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EASY STEPS TO CREATING THE PERFECT BLOG
FASHION STUDENTS PREPARE FOR LONDON TRIP
HOW TO PACK YOUR SUITCASE LIKE A PRO
International Issue
STUDENT TELLS ALL ABOUT TIME SHE SOLD COUNTERFEIT HANDBAGS
FIND INSIDE >> >>
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How to pack like a champ
Struggle to pack only the essentials when preparing to travel? Here is a how-to on what stays and what goes, along with advice on how to make it all fit.
Getting Paid for getting dressed
Fashion blogger herself, Francesca Aloe, gives some expert advice on how to start your very own blog (and maybe even earn a few bucks from it too).
11 Monochrome Magic There’s a new trend hitting the streets, and we’ve got our eye
on it. Find out how to rock the latest street style fashion that’s toned to perfection.
12 Rock the Dots There’s a mouse on the loose in the fashion world! That’s right
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13 The One Where I sold Counterfeit Handbags It’s not as bad as it sounds; we promise! Check out how
our co-editor once had her hand in the counterfeit purse market.
14 Documentary Review: THe True Cost
Hannah Lau gives her take on documentary The True Cost. The film opened the eyes of those who went to the Erie Art Museum last month giving them a look into the dark side of the industry they now aim to fix.
15 Letter from Paris Hear from fashion minor, Vas Bitsas, about her
extraordinary study abroad experience in Paris so far this semester.
Miss Minnie herself had a night out filled with fashion, celebs and photographers thanks to Refinery29.
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>> On the Cover:
Mercyhurst sophomore, Hannah Ziccardi tells us about her excitement about going to London this May with the fashion department as we get a look into her edgy fashion sense akin to the London street style culture (p.5).
ABOUT THE ISSUE
Okay, I’ll admit. I was a little biased when picking the theme for this issue of Statement. Being a future London traveler myself, I find myself being more and more appreciative toward all the opportunities studying abroad and traveling can bring to the lived experience of college. The world can educate us in so many ways. As lovers of fashion, we are more than well aware of this concept. Fashion is a universal
As we prepare for the upcoming trip to London this spring, it is hard for me not to mention international fashion. As someone who has never left the country, I am eager to immerse myself in a new culture while gaining memories and experiences that will last far beyond the time spent there. We are all extremely fortunate to attend a university that offers a variety of travel opportunities for students, maximizing our time spent in college and giving us new perspective. Mercyhurst fashion students and graduates have been able to thrive at both the national and international level. This issue of
language that captures hearts all across the globe. Though we come from different backgrounds, cultures and walks of life, we all understand style one in the same. This issue is an ode to the fantastical, universal world of fashion shared through the eyes of our very own students. - Katy
Huff
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Statement captures the essence of what the international fashion experience is about. I hope our readers are able to apply the articles relative to international fashion and the industry toward their future endeavors. Although the look may vary by nation, fashion is a global concept understood by all. Safe travels! - OLIVIA
WAGNER
CO-EDITOR
>> House of Hurst
This semester’s Fashion Journalism class was faced with a challenge: create Mercyhurst’s first ever fashion blog. Instructor, Jen Craven, set forth the mission (with much trial-and-error) to create the perfect site for publishing current fashion students’ writing talent. The site will be up and running very soon as these students hone in on their journalistic flair and creativity to unveil the latest and greatest blog known to fashion merchandising. Check it out at www.houseofhurst.com!
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Instagram Abroad
@anniecaminiti Amsterdam, Netherlands
This semester, more so than ever it seems, the fashion department has a whole slew of students studying abroad in various new and exciting places. Thanks to good old Instagram, we can keep up with their travels back here on campus. Whether it be from Ireland, Guyana, Amsterdam or France our girls abroad have been posting away all their day’s activities. (One almost has to wonder how much actual “studying” they’re really doing abroad?) Either way, we don’t mind admiring from afar. Here are some must see Instalove from our girls around the globe. @_vasilikib Carol and Kiki’s weekend adventure day two @ Notre Dame
@natabbate We saw the word fashion, so naturally we run over to get our picture taken by it
@zosiaelizabeth Dungarvan Harbour
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@maggiemcgouldrick Got to climb the cliffs today & I’ve never been more in awe of God’s creations
@lauboutins Am I Amazonian yet?
