Terance Mann, a five-year NBA veteran for the Los Angeles Clippers and a highly regarded philanthropist, will highlight the work of students from Lasell University School of Fashion at the upcoming Terance Mann No Limits Fashion Event, Thursday, August 15, at Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Lowell, MA.

All proceeds from the event, which includes a shopping experience, a student showcase, a runway-style fashion show, and an after party, will benefit the Terance Mann Complete Player Foundation (TMCPF), a non-profit organization committed to increasing opportunities for students by providing access to sports and academia.

Terance Mann, Most Valuable Fashionista

Mann, who will serve as host, is a well-known fashionista who uses his platform as an NBA player to promote diversity within the fashion industry, introduce new talent, foster innovation, and highlight trends that reflect myriad cultures and traditions.

“The Terance Mann Foundation is excited to partner with Lasell University and its prestigious Fashion Department,” said Daynia La-Force, TMCPF Executive Director. “The Lasell Community embodies everything the Terance Mann Foundation stands for. Providing a platform for young people to express their talents aligns perfectly with our mission.”

The Clippers’ point guard grew up outside of Boston and is dedicated to supporting the Massachusetts’ communities that helped raise him. Mann is thrilled to combine his passion for fashion and return to the Boston area to work with the students at Lasell.

“Lasell University is widely recognized for producing skilled, creative, and forward-thinking designers who attract the attention of the fashion industry,” said Ken Calhoun, Assistant Provost at Lasell University. “We are very pleased but not surprised that the Terance Mann Complete Player Foundation has recognized our students and the beautiful garments they produce.”

Our Student Designers

Lasell’s Taylor Lane '24, Lauren Swift '24, and Hazel Nichol’s designs will be featured in the Terance Mann No Limits Student Showcase. Their winning designs were selected from Lasell’s annual fashion show RUNWAY, a culmination of student’s work from the classroom, internship experiences and industry events. Each student received a $1,000 stipend and one will be chosen to design a garment that Mann will wear during the upcoming 2024-2025 NBA season.

Lane of Norfolk, MA, who recently graduated with a degree in fashion design and production, learned that she had been selected to participate in the student showcase during Lasell’s commencement ceremony. Inspired by the fashions worn by 1970s rock stars, Lane will present five pieces from her collection, designs that were first featured in Runway. Lane created these garments from sustainable materials, repurposing and reimagining bed sheets, curtains and tablecloths rather than using new fabrics.

“I’m so excited to show my work to another audience,” said Lane, who spent a year creating her collection. “It would be amazing to design something for Terance. Working with him would create a lot of opportunities for me.”

Lane, who hopes to establish a vintage clothing store one day, credits Professor Gail Jauregui for inspiring her to think outside the box and encouraging her to consider fashion in a new way.
“I love how fashion can be art, how a dress can be a piece of art,” said Lane.

Another fashion design major, Swift, is also a member of Lasell’s Class of 2024. The Lexington, MA resident was excited to hear that the Mann team loved her line.

“I was so overwhelmed and so excited,” said Swift. “Finishing RUNWAY and getting this amazing news was just the best day.”

Swift’s collection, “Bon Voyage,” which was created following her study abroad trip to Paris last June, features pieces that can be mixed and matched for travel.

“Professor Lynn Blake is my role model. She was my rock and was the one who encouraged me to take part in the trip to Paris. As a commuter student, that experience helped me connect with my classmates,” said Swift.

The Terance Mann No Limits Student Showcase has a special meaning for Swift and her fellow student designers.

“Every designer wants to be part of a fashion show. And now I get to be a part of one on my birthday with my family and friends in attendance,” said Swift.

Hazel Nichol '25 from Boxborough, MA is a rising senior majoring in fashion design and production. She wants to focus on sustainable fashion.

“I would like to work for a company that tries to minimize waste,” said Nichol.

Nichol has a message for incoming fashion students:

“Take advantage of all the support and resources available at Lasell,” she said. “Professors want to support you. Bring personal projects to your professors, they are always ready to help.”

Tickets to the Terance Mann No Limits Fashion event can be purchased here. For more information visit: tmcpf.org.