Renaissance Room Student Volunteer, Richard Chandler,’25, helping Morehouse College student with suit measurements for shirt size. Photo by Joshua Bass.

By Joshua Bass, Tiger Talks Co-Producer

On Feb. 6, 2025, the leading retailer in the United States Paradies Lagardére stopped by Morehouse College with one of their retail companies, Brooks Brothers, where they partnered with Morehouse’s Renaissance Room. The initiative encourages students to dress well and build confidence.

Hudson Osborne, a graduating senior, Political Science major from Oakland California was one of the student volunteers who assisted helping style students at the event.

“We give away free professional materials to all students at Morehouse College. We take donations from various different retail spaces, alumni, and even students as long as it’s ready to wear.” Osborne said.

The event itself highlighted the importance of professional dress and access to business attire, and the Renaissance Room helped college students take their wardrobe to another level.

“Before the Renaissance Room was completely ran by alumni and parents which is great. But you get used clothes, you get things that may have holes in them, things that

may not fit every student on campus.” Osborne said. “With us having a premiere retail store like Brooks Brothers coming straight to campus, it shows that our community sees what we’re doing and they want to help.”

In most professions, workers are required to be dressed nicely and appropriately; this collaboration helped students prepare for that level of professional dress in their future careers.

For Paradies Lagardére, it is more than just donating clothes. It’s about giving back and doing the necessary work to foster productivity.

“It’s always important that you reach back and you give, whether it’s knowledge or just your physical time. Allen Glover, Brand Manager for Paradies Lagardére said. “It doesn’t have to be belts; you can just give the knowledge of what to pass on to the next generation.”

Morehouse Student Tayvian Allen, ’27 engaging with Brooks Brothers team to receive his gift. 

With Morehouse being an institution known for encouragement of professional dress, the hope is that the partnership will continue for years to come.

“We now have a relationship with Kim Brown [Renaissance Room Manager], where we’ll have gently used clothing with other brand stores.” Glover said. “Going forward, this is what we’ll do and what we can do for the Renaissance Room and we’re just going to keep that relationship going.”

If you would like to learn more about the Renaissance Room, you can stay updated with their Instagram page: @morehouse.renaissance. To donate, volunteer or connect with the organization the corporate partnering email is: [email protected].