Teen Vogue University was in session this weekend. Now in its sixth year, the annual three-day event brought together 500 extraordinary college students with an interest in fashion to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime seminar. Students came from all over the world including Poland, Mexico and Colombia, hoping to graduate with learnings in areas of focus such as fashion design, styling and the magazine landscape.
Only the best were selected like Alexa Carlin from the University of Florida that interned at Red Branch Public Relations in New York this summer and now has her own company, Hello Perfect, a business that helps young women define the definition of perfect.
The curriculum was stellar and included over 30 classes to choose from throughout the day. Michael Kors gave his opening remarks and talked about how he built his brand while designer wisdom from Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, Peter Som and Jason Wu was undoubtedly some of the best inspiration a fashion hopeful could get. There was also tour of the Teen Vogue closet, a digital seminar and a trip to the Jessica Simpson showroom to get an intimate look at her billion-dollar brand.
Certain themes like having a point-of-view whether you are a designer or any hold position in the business stood out. What was also clear is that the fashion industry isn't just about creativity, and the proof was when Alexander Wang admitted that part of his enjoyment comes from reviewing his weekly sales numbers. Catherine Taich, an aspiring journalist and senior at University of Illinois said her highlight was hearing Michael Kors speak and the takeaway of the weeked was "be original and stick with your style, don't try to impress everyone."
Saturday closed with Teen Vogue 101, a Q&A with the editorial team that was most authentic. They gave candid advice, inspiration and tips that included how to stand out. Although, there was already a student ahead of the pack that recited a thirty-second freestyle rap about the editors and taught us all how to make a lasting impression.
Emerging designer? Please feel free to contact me at hello@melissahallny.com and follow me on Twitter at @melissahallny
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