Meet the Designer
Hi! I am Sarah Valentine. I am a senior at Auburn University, studying apparel design and production management. I was born in New Jersey, and moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where I have lived since coming to college. I always knew I wanted to go into something fashion related, growing up with my mom and sister who were both very creative and involved in the same field I was constantly inspired to craft and create.
I am a Design student at Auburn University majoring in Apparel Design and Production Management, with minors in Sustainability Studies and International Human Sciences. I served as Social Media and PR Co-Chair for the 2025 AU Fashion Event, I lead digital engagement and branding for Auburn’s annual fashion showcase.
My design work has been featured in the Auburn Circle Fall 2024 Publication, and most recently, in SWATCH Magazine Print Issue 07, which highlighted both my article, Cafe Closet? Coffee Grounds as the Next Fiber in Fashion, and my sustainable skiwear design project. I also collaborated on the capstone collection Off-Grain by Chloé, which debuted at the 2025 AU Fashion Event, Behind the Seams. In addition to the group collection, four of my personal designs walked the runway, showcasing my individual design perspective.
As a SWATCH Magazine Ambassador, I express my passion for trend forecasting and creative storytelling. My practical experience includes retail roles with LOFT and Pinch Apparel, where I developed skills in customer service, styling, and showroom management.
Additionally, my leadership as Philanthropy Vice President for Gamma Phi Beta and Head Coach for Girls on the Run demonstrates my commitment to community impact. With technical skills in Adobe Suite, CLO 3D, and pattern making, I strive to create innovative, sustainable solutions in fashion. My study abroad experience in Ariccia, Italy, deepened my global perspective and enriched my design approach, inspiring me to merge cultural dynamics with sustainable practices.
I am currently continuing my path as a Production Intern at Chic Soul in Opelika, Alabama, and will be seeking full-time employment opportunities upon graduating from Auburn University in May of 2026.
Fashion Event
As a part of the Social Media & PR committee for the 2025 Auburn University Fashion Event, I led the strategy behind growing our presence on campus and in the community. From developing creative social media campaigns featuring Auburn athletes and students across all majors, to partnering with local retailers and posting flyers in high-traffic campus buildings, I worked to maximize our reach and build excitement for the event across all corners of campus.
Swatch Magazine
I’m honored to have my work featured in the 2025 Issue 07 of Swatch Magazine. My article, “Café Closet: Coffee Grounds as the Next Fiber in Fashion,” is also proudly named on the magazine cover and displayed with a student design feature, showcasing my sustainable skiwear design based off of the use and technology of coffee ground fibers. During the 2024–2025 school year, I had the privilege of serving as a Swatch Ambassador, representing and contributing to the publication throughout the year.
Abroad
My International Human Sciences minor took me to Ariccia, Italy, for a transformative summer immersed in Italian culture and global perspectives. Living and studying abroad allowed me to engage deeply with human-centered studies, enhancing my understanding of international relations, cultural dynamics, and sustainable practices. This experience broadened my worldview and refined my design approach, inspiring me to infuse a more global perspective into my work in fashion and product management.
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