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Freelance Stylist - Study Tour Visit

This weeks study tour visit was with Maggie, a freelance stylist who works on broadway shows. I never knew how much went behind the scenes with broadway. Or the positions available within the theatre industry.

Maggie was able to inform us on just exactly what her life is like within her position. How she deals with the actors, managing her family and travel, and maintaining good relationships with all of her coworkers. Her work is detailed and she is very much needed to help the show go on. Maggie helps with the costume care, dressing and maintaining of the costumes. She works closely with the actors and learns the best and most efficient ways to keep the costumes in the show cycle.

Previous to this, I had little knowledge of theatre. However, I have had experience of being a dresser for several fashion shows so I get the basic idea. The dressers for these shows take on a larger role. They have to create notes for others to follow and keep a really well-organized wardrobe for the actors.

After Maggie explained her position, it sounded very fun and exciting! Getting to listen and see shows and working so directly with the costumes sounds amazing. Who knows what the future holds, but this position sounds intriguing enough to be a potential option!

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The Met Gala - Study Tour Visit

For my independent visit, I chose the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This place has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. I have visited before, but only to sit on the steps and feel like I was in all those New York movies. Before going in, I believed this to be a fashion museum, solely based on the fact that the Met Gala was held here. To my surprise, it was not.

As soon as I went in, it was beautiful. There were so many options of rooms to walk into, you can get lost so easily. I went first to the Egyptian exhibit and I saw real tombs, which was the most craziest thing to me. As I continued on, I went to this British art gallery and saw such eccentric furniture. I honestly got lost so many times. There are rooms within rooms. I feel like this is a place where you should visit multiple times just to take everything in.

Of course, the purpose of my visit was to see fashion - so thats what I did! I saw the exhibit, America the Lexicon of Fashion. The designs were beautiful and I saw really extravagant dresses. I was mesmerized by everything I looked at in this museum. I want to take anyone who is willing to go with me, back to it! I definitely want to visit more, I feel like I only touched the surface of what was to be seen.

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This week we went to Diane Von Furstenberg, a clothing store located in Chelsea. Diane creates her own designer clothing with help from a team of designers. They also have their own print house, so they create their own prints. Diane Von Furstenberg has been around since 1970, with some of the same styles still in store today!

This is actually the second time I have been here. The first time, I really only came to look at the art gallery on the right side of the store. Their price range was a little to high for me to pique my interest, but it was still fun to look. I learned a lot about Diane, especially the fact that she lives on the fifth floor of this building and occasionally comes down to speak with customers. Her styles are so popular that other brands have taken them and added their own twists.

I thought it was really cool that near the 70s-80s she sold her name to someone for a few year to take a break and rejuvenate herself. She went to Paris to immerse herself in a literary crowd and then went to Bali to immerse herself in the spiritual crowd. Overall this store was really interesting to look at and I would love to shop here when I have become successful business woman!

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Aritzia Study Tour Visit

This week we went to Aritzia in the Hudson yards mall. Aritzia is a clothing company that originated in Canada and came to the U.S about 10 years ago. Based off the information of the store manager, their first store opened in SoHo New York and is expanding rapidly throughout the U.S. The store manager also mentioned that Aritzia is like the “Gap” of Canada. They have had the same customers shopping there for the last 20 years.

I actually never heard of Aritzia until I came to New York. One of my friends that I study abroad with, loves this store, and brought me here for the first time about 2 months ago! I absolutely love the style of this place as well as the aesthetic. I can tell they really have quality items and I understand why they price their products a little bit higher. If I could, I am sure I would spend a ton here because I think this style is similar to my own.

Yes, their pricing as at a higher scale. But, they source more sustainably and have moved their products into a more ethical tone. There leather is now all vegan, which helps to show their efforts towards sustainability.

I really loved getting to look around this store and talking to the employees. This is definitely a place I would like to go to in the future. This is a place I would go to as a successful business woman!

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Dover Street Market Visit

This week, our class went to Dover Street Market. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this week but I plan to visit on my own! But, thats not to say I was unable to see any of it. Through their website, and a quick google search I can see that these places seems like a collection of high-fashion pop-up stores. Bringing art to life through physical elements and through the principle of design in merchandising.

The pictures shown here are most likely not up to date. But I feel that they give me a really good idea as to what this market entails. It seems like an art exhibition for clothes. Even their website had a great design. Everything draws you in… but maybe not the price tag. If you plan to purchase something here, I can tell you need to have a little money in the bank. But that does not stop you from looking at it!

The Dover Street Market seems like a really cool market to go to. I bet this place would help you get your creative juices flowing. In the future, I would like to start a boutique and create my own displays. Just from looking at this images, I already have some reallly good ideas I would like to move forward with! It is nice to take inspiration, and really look at the world fashion has to offer.

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Nyes Study Tour Visit

This week we visited an embroidery company called Nyes. It’s based in New York City. They have been a round for a long time working with major brands an companies, creating embroidered pieces for them.

