By Tyler Martin

As my time at SMU comes to a close, this moment feels incredibly bittersweet. Graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter, but it also means saying goodbye to a place and a platform that has shaped me as both a writer and creative.

I joined SMU Look my freshman year as a digital writer, just excited to be a part of the team. After my first semester, I had this idea. I wanted to commit to writing about fashion consistently. Not just about trends, but the people, stories and conversations behind them. That idea became Tyler Talks Fashion. Since the beginning of my sophomore year, I’ve written this column alongside various roles at SMU Look, and it remained a constant throughout my time here. Including this final piece, I will have published 60 articles, and it’s a body of work I’m so grateful to leave behind.

What started as a personal creative outlet turned into such amazing opportunities. Through this column, I had the privilege of speaking with people I’ve admired for years, from Morgan Stewart and Allison Bornstein, to industry leaders like Stuart Weitzman, Kendra Scott, and Cynthia Rowley, and voices shaping fashion journalism today, like Teen Vogue EIC Versha Sharma. Each conversation taught me something new, not just about fashion, but about the power of storytelling, showing up prepared, and staying curious.

None of this would have been possible without Professor Davis who believed in me early on and encouraged me to pursue this idea fully. Her support, guidance, and trust made me keep writing, keep asking, and keep pushing myself. I’m endlessly thankful for her as a mentor and for SMU Look as a whole, which is a platform built on so much collaboration, creativity and the talents of so many students.

To current and future SMU students: speak up and ask for what you want. The SMU and Dallas communities are incredibly supportive, and people truly want to help you succeed. Say yes to opportunities even when they feel intimidating. You never know where a small idea might lead.

Being the first columnist for SMU Look has been such a privilege, but what excites me the most is knowing someone else will take this space and make it their own. There is no single person who defines SMU Look. It’s the students, the teamwork and the shared vision that makes the publication so special.

I’m forever grateful for everything SMU Look has given me and the role it played in shaping my writing, leadership and creativity. While it’s hard to say goodbye, I’m so excited for what’s ahead. Thank you for reading, supporting and growing with me!

Officially signing off, Tyler Talks Fashion