Fashion Marketing Day

This past Friday was the annual trip to NYC for Fashion Marketing Day! It is one of my favorite events sponsored by the Clay Center and it gives Villanova students the chance to visit the offices of well-known fashion brands to learn about the company and hear from top people in those companies discussing their career paths and giving helpful advice on how to pursue a similar career.

In the past we've visited companies such as Michael Kors, Estee Lauder, Lord & Taylor, American Eagle and this time we went to IMG, Salvatore Ferragamo and Bloomingdale's. First we went to IMG, and we were lucky enough to hear from Fern Mallis, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion who runs Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. She told us all about her background and how her position as the Executive Director for the Council of Fashion Designers of America led to her current role with IMG. It was also very interesting to hear how Fashion Week came to be at one central location after a 1991 incident at a Michael Kors show in a old loft in Manhattan had pieces from the ceiling falling down during a show.

Next, we went to the beautiful 5th Avenue office of Salvatore Ferragamo (where this picture was taken!) and learned all about the brand and how it has evolved and then we heard from the HR Manager there who informed us about their internship program and gave us all her card to send our resumes along. It is opportunities like this that make these experiences so worth it since it gives us the chance to network with people from great companies and expand our potential for getting a great internship or even job!

The last place we went to was Bloomingdales. They talked all about their program for new hires in the Buying Department who go through extensive training and workshops to be fully prepared for their career as Buyers. It is path with has great opportunities for growth and a clear plan for promotions from Asst. Buyer all the way to a General Merchandise Manager who reports to the CEO.

Overall, I loved getting to learn more about these brands and get a glimpse into how they are run but the most important advice I have for those who attend events such as these is: never underestimate the power of a thank-you! These people take the time out of their days to talk to all of us and give us great career advice. It is a gesture which should not go unnoticed and by saying thank-you, it is a great way to reinforce the relationship you can develop with them for future career opportunities. I hope to one day be in a position to be able to be a resource for Villanova students to reach out to since I have been so thankful for the mentors I have met during my time as a student here!