From Classroom to Collection: Student Designs Arkansas Gameday Apparel for Online Retailer

For Ally Hodges, a junior studying Apparel Merchandising & Product Development at the U of A, fashion has always been more than clothing—it has been a way to tell stories.

Growing up in a small town in Arkansas, Ally dreamed of one day working in the fashion industry. This past year, that dream became reality when she collaborated with rapidly growing online retailer, Cocolillys, to design an exclusive Arkansas gameday-inspired collection.

The collection was born from a vision to reimagine traditional Southern gameday style through a more timeless, elevated lens. Drawing inspiration from both the traditions she grew up with and her elegant eye for fashion, Ally designed pieces that celebrate Razorback spirit while remaining versatile enough to be worn well beyond football season.

Throughout the collaboration, Ally relied heavily on the knowledge and skills she has gained through the Apparel Merchandising & Product Development program. From trend forecasting and consumer research to product development and merchandising, the project challenged her to balance creativity with commercial viability while designing for a real customer and market.

 

 

 

 

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"One of the most rewarding parts of the experience was seeing the concepts I had envisioned become tangible products," Ally says. "It reinforced why I chose this field and showed me how the skills I've learned in the classroom translate directly into the fashion industry."

Working alongside the Cocolillys team also provided valuable insight into the collaborative nature of product development. Throughout the design process, Ally experienced the many stages involved in bringing a collection to life—from initial inspiration and design revisions to fabric selection, fit adjustments, production and launch preparation.

The opportunity reflects the experiential learning that defines the Apparel Merchandising & Product Development program, allowing students to apply classroom concepts to meaningful industry experiences before graduation.

As Ally continues working toward a career in the fashion industry, she hopes her experience encourages other students to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom.

"You never know where one conversation or one opportunity might lead," she says. "The Apparel Merchandising & Product Development program has given me the confidence and foundation to pursue experiences I once only dreamed about. This collaboration reminded me that with hard work, curiosity and a willingness to say yes, incredible opportunities can happen while you're still a student."

The exclusive Arkansas gameday collection will launch through Cocolillys this September, marking an exciting milestone in Ally's journey as an emerging fashion designer and showcasing the real-world opportunities gained by students in the U of A's Apparel Merchandising & Product Development program.