Introducing the 2025 Glamour College Women of the Year: Fashion Edition
When Glamour debuted its first-ever “College Women of the Year” feature in August 1957—then titled the “10 Best-Dressed College Girls in America”—it was a celebration of style on campus. The winners were chosen from hundreds of colleges across the U.S. for their standout fashion sense. While the focus then was primarily on clothing, the recognition itself marked an important cultural moment: a public acknowledgment of the growing presence and influence of women in higher education.
Over the decades, the program evolved far beyond its sartorial beginnings. What started as a style-focused list became a prestigious honor spotlighting women making an impact in countless fields. Past honorees have included icons like Martha Stewart, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Katiti Kironde, and Amanda Gorman—women who went on to redefine industries and inspire generations. In recent years, the program has highlighted students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, from community colleges and HBCUs to STEM fields and collegiate athletics.
This year, Glamour returns to its roots with a renewed focus on fashion—but with a modern lens. The fashion industry remains one of the most female-driven workforces globally, with women comprising 60% to 80% of its employees. Yet despite this dominance, disparities persist: the gender pay gap remains significant, and only 10 of the world’s 35 leading luxury brands are helmed by female creative directors. Recognizing this imbalance, Glamour is shining a light on the next generation of leaders—creative, business-minded, and socially conscious women poised to shape fashion’s future.
Meet six remarkable college students redefining what it means to work in fashion today. They’re designing with purpose, building platforms for underrepresented voices, bridging science and style, and creating opportunities for others. Together, they represent fashion’s next era—one defined not just by aesthetics but by innovation, inclusivity, and impact.
Aanya Sachdeva: Designing “Fashion for Change”
At Parsons School of Design in New York City, Aanya Sachdeva is proving that fashion can be a force for good. Guided by her belief that style is a storytelling tool, she uses her designs to spark conversations, raise awareness, and drive meaningful change. For Sachdeva, fashion isn’t just about clothes—it’s a catalyst for cultural and social impact.
Kennedy Hoyt: Building a Future for BIPOC-Owned Brands
Kennedy Hoyt’s path from political science to art history at Spelman College reflects her evolving vision: to launch a public relations agency that champions BIPOC-owned brands and creatives. With a keen eye for art and culture and a passion for representation, Hoyt is preparing to build platforms that amplify marginalized voices in fashion and beyond.
Kyra Brummage: Styling Stars and Shaping a Career
As an entrepreneurship major at Loyola Marymount University, Kyra Brummage is already balancing school with a rising career as a celebrity stylist. By restructuring her academic schedule around client work, she’s proving that ambition and education can coexist—and that the business side of fashion is as vital as the creative.
Lucy Ivey: Blending Fashion and Storytelling
At just 15, Lucy Ivey launched Our Era, a fashion and culture publication led by Gen Z voices. Now pursuing a degree in applied communications at Utah Valley University, she continues to grow the platform while exploring the intersection of media and style. For Ivey, the future lies in merging fashion with meaningful storytelling—whether through magazines, brands, or new forms of media.
Mary Bellakbira: Innovating Hormone-Safe Fashion
Studying biomedical engineering and biotechnology at Cornell University, Mary Bellakbira is taking fashion into uncharted territory. Her research explores how fabrics interact with endocrine-disrupting chemicals and their impact on women’s hormonal health. By applying STEM principles to textile innovation, she aims to create safer, more sustainable fashion solutions.
Rain Hashimoto: Pursuing Dreams Beyond Comfort Zones
After landing a coveted role as a marketing coordinator at a luxury Hawaiian jewelry company, Rain Hashimoto made the bold decision to walk away and follow her passion. Now a double major in fashion merchandising and international relations at ASU FIDM, she’s combining business insight with global perspective—laying the foundation for a career that bridges creativity and commerce.
These six women embody the spirit of Glamour’s 2025 College Women of the Year: visionary thinkers, fearless innovators, and changemakers committed to reshaping fashion’s future. They’re proving that the industry’s next chapter will be about more than trends—it will be about purpose, inclusivity, and the power of women to lead transformative change.