Prior to this visit, I did not realize companies did not make their own embroidery for their collections. I assumed it was in the design process of the garment. Here brands like Ralph Lauren, send them an embroidery pattern they want made and they create the design and send it to be produced on all garments.

What I thought was really cool, was this machine called Coloreel and it dyed the thread as it was being sewn onto the garment. I never knew how much work went into embroidery and how many different options there were to incorporating print and embroidered designs onto garments. Overall, it was a really interesting visit. It would be really cool to create something on my own there!

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Ross Virtual Visit

Today in class we had a virtual visit from a Ross recruiter. She was very nice and was very informational on the company, the positions and the opportunities. She talked about the planning positions, buying positions and the intern positions. Since I have started college I have been very interested in buying. Of course, I am open To anything but a buying position has always peaked my interest the most.

I never heard of Ross before coming to college, mainly because we do not have them in my hometown. My first time going into a Ross was in Florida, and I was very surprised by their selection. There were brands I recognized and purchased from before, so I knew the clothing was quality. But, I also considered it more of a TJ Maxx or a Marshalls. I never really considered a position at this company.

Now learning that this is something I can rise in and work my way up through the company, I have become interested! The jobs are also available in LA which is where I want to live post graduation. I have been job hunting there, not really sure of my options, so this is something I am definitely going to consider. I really appreciated her coming in and explaining what a great opportunity this would be!

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Nordstrom Digital Merchandiser Visit

This week we got a visit from Jamie Seiden over google meetings! Jamie works at Nordstrom as a digital merchandiser. She works with a large team over many departments. Her work is mainly all e-commerce which seems to be more popular amongst the people I talk to that have graduated. I am curious to see how easy it is to move from one position to another, and depending on the certain company, if you can be “cross-trained” into something new.

What was really interesting is that she is still work from home, and transitioned fully from the office to work from home. She graduated in 2014 from FIT, and she majored in retail merchandising. This is very similar to my major (Fashion Merchandising) and I am sure there are many similarities amongst them. I am very interested in buying, and based off her experience and internship, this is where she started. But, she transitioned into digital merchandising from buying rather than working in that singular field.

From my understanding, she is able to work into buying if she would like. But, I also understood that her position has similar responsibilities. This makes me excited to graduate and really start my career. I never really thought work from home would be an option by the time I graduated because it was so far away. Now its here and it is very prominent in the fashion industry. I am someone who would love to travel and work from different places all over the US or even the world, so it is intriguing to me. There are so many more options and positions available, I am excited to see more!

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Fifth Avenue Woman Visit

This week we visited Fifth Avenue Woman, a jewelry showroom. A showroom is a business that sells a variety of products/ brands at a wholesale price. Showrooms either sell brands or products that they represent or they sell brands or products that are their own. It varies depending on each one. They sell to larger stores like Bergdorf Goodman‘s, as well as smaller stores, like boutiques. And even to individuals! The owner of this showroom was Sophia. And she was kind enough to let us purchase jewelry we loved!

I currently work in a fashion showroom who represents five brands. But I have never been in a jewelry showroom before. It was very interesting to see all the different styles, especially their price range. There were products ranging from $2 to $3000, and that is just the wholesale price. These products retail at around $9000! I purchased several pieces of jewelry today including two bracelets and two rings. I was told they would retail to around $80-$100 dollars altogether and I got all four pieces for $14. I am so grateful!

She taught us what different stones meant and the powers they are said to hold. One story I distinctly remember was when Sophia was talking about silver. In the time of dynasties, if I remember correctly, Silver was used to determine if their were poison in drinks because it would turn a brown color when it touched poison. This was a way to protect the emperor! I learned a lot today about the different stones, and it makes my purchase feel even more special. I am excited for the more visits to come!

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Bergdorf Goodman Store Visit

This week we visited Bergdorf Goodman on 5th Avenue. This was a first for me! I have not gotten the chance to visit a lot of stores here, especially ones who are known for their fashion and their own personal store aesthetic. But I felt like I got to visit a little bit of everything at Bergdorf Goodman’s! This store include many luxury and designers brands including Valentino, Michael Kors, Dolce & Gabanna and many, many more. Bergdorf has been in the same location in NYC for 128 years!

Bergdorf Goodman was founded in 1899 by Herman Bergdorf and later managed by several generations of Goodman’s. It originally started as a trailer shop in midtown manhattan. The store was one fo the first to introduce ready-to-wear fashion to a department store, and it became all the rave. Now, it is a very successful store that helps a multitude of clients including celebrities and even royalty!

I was in awe as soon as I stepped in. Many of the brands I cannot see myself affording for many years, but that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy looking! We had a wonderful guide as well, her name was Beverly. She told us amazing stories of clients she worked with, her job seemed like a dream! I expect that I will be back soon to soak in more of the store!