HOW TO PACK LIKE A CHAMP Packing: the evil of traveling. We’ve all been there; sitting on our suitcase trying to shove everything in. Of course it never works. The suitcase always wins, leaving us aggravated and defeated. But don’t throw in the towel quite yet because these tips will throw your suitcase a sucker punch.
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Know their weakness. Find those nooks and crannies.
The key to having extra space in your case is utilizing all the hidden spots. Start by shoving your socks and underwear in your shoes to free up some space as well as preventing your shoes from getting flattened in the shuffle. Be sure to fill in the gap between clothing piles with pajamas, toiletries, or my personal favorite: the straightener. Each suitcase has its weaknesses. You just have to find them.
Fold them, don ’ t roll
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Most say that rolling your clothes takes up less space, but really it doesn’t. To make the most of your space, fold your shirts and pants as you would. However, instead of laying all your clothes the same direction, alternate the direction of your shirts and pants so that the folded part of your clothes doesn’t all pile up on the one side. This will guarantee everything lays flat, optimizing your space.
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Bulk up. Wear your heaviest and bulkiest.
It may seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised by how many people pack their coats and boots. Instead of filling up your suitcase with your biggest garments, wear them to your destination. This will free up tons of space in your luggage.
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Save your secret move: the expandable portion.
Don’t be the opponent who brings out the big guns first. I know it’s tempting, but believe me if you use the expandable portion of your suitcase before leaving on your trip, you are a lost cause. There will be no hope for you when you try bringing everything back home, including your souvenirs. Save the expandable portion for a little extra wiggle room when returning home, that way you are guaranteed everything will fit. The next time you find yourself battling it out with your suitcase, remember these four simple tips. They will be sure to knock out the competition.
-LAURA SCHMIEDELER
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London Calling Ready for takeoff? A few very lucky fashion majors are! Every other year, the fashion department takes students across the pond to a fashion capital, and this year that capital is London. One particular fashionista on board is the lovely Hannah Ziccardi. Hannah can be seen around campus sporting her small chic black backpack and rocking her Vans with her headphones in. This girl has some serious fashion sense that is quite in step with the edge of London street style. Whether dressed in all black from head
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to toe or mixing things up with some funky, fresh patterns, Hannah always manages to have that effortlessly edgy vibe that makes her the perfect match for the department’s 2016 trip abroad to the UK. From the moment she heard where the department was headed, Ziccardi dashed to put in her deposit. Her heart was set on traveling to a destination she had always dreamed of landing in filled with that British spirit she feels at one with.
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“I love British people! I feel like de Last spring, all fashion students
the opportunity.”
the culture in London: their fashion,
received an email that included details
For many heading to London, this is
food, drinks and music.” London is such
of another exciting trip abroad. The trip
their first time flying across the Atlantic,
a culturally diverse city. How could one
included a five-day stay in the UK along
which is a little nerve-wracking to say
not find so much to love about it?
with many tours, sightseeing
the least. Not to mention, the flight time
excursions—oh, and of course, shopping!
was just posted for the students—4:07
learning about the specific sights the
p.m....not exactly the best time for those
students will be seeing. Hannah has one
fighting off nerves all day long.
