SHEIN hosted its fourth Campus Retreat in Miami from June 2 to June 4 for some of the brand’s top-performing representatives.
The special, annual event kicked off with a welcome party and first-look at the SHEIN Miami Pop-Up shop on Lincoln Road, which opens to the public today.
Credit: Bianca Velazquez
The global fashion online-retailer has hosted the annual retreat event since 2023, but it’s the first year ambassadors are being given the unique opportunity to participate in a fashion show of their own making.
Credit: Bianca Velazquez
Ambassadors arrived at the new shop on Tuesday night to meet their teams, and the energy which ensued from there was widely compared to Project Runway by the group. Designated stylists on each team were choosing pieces, their designated content creators were brainstorming concepts and shooting behind-the-scenes content for same-day turnaround, and the talented production team made sure it flowed for them.
Credit: Bianca Velazquez
The Gala, however, has always been a standout event each year. It’s meant to honor its Campus Ambassadors, who are recognized and awarded for their creativity and leadership through the past year and years before. Top honors include Campus Ambassador of the Year, Most Influential, Social Standout, and more.
Credit: Bianca Velazquez
The fashion show closes out the SHEIN Campus Gala this year, where the teams of 10 showed off the looks they styled, the introduction videos they produced, and the energy they brought to the crowd.
Credit: Bianca Velazquez
While the program itself gives students the chance for real-world, hands-on experience in fashion marketing and beyond, it also gives them the opportunity to join virtual panels, career mentoring and networking events/workshops, and in-person events across multiple cities.
Credit: Bianca Velazquez
One of the brand’s original ambassadors credits the program for her confidence and the person she is today. Liz Susitko has been with SHEIN since the ambassador program’s creation, yet beforehand, had never been a content creator. She was, however, an “avid shopper” whose love for the brand showed.
“This program has changed my life in so many ways… I used to be such a shy gal. I went to the first retreat a little scared, made a few friends there, and now I can sit here today and speak to someone like you with no problem.”
It’s not uncommon for students to continue their work with the brand following the end of college. Susitko has stepped up in her role to educate new members, teaching some of the SHEIN’s very first Masterclass Sessions. They’re meant to give the reps a realistic look into growing in a digital-first fashion landscape.
“I’m excited to see all of the teams’ work make its way down the runway. I know my stylists put a lot of effort into what they were doing and picking specific color palettes for each model…and it’ll be so fun to see them walk!”
This group is uniquely positioned to function as both consumers and marketers of the SHEIN brand, giving them developed perspectives in fashion. The week is a true representation of the growing role of student ambassadors in modern marketing.
The Miami pop-up is located at 1108 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach from June 4-7, 12:00 pm – 7:30 pm.
