MPorium Brings Iconic Style to Life at 84.5 Classic Rewind Grand Opening

MPorium employees checking out customer at register. Photo by Lea Papakosmas '25

Students have been anticipating the long-awaited release of MPorium at Marist’s new theme for the Spring 2025 semester. This year, students get to experience the “84.5 Classic Rewind” theme and shop new arrivals of apparel, accessories and stationary items embodying the vintage record store and rock 'n' roll aesthetic. 

Whether you’re a frequent MPorium shopper or a first-time visitor, the store never fails to amaze the Marist community each semester and offers something for every student.

“I feel like it's edgier than what they go for, and it's really cool,” said Colette Ward ‘26. “I really like what they are doing on social media, and they did a great job with resonating with different generations.”

This theme radiates a legendary, cool and timeless vibe in contrast to their earlier themes of spring florals to the collegiate core. 

To attract multiple generations, the MPorium staff wanted something unique. They decided on a rock 'n' roll theme as everyone has a connection to music.

“Because we are located in Steel Plant, our main target market is fashion and art students. However, we want everyone on campus and beyond to know about and visit MPorium. We thought this specific theme was the perfect way to draw them in. This semester, we focused on having something for everyone, and because of the feedback we’ve gotten, I think we achieved this goal,” said MPorium Buying Student Director Mya Randall ‘25. 

Every semester takes a distinct approach based on the theme, from the grand opening concept to the boutique's design and planning process. Over the summer, the directors and Rebecca Brown, the academic advisor, started generating ideas for the theme. During the winter break, they began to plan more thoroughly.

“The visual team starts their design ideas, and the buying team and I started trend research right away when we came back this semester. The whole class transformed Mporium from Collegiate Core to 84.5 Classic Rewind in just one weekend,” Randall said. 

“For the buying team, specifically coming up with our Grand Opening apparel, it took multiple meetings to create a final plan,” she continued. “We asked the class for feedback, made changes and went back and forth multiple times.”

Among the new products are their piano coin purse bag charm, real leather fringe tote bag, Marist monochromatic crewneck with matching shorts and more. The shop also features updated decor and other new features.

“Customers will discover something new every time they enter the store, whether it’s a specific record hanging on the wall or a new band t-shirt,” said Randall. 

Kait Dugan '25, the photographer for MPorium, designed a print vending machine similar to Grand Central Station's Mini Print Vending Machine.

This machine functions similarly to others: insert four quarters into the slot, press it in and a unique hand-drawn print with a Marist theme emerges. During the Grand Opening, this became an immediate hit, and many continue to visit MPorium every day in anticipation of receiving a fresh print.

“Students and members of the Marist community can be transported back to the 70s, 80s and 90s with the music, decor and products. This theme specifically resonates with those who grew up during those times, giving a feeling of nostalgia,” said Randall. “Compared to previous grand openings, this has something for everyone.”