Entering the Industry and Defining What’s Next:

An Interview with Brooke Baker

By: Elaisa Villegas

For as long as she could remember, fashion had been a part of Brooke Baker's life—but turning it into a career felt out of reach. In an industry defined by exclusivity, entry often feels like a closed gate.

Growing up, she altered her clothes to better match her personal aesthetic. She started thrifting in 2018, slowly building a style of her own. Creating wasn’t new to her—it was instinct. Even now, she continues to design and make pieces for herself, blending her creativity with identity.

Despite always loving fashion, she didn’t initially see it as a viable career. When she arrived at college, she felt behind, unsure of how to break into an industry that often feels intimidating.

“I didn’t think there was space for me,” Brooke said, reflecting on her early uncertainty about entering the fashion industry.

Originally pursuing graphic design, where she gained seven years of experience and certifications in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, she eventually realized her creative freedom felt limited. That realization pushed her to explore other paths, leading her into event management and ultimately, closer to fashion.

A turning point came when she discovered The Dress Code Club through campus events. The organization introduced her to a community of students who were actively building careers in fashion and business. 

“The Dress Code Club gave me meaningful connections,” she said. “It showed me that there was a community of people in fashion right here at the University of Houston.”

At The Dress Code Club, she stepped into a creative director role, where she began helping guide the club’s visual direction and creative projects. The experience gave her hands-on responsibility in a fashion-focused space, allowing her to translate ideas into real execution while working alongside other students with similar interests.

Brooke’s background in event management gave her a strong foundation in execution, allowing her to seamlessly coordinate logistics, timing, and creative direction for The Dress Code Club’s Power in Motion editorial that happened earlier in March. Precision and aesthetic alignment were essential to bringing the concept to life. She also assisted Aliya Arech, vice president of The Dress Code Club, on a collaboration campaign with GANNI. She notes that these experiences have been eye-opening and valuable learning moments.

Dream it

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Dream it 〰️

Her drive ultimately led her to Vogue College of Fashion in New York City. Throughout the process, she made one thing clear: she wasn’t just applying—she was positioning herself. 

“I was trying to figure out how I could be in the room in any capacity,” she said. “I reached out to the right people and asked how I could further contribute to the program”  

Her initiative ultimately paid off. She was accepted into the Vogue College of Fashion for the summer Fashion Business program. “I didn’t have traditional experience,” she said. “But I had creative projects and the willingness to learn.”

By advocating for herself, she turned what felt like an unlikely opportunity into a defining step toward her future fashion career. That willingness to push forward—even without certainty—became the defining factor in her journey. She credits her acceptance not to luck, but to persistence and consistent research. 

“In order to grow, you have to be uncomfortable,” she said.

Now, she’s focused on building a cohesive portfolio and gaining experience within the fashion industry. Her goal is to work in runway management, though she’s open to seeing where the industry takes her. She hopes her experience at Vogue College of Fashion will help her continue building connections, refining her skills and gaining a clearer understanding of where she can fit within the industry. 

“Anyone can do this,” Brooke said. “You just have to take initiative and not be scared to step out of your comfort zone.”

She emphasizes that a lot of growth comes from simply putting yourself in rooms you don’t feel fully ready for and learning as you go. 

“Listen to that voice,” she said. “Be okay with the fear. Use it to drive you.”