The chance of bad weather and rain stood no chance against the determined fashion magazine students of BeGolden. The Oakland University student-run fashion publication organized its first pop-up shop of the academic year. Board members and general members of the oragnization gathered by the Elliott Tower on Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

The pop-up shop featured a wide selection of both men’s and women’s wear with various styles for students to browse through. From shirts, coats and dresses, to shoes, bags and necklaces, the options were endless. 

BeGolden was founded by a former student, Madison Siewert, with fellow alumni, Olivia Chiappelli and Chloe Dyke, who helped grow the fashion magazine into what it is today. After graduating from OU, the student organization was passed down to the next generation of fashion-loving students. The pop-up shops have been a part of BeGolden’s outreach since it first came to life. 

“Our main goal with our pop-ups is to spread the word and grow our on-campus presence mostly. As much as we deeply appreciate donations from students to our pop-ups, students stopping by and getting familiar with us and what we do means the most,” Treasurer Alex Balaya said. “Seeing people who may not have heard of us seem so interested in what we do and reach out to join has been such a fulfilling thing to see.”

As an organization created and run by OU students, the collaboration between various student-held positions — editors, designers, writers, photographers, models and stylists — is what made the pop-up shop possible. In preparation for the event, magazine members came together to donate and collect gently worn clothing. These donations allowed them to organize the pop-up and use it as a way to fundraise.

“My goals with the pop-ups are to raise money for our club and to help people find second-hand clothes for their wardrobe. I love thrifting, so this is kind of a mini thrift store in the middle of our campus,” Vice President Armeen Shawka said. “I hope the pop-ups help BeGolden grow in popularity and reach people who have a love for fashion, like everyone else in the club. 

Being nearly in only its third year of operation, the magazine is still relatively new to campus and students. Having these organized pop-up shops is a way to gain outreach and recognition, especially since they are located by Elliot Tower, where student life is at its peak.  

“By hosting these pop-ups, we are able to engage with other students on campus, provide them with clothing at a low cost and increase the magazine’s income,” Editor-in-Chief Maria Magnoli said. “Any additional funds we accumulate will allow us to host events featuring fashion industry experts.” 

The PR and social media team of BeGolden works closely together to increase online presence and raise funds.

“We are using Instagram mainly to reach out to people about our club and the pop-ups and we broadcast our pop-ups on Oakland’s calendar. We hope the pop-ups also help people become aware of BeGolden,” Shawka said. “Our goal with the pop-ups is to help BeGolden grow in popularity and reach people who have a love for fashion like everyone else in the club.”

The recurring use of the pop-up shops by BeGolden has shown the success they bring with outreach and fundraising. 

“There have been many things we’ve already been able to achieve that we didn’t before,” Balaya said. “Seeing our social media grow during my time here has been super fulfilling to me as it makes us more credible to other students who may stumble upon us and want to join.”

This pop-up shop was just the beginning. BeGolden plans to host several more throughout the academic year, starting with the next one on Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For many, the student-run fashion magazine has become an outlet for their creativity that they weren’t able to find in other OU organizations. For students who love fashion and are looking for a way to express themselves, this is the best way to do it. Through ongoing pop-up shops and other fundraising efforts, BeGolden is able to keep its doors open each academic year, welcoming more people to join the team.

For more information about BeGolden, check out their social media page @begoldenou or its website.