While there are usually no prerequisites to joining a club, for the Fashion in Theory (FIT) club, there is one requirement: you’ve got to be a baddie. As long as you present yourself in any way you’re most confident in, whether it be a chic hairstyle, boldest outfit or your make-or-break accessory, FIT club may just fit your vibe (pun unintended).
FIT club is a relatively new club, as it found its beginnings last year with a different name, “Healthmate.” They later rebranded to its present name, “Fashion in Theory,” as it more accurately depicts their goals and vision for the club: introducing people to different fashion aesthetics with health altogether.
As one of FIT club’s founding members and current president, third-year biochemistry major Nnamani plays a key role in the club’s operations. She leads the club’s general meetings and events, as well as their monthly editorial issues. Everything is accessible via their Instagram @fit.ucr, so follow to stay updated on their schedule!
Events are the backbone of FIT club. In the past, they’ve hosted a variety of events and workshops, like thrift store pop-ups around campus, scrapbooking workshops, DIY shimmer body cream events and more. The main goal of these events is for attendees to leave with something in their hands, be it a handmade headband or a cute polaroid. Maybe you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe with some new pieces, or you’re in dire need of some good pictures for your super nonchalant Instagram. If that’s the case, consider checking out these events to do just that.
In addition, FIT club also regularly collaborates with not just other on-campus clubs, but as well as small businesses outside of UCR. Their most recent collaboration was a social event with Nacho Ann’s Fabrics, a small fabric store located in Downtown Riverside that also sells secondhand clothes, stickers and other little knickknacks. There, FIT club members embroidered new accessories and painted on cute canvases, and each attendee got to take their projects home.
When asked what the community is like in FIT club, Emi Domingue, third-year media and cultural studies major and creative director of the club, described it as very welcoming and open-minded. “We’re all super creative in our own way, which I think really brings new styles to the game,” Domingue says. “So it’s really fun to just work with everyone on that.”
“Everyone’s also really silly and making jokes and having fun,” adds Nnamani. “I’m always laughing a lot with them.”
Others have similar things to say about FIT club’s warm and creative community. Diego Acevedo, a first-year bioengineering major, explained why he joined FIT club. “When I went to their tabling, everyone there was really cool, and had super sick fits. So I just wanted to join the club,” he says.
“Everyone here has positive energy. They’re all vibing or eating it up, and their fits were fitting,” Gio Osorio, first-year political science major and model coordinator, graciously describes.
Domingue understands the intimidation of joining a new club, yet encourages people to still come and check FIT club out. “It’s a way to kind of challenge your creativity,” Domingue says, “and I think it’s really inspiring.” The creative director herself first joined FIT club as a model for their fall editorial issue, showing how it’s not so hard getting involved with the club.
“You’ll find a great community of people here and probably meet some friends,” Nnamani chimes in. “You’ll leave with something at one of our events that you’ve made yourself, and you’ll just have a lot of fun.”
FIT club has a lot of events in store for the upcoming weeks. Their next event is a glitter tattoo social with the Body, Hair, and Self Care Collective club on April 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Aberdeen-Inverness Knoll, and their next thrift store pop-up is on May 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m..
Whether it be searching for the perfect vintage jacket or altering your old t-shirts, this is the perfect place for fashion enthusiasts. If you’re just starting to dip your toes into this fascinating world of fashion, still join! As legend has it, according to Osorio, a certified baddie, FIT club will “turn you into a top-tier baddie.”
