Cupshe's Summer Collaboration with Otis College to Champion New Talent in Fashion Industry
Cupshe's Tradition of Nurturing New Talent in Fashion
Cupshe, a prominent vacation lifestyle brand, proudly celebrated the successful conclusion of its mentorship program in partnership with Otis College of Art and Design. This collaboration fostered creativity among aspiring swimwear designers, culminating in the highly anticipated 2025 Otis Fashion Show held in Los Angeles. With an emphasis on hands-on experiences and creative collaboration, this program has reinvigorated the fashion landscape, empowering emerging talents.
A Year-Long Commitment to Mentorship
Marking a year of dedicated efforts, Cupshe’s partnership with Otis College spanned twelve months of immersive mentoring experience for students majoring in fashion design. The initiative was led by Doreen Brennan, the Senior Vice President of Design at Cupshe, alongside Senior Designer Christine Geiger. Together, they nurtured the next generation of designers, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world fashion industry practices.
From September 2024 to May 2025, the students received invaluable insights into the complexities of swimwear design. In four dedicated mentorship sessions, Cupshe provided not only design expertise but also essential materials such as fabrics, enhancing the students' capabilities to create pieces that truly reflect their individual visions.
Cupshe’s support extended beyond fabric provision. The students benefited from photography and videography sessions, enhancing their portfolios and showcasing their creative journeys. Additionally, the partnership saw the creation of exclusive gift bags filled with unique Cupshe items, further enriching the students’ experience.
Celebrating Creativity at the 2025 Otis Fashion Show
The pinnacle of this collaboration was the 2025 Otis Fashion Show, themed 'Kaleidoscope,' a vibrant display of creativity and innovation. The fashion show provided a platform for each participating student to express their personal aesthetic through unique designs, free from manufacturing constraints. This creative freedom resulted in handcrafted pieces that included intricate macramé, elaborate beading, graceful draping techniques, and standout cover-ups.
Cupshe passionately believes in fostering creativity across a multigenerational audience. Brennan stated, "As a brand that appeals to a multigenerational audience, we see great value in equipping the next wave of designers with the tools and insight we've refined through our success,” highlighting a commitment to supporting originality while influencing future trends.
One of the most exciting moments of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural Cupshe Design Award. This honor was bestowed upon student Fatima Roman for her exceptional work, highlighted by innovative construction and a forward-thinking design ethos that aligns with Cupshe's values. Roman's success did not end there; she joined the Cupshe team as a design intern, further solidifying her place in the industry. Roman will contribute her skills at the upcoming Miami Swim Week, showcasing her potential on an international stage.
A Bright Future for Student Designers
The Cupshe partnership with Otis College of Art and Design reflects the brand's commitment to social responsibility and nurturing new talent within the fashion industry. By providing students with educational resources and industry exposure, Cupshe emphasizes the importance of mentorship in shaping future leaders in fashion.
As Cupshe continues to inspire creativity and innovation, the brand remains dedicated to supporting women around the globe through quality swimwear designed for those who want to exude confidence both on and off the beach. With celebrity endorsements from figures like Kendall and Kylie Jenner, and others, Cupshe is consistently recognized as a leading brand in vacation fashion.
This partnership demonstrates that when established brands like Cupshe invest in the growth of emerging designers, the entire fashion industry stands to benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Perhaps, as we look to future collaborations, we can expect to see even more innovative designs emerge from the classrooms of Otis, shaping the next wave of fashion.
For more updates on Cupshe and its initiatives, follow @cupshe on Instagram.