A 2024 and 2025 Fashion Scholarship Fund Scholar, Jennifer DeBellis is an Advertising and Marketing Communications graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she shaped her academic experience around communications, creativity, and community. She currently works as a PR Intern at Glow Recipe, contributing to brand storytelling and media efforts that connect beauty audiences with purpose-driven campaigns.
Jennifer’s approach to fashion is rooted in narrative and intention. Inspired by character, transformation, and visual storytelling, she views fashion as a tool for expression and impact. Below, she reflects on the early influences that shaped her perspective, the creatives who inspire her, and the future she hopes to help create in the industry.
Photo courtesy of Jennifer DeBellis
Fashion Scholarship Fund: What is your earliest memory of being inspired by fashion?
Jennifer DeBellis: As a child, I was obsessed with watching The Wizard of Oz and Disney movies. I loved seeing how fashion informed characters and helped build the storyline. Dorothy’s red shoes and Cinderella’s ballgown transformation sparked my understanding that fashion is intentional and expressive.
FSF: Who or what has influenced your fashion journey the most?
JD: Going to FIT and seeing the student body experiment and have fun with their fashion looks has been the biggest influence. That environment is filled with creativity and encouragement, empowering me to explore and evolve my personal style.
FSF: If you could collaborate with any three designers or creative leaders, who would they be and why?
JD: Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano, and Elsa Schiaparelli. All three pushed the boundaries of what fashion can be. Vivienne Westwood used fashion as political rebellion. John Galliano’s avant-garde Dior work and his Hardcore bags have stayed with me creatively. Elsa Schiaparelli blended surrealism and fashion to create clothing that feels like art.
Photo courtesy of Jennifer DeBellis
FSF: How would you describe your personal style?
JD: Intuitive, evolving, versatile.
FSF: What are three things you can’t live without?
JD: Music, art, coffee.
FSF: What is a quote or mantra that guides you?
JD: Oscar Wilde’s “To define is to limit.” It inspires me to stay open, keep evolving, and not be afraid to reinvent myself.
FSF: What role has mentorship played in your journey?
JD: Mentorship is key to nurturing the next generation of leaders in the fashion industry. Before FSF, the industry felt inaccessible and intimidating. With support from my FSF mentors, I’ve gained confidence and received tailored guidance that helped me move toward my goals with clarity.
FSF: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your fashion journey so far?
JD: Take every opportunity to learn. Whether it’s attending conferences or simply speaking with coworkers, learning from others is essential to growth.
FSF: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
JD: Write down a list of your successes. When doubt or imposter syndrome shows up, having a record of what you’ve already accomplished helps you stay encouraged and grounded.
At a UBS House of Dior event with fellow Scholar Rachel Stauffer, photo courtesy of Jennifer DeBellis; With KidSuper at an FSF event, photo courtesy of BFA; FSF Live 2024, photo courtesy of Jennifer DeBellis.
FSF: What do you want your impact on the fashion industry to be?
JD: As a marketer, I want to develop purpose-driven campaigns that are impactful and community-centered. I want to highlight diverse voices, empower others, and create connections through campaign narratives.
FSF: What are the biggest issues you’d like the fashion industry to address?
JD: I want to see brands continue to act as agents of change beyond fashion itself by using their platforms to spotlight sustainability and inclusion, and by taking initiative to create real, measurable change.
FSF: What’s the most valuable skill the Fashion Scholarship Fund has taught you?
JD: The power of community. Surrounding yourself with people who inspire and support you makes a real difference. Through FSF, I’ve met close friends and peers who continuously motivate me.
FSF: Describe your current work or area of study in three words.
JD: Communications, creativity, community.
FSF: In three words or less, the future of fashion is…
JD: Conscious, impactful, personal.
