By Melanie Eiges

Being involved in the fashion industry may seem like a dream for most high school fashionistas. For some, this dream has become a reality.

Nordstrom created the BP Fashion Board as a program for high schoolers, allowing them to prepare for a future in fashion. This program is all about letting high schoolers get their foot into the fashion industry and preparing them for their futures.

To be on the Fashion Board, students go through an application process, an interview, and a fashion project. Each girl is hand-selected based on personality, interest in fashion, and willingness to learn the ins and outs of the fashion world.

“I am really into fashion and I felt like by applying for this position on the board, it would really show me in depth what fashion trends really mean and what’s in and what’s out,” said junior Jenna Herana, who is a first-year board member.

Students from all over the Bay Area, including many Cal High students, have been getting involved in this program since 2005.

“On the board we listen to guest speakers and learn about new items and trends in BP,” said sophomore Tessa De Vilbiss. “We also get work experience at Nordstrom and help the managers advertise and better improve their understanding of the customer.”

Besides learning fashion trends throughout Nordstrom, the girls on the board also go to off-site locations such as The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in San Francisco.

Cal students are being given the opportunity to do something that they love in a field that interests them. Many students have participated in the past and are currently in school for fashion.

“Nordstrom has a variety of jobs whether they are in the department stores or corporate offices and I felt by joining the BP fashion board would really allow me to get a feel for how they work and a slight advantage over other applicants,” said former Cal High student and two-year board member Chelsi Lopez.

By being a part of the fashion board, students get their voices heard about trends and styles they see or think are popular.

“I had the opportunity to go to the SF Nordstrom to listen to a buyer describe how to pick clothes for BP,” said Chelsi.

The BP Fashion Board is benefiting the girls of the future by teaching them many life skills that are needed to help survive the fashion industry.

“It’s definitely helped me a lot because getting to work there has taught me about retail and can help me get a job at Nordstrom when I’m older,” said Tessa. “It gives a great understanding for what people in the fashion   (industry) do and their jobs.”

While being a member of the board, the girls are given the opportunity to meet girls from different high schools. Each girl has a different experience on the board. Each member of the board shares an equal love for fashion.

“I would describe my experience on the fashion board as very informative and fun. I met some great girls who had the same passion as I did on the board and I learned a lot at the same time,” said Chelsi.

BP Fashion Board also holds fashion shows biannually. The next one is scheduled on March 20th at Pleasanton Nordstrom and will present spring fashion trends.