The genuine excitement was buzzing amongst the crowd of campus ambassadors gathered in the lobby of Mondrian South Beach hotel on June 2.
Students and brand representatives got together in Miami for SHEIN’s annual Campus Retreat, a special event meant to reward and celebrate students/ambassadors who are part of the brand’s Campus Ambassador Program. The program turns college students of all ages into a nationwide network of content creators, affiliate marketers, and brand representatives.
The Campus Gala itself is a coveted event, an evening that brings together creatives in the fashion and media space who have worked hard alongside SHEIN to build up the brand and themselves.
Credit: Bianca Velazquez
For some, this is new territory, a chance to connect face-to-face with peers they’ve only met through a phone. For others, this is their fifth year being part of the SHEIN community.
“I’ve been to every SHEIN Campus Gala since they began. It’s been a wild ride… I remember the first time I ever got invited, I thought, “Me?!,” says 5th year-ambassador and SHEIN Masterclass sessions mentor Liz Susitko.
Credit: Bianca Velazquez
Arianna Quintero, a University of Florida student and newcomer to the program this year, won the SHEIN Rising Star award. The model and creator had already made content for the brand before knowing about or becoming a part of the program, so she noted being invited in 2026 was truly special. “I’ve always loved the brand, so my content with them has always been very organic.”
Credit: Bianca Velazquez
Quintero emphasized to The Knockturnal what being a SHEIN ambassador meant to her, or rather, to her younger self: “Coming from Venezuela to a new country, when you’re trying to ‘fit in’…. My parents didn’t have a lot of money to give me newer clothes for school. So, I wish I would’ve had this platform then, to see girls posting these beautiful clothes and know that they can be affordable.”
Present day, she’s SHEIN’s 2026 Rising Star and walking the brand’s runway.
Credit: Bianca Velazquez
The retreat was hosted by award winning actor and producer Sarah Moliski, who guided ambassadors through each event. In collaboration with SHEIN, she’ll be releasing and spearheading an in-depth look behind the scenes of the show’s production with a 12-part video series on SHEIN US social media channels coming soon.
Credit: Bianca Velazquez
The teams for the Campus Gala’s fashion show were designated a color, judged by category, and celebrated in a room of hundreds. Under close watch for content creation style, model walks, hype levels, curated looks, etc., the Purple Team came out on top for having created what was considered the most unique video, custom SHEIN looks, and energy of the evening.
Credit: Bianca Velazquez
Featured in the pop-up shop and styled for the runway is SHEIN’s Vacay Trends campaign, and it was up to each team to style looks from the seven distinct aesthetics (each tied to a destination mood and “designed for everyone”):
Sunset Siren: Sheer details and resort-ready silhouettes bring sizzling island vibes to every coastline.
Meadow Girl: Lace details, gentle florals, and romantic silhouettes infuse countryside charm to every sun-soaked moment.
Euro Girl Summer: Sun-washed hues, relaxed textures, and breezy layers channel the ease of a Mediterranean escape.
Coastal Chic: Nautical stripes, classic cuts, and crisp palettes carry 90s yacht-club elegance back on deck.
Whimsical Garden: Sheer fabrics, delicate trims, and pastel palettes bring enchanted energy to every frame.
Tropic Girly Pop: Bold prints, vibrant palettes, and playful patterns serve pure dopamine dressing in paradise.
Camp-core: Utility details, rugged textures, and retro-inspired layers pack adventure-ready style from trail to town.
Credit: Bianca Velazquez
The honor of SHEIN ‘Influencer of the Year’ was awarded to Nayeliz Suliveres from The University of Texas at Arlington, and another standout award of the night included Campus Trailblazer, awarded to Jazmin Brisbon.
“Being able to experience this here with everyone in person, after we’ve all met through the phone, has been so special.”
The pop-up is now open to the public at 1108 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach until June 7, 12:00 pm – 7:30 pm.
