisting me in networking, and advancing my career as a photographer, WMU has prepared me for victory. I am incredibly appreciative of the wide range of experiences and options that are available at Western.
We were all able to apply the knowledge we learned in class to the shot. Everyone only fell into place perfectly, “adds Fritz.” Because we’re marketing clothes, working with creatives, and showcasing our skills while also bringing the models together—it’s about like seeing your thesis—this marketing strategy for the sports take ties beautifully into style merchandising.
The 50th celebration soccer line is offered for purchase both online and at the WMU Bookstore inside the WestMU Student Center.
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