Longwood University has a new home for fashion lovers. “@longwood_fits” is an Instagram page created by junior Justin Ashkar that highlights students for their style, fashion sense and unique outfits. Since its first post on April 7, 2025, the account has grown to over 800 followers.
In an interview with The Rotunda, Ashkar said he was inspired by his love of fashion and desire to make a positive impact on the Longwood community. Longwood Fits has now expanded to a team of eight students, all with different styles. Members now include Ashkar, four original team members and three new additions.
Max Talha, a first-year student and new member of the Longwood Fits team, was first photographed for Longwood Fits on Accepted Students Day. When describing their experience being photographed for Longwood Fits, Talha said, “I feel accepted here, I feel noticed.” This experience inspired Talha to join the Longwood Fits team and “be in on making other people feel that way as well.”
Talha, a theater major, said Longwood Fits has also helped them meet other people in their major. "We've been bonding about the interviews that we've been doing and the pictures that we've been taking,” they said.
“It's very positive, there are so many different grades of students and so many different looking students, but we're always conversing.” said Talha about being a part of the Longwood Fits team.
Ashkar described his love for street fashion, denim, ripped shirts and sweater vests, but he expanded the Longwood Fits team to allow for new team members' input and to ensure different styles are being showcased.
Talha described their style as fluctuating depending on the day, but said, “I like layering a lot of stuff with jewelry, especially earrings.”
Virginia Commonwealth University and James Madison University also have Instagram pages dedicated to documenting fashion on their respective campuses. “@vcufits” specifically has over 15,000 followers and incorporates reels and interviews in its content.
Ashkar said that the response to Longwood Fits has been overall positive and supportive. Talha said, “It has been nice to get to know people before school even started, and bond over the pictures we were taking.”
Ashkar said that he hopes to expand Longwood Fits, incorporating themed days and possibly starting a fashion club on campus. The account recently posted two new reels, asking students what they're most excited about this semester and what their favorite songs are. The first reel, about students’ music preferences, has received almost 300 likes as of publication.
Ashkar's advice for students who want to be featured on Longwood Fits is to stand out — whether by wearing a bright color, adding an accessory or showcasing your personality through your outfit. “Be unique. I take pictures of people who just have cool-looking jeans, or maybe it's their bag,” Talha said. “It's just any little piece that stands out to me, and can make the outfit pop.”