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PRADA VISIT

This week our class visited Prada. I was unfortunately unable to go because had to work at Coterie for my internship. It was an absolutely amazing experience as I am sure Prada would have been. This is a dream store to visit, so I will make sure to stop by before my time in NYC comes to an end.

Previously, I learned a little bit about the history of Prada in a class called Italian Fashion and Culture. In my blog post today, I want to revisit the history of Prada and how it became popular designer brand.

Prada was founded in Milan, Italy in 1913 by Mario Prada. Prada was originally a leather goods store and did not really change or impact the world, as heavily, until his granddaughter, Miuccia Prada took over. She designed a black nylon backpack that became a huge success and continued to create. The focal point of Prada soon became shoes and handbags with Miuccia’s stylish and eccentric designs. People from all over became obsessed with Prada.

And they still are today! I can not say I have ever owned a pair of Prada, but one day it would be pretty cool to say I own a pair of designer shoes. I have seen Prada bags almost as much as I have seen Louis Vuitton bags in NYC and they are absolutely stunning! Everything about Prada is stylish. I recently saw a Prada bag that looked like a cross body fanny pac, but a lot more modern. Guess what? It is new on my wish list!

Another week, another study tour. Let’s see what happens next!

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M & S Schmalberg Visit

This week in my study tour class we visited M&S Schmalberg. They create custom fabric flowers. This company is family owned and has been around for over a hundred years. They create products for everyone and everything, really whatever you want a flower for! this could be from home furnishings, to fashion, to hair pieces or even bouquets. Each flower is handmade and incorporates different techniques and styles.

This was my first time hearing of this place and visiting it! And I thought that it was absolutely amazing. The flowers were beautiful and it was interesting to see how each one was made. I never put much thought into how artificial flowers were made. I assumed a machine, which i am sure some are. And considering this is the last custom flower shop in NYC, I assume they are the only ones who make them by hand. Walking into the office, you can see all the pictures of celebrities who have worn their flowers and it is really cool to see exactly where some celebrities get the flowers that they wore.

Learning about the people and brands that purchased from them was also interesting to hear about. They made flowers for Met Gala gowns including Lili Reinhart, an actress wearing all 50 flowers from each state flower as well as other celebrities. When I visited, they said they are currently working on a custom flowers for Vera Wang and just the though of a big designer purchasing from a company that I was able to visit was amazing (and I got to see the fabric before hand!) Overall, it was an incredible experience and probably my favorite so far. On to the next!

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Scavenger Hunt

This weeks adventure was touring NYC! We were assigned a scavenger hunt of places in NYC. I had so much fun with this because I have only visited NYC a few times and never really toured all the amazing spots in the Big Apple.

Our first stop was a place between two lions - the NY Public Library. Around the corner behind the library, we found the next place which was Bryant Park. We then walked back to Fashion Avenue and saw a Giant button on top of a kiosk called the Garment District Alliance. My group and I believed the five Burroughs of the city were represented by the five holes in the button. We continued to walk down 7th Avenue and found silver plaques. These represented well-known fashion designers.

And then, like last week, we came upon Mood Fabrics! An interesting fact about this store is that you can get a swatch of almost anything, but an employee has to cut the swatch for you. Our next stop was the All-In-One Store. They sell fixtures and interior design as well as show storeroom design. The world famous store is the sight we visited next, Macy’s! We then visited Herald Square which was close to Macy’s. We then came across H&M. I learned today that this is a Swedish shopping Mecca. I also learned that H&M stand for Hennes & Mauritz.

Our last few stops started off with an incredible trim store called M&J Trimming. After this, we took the subway and found something we all found familiar… TJ Maxx and Marshalls! Our next sight is also known by many, FIT - the Fashion Institute of Technology. Right now they have show going on in the Fashion Museum titled, “Ravishing: The Rise in Fashion”. I am sure that would have been amazing to see.

Overall, I found this to be a great experience. I got both my steps in and my sight-seeing! I cannot wait to explore more of NYC the rest of this semester and I look forward to all the experiences it has to hold.

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Mia Tope

Study Tour

Mood Fabrics is one of the world’s most famous fabric stores due to its appearances on top hit shows like Project Runway, and its inventory of designer fabrics. They have many different design products including trims, buttons, thread and even home decor. The store itself has multiple floors, each floor specializing in certain fabrics and other products.

I knew of Mood Fabrics because of Project Runway. It was always a bucket list place for me. I knew of the multiple floors, but I never really knew just how much of an assortment they had! Everything you can think of or anything you could ever need is in Mood. Walking in, you feel like the possibilities are endless. They also have garments on mannequins already designed that are just stunning (not pictured).

It is a whole experience just walking in there. And I did not expect just how much Mood has to offers. Project Runway made the space look somewhat small, but I am sure that is due to the filming and how hectic the experience seemed. I loved seeing the colors and being able to feel each fabrics. There were fabrics I have never gotten the opportunity to see or touch before and it was really interesting to understand how diverse some fabrics are!

I am excited for all the new places I will see in NYC!