MPorium’s Grand Opening for “Better Daze” Collection

Students working at MPorium. Source: Amanda Dibre '23

MPorium, the student-run boutique at Marist College, released their newest line “Better Daze” on Oct. 5, a theme of dreamy clouds, a calming aesthetic and the promise of a better tomorrow. Professor Rebecca Brown’s Retail Entrepreneurship students were behind the scenes of the entire launch, taking an inspired idea and creating an incredibly successful grand opening. 

“Our team came up with the idea of ‘Better Daze’ from this cool aesthetic of clouds and light. Since it’s post COVID-19, we’re in a better place but not fully there. The whole team liked the idea and made a collaborative mood board and put our ideas to use,” said Sam Powers ‘22. 

The Retail Entrepreneurship course creates a concept and turns it into a unique and exciting clothing line. From presenting the idea to collaborators, receiving feedback, conducting research, and creating a color scheme and floor plan for the store, being part of MPorium is described as a mini internship. The month-long process of producing the ‘Better Daze’ theme consisted of teamwork and dedication from every student involved. 

“We closed on Friday and opened on Tuesday to prepare for the grand opening. Whenever you can come into the store to help you, you do. Everything got put together and staged that weekend. Everything has to come together pretty quickly. It’s an all hands on deck project,” said Julia Cuttitta ‘22. 

MPorium consists of not only fashion students, but students across all disciplines. The class is available for anyone to take and students with marketing, graphic design and finance find a part to play. 

The grand opening of ‘Better Daze’ turned into a sensation on campus. All products on the MPorium website were sold out and students are currently working on a restock. The new collection includes cozy slippers, embroidered socks, spunky smiley face charm bracelets and beanies for the upcoming cold weather.

“The actual day is always an exciting day for us. We had everything posted on social media  and showed the store’s design on TikTok to show the progress. We had a ‘Take a Free Candy’ station in front of the store to drive traffic in,” said Cuttitta. 

Professor Brown shared her excitement on her students' work and the opening of the line. 

“We had a phenomenal grand opening, everything was sold out. A great vibe to have everything back in the store after COVID-19,” said Brown.

Marist’s community takes a lot of pride in their fashion program and MPorium. The student-run retail laboratory creates hands-on, real world experiences and allows students to receive multiple perspectives of the fashion retail industry. Professor Brown’s students glow with satisfaction in the success of the ‘Better Daze’ line and show their gratitude for the opportunity. 

“It’s just a really good real work experience, a major talking point in my interviews as well. It’s awesome to see your ideas come to life,” said Stehpanie Vizzni ‘22.