in particular that she’s got her eye on. “I
Whether you’re British Royalty obsessed, find yourself stalking the likes of models such as Cara Delevingne
In fact, the flight alone almost deterred
Another huge part of the class is
have been dying to go on the London
on Instagram, have dreams of riding
Hannah from going on this trip of her
Eye since I was about 13 years old so I
the London Eye or just like the idea of
dreams. “The only thing that was some-
am definitely going to have to do that,”
ending the school year taking a trip to a
what holding me back was my fear of
She says. Many students in the class were
foreign country with your friends, there
airplanes,” she says. “I have never been
shocked to learn, however, that the
are many reasons why this trip met the
on a plane for longer than four hours
London Eye runs for about 30 minutes.
eye of future travelers.
so the idea of flying over the ocean for
Oh yeah, and it doesn’t stop moving—
close to six kind of freaks me out. But it’s
yikes! Nevertheless, you’d be crazy to
worth it in the end!”
pass up an opportunity like riding the
For Hannah, going to London was a given. “I decided to sign up for the London trip because it has always been
As long as the students keep in mind
Ferris wheel of a lifetime.
on my bucket list,” she says. “I love
this positive attitude, they’ll find fighting
traveling and seeing new places and
their fears of flying was far worth it in the
too afraid of heights), there’s still plenty
London was one of the firsts that I
end.
of majesty to find walking the streets of
For those not adventurous enough (or
wanted to travel to. I’ll be exploring the
Those going to London are currently
city with my friends—how much better
studying up on the culture of the city in
Buckingham Palace as well as a random
can that get!?”
their London Studies class taught by Jen
celebrity on the street. That would be
Craven.
cool,” Hannah says. “I really want to
Those who were lucky enough to make it before the 25 student cutoff had to sign
The class includes lessons on British
London. “I would love to see
visit Soho and Shoreditch in London.
up fast, but making it to Amy’s office
Royalty, famous designers and celebrities,
Shoreditch is known for its street art and
with her deposit slip on time was no
various neighborhoods, pop culture and
Soho for its shopping, which both seem
problem for someone as eager as
much more. Students learn new things
really intriguing to me.”
Hannah.
every class that makes their wanderlust
“My decision was so quick,” Hannah adds. “I’m pretty sure I had decided I was
grow more and more each day. Hannah particularly has a soft spot for
going before the trip was even official.
British culture. She says, “I love British
Since it has always been something I
people! I feel like deep, deep down, I
wanted to do, I knew I couldn’t pass up
could be British. I love everything about
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Answering London’s call, Hannah and the other travelers are more than ready to have the expereince of a lifetime May 25th. -KATY HUFF
eep, deep down I could be British.�
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d i a P g n i t t e G g n i t t e G r o f Remember that diary you used to keep under your mattress? You know, the one with your crush’s name written all over the inside cover? Might’ve even had a lock on it. Blogging is sort of like that except there is no lock and everyone gets a chance to read what you’re thinking. Mainly because it is content you’re willing to share. Maybe they’re kind of different, but you’re grasping the idea. Starting a blog, particularly fashion related, is relatively easy if you know where to start. If by chance you don’t then take a look at these steps and I’m sure you’ll be right on track.
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FIND YOUR NICHE
So, you want to start a fashion blog? Great! Fashion is so very vague that it’s near impossible to blog about everything in the industry. This is where the art of narrowing takes over. Do you like a certain style? Do you gravitate towards a particular region and their fashion? Whatever it is that you’re passionate about in fashion is going to be your niche.
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SEEK INSPIRATION
Let me set the record straight, this is not an invitation to copy another blog. That’s plagiarism and it is only going to hurt you and your blog. Take away some ideas instead. Someone’s post or layout might set off a light bulb.
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FIND A PLATFORM
Wix and Wordpress are some of the websites available to beginner bloggers. More importantly, they are free of charge. If you start a blog and realize it just isn’t you, there’s no harm done.
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DESIGN YOUR BLOG Whether or not you’re aware of it, you have a style. Some individuals enjoy a minimalistic approach whereas others tend to be a bit busier. Thanks to the platforms I mentioned above you can create as many or as little features for an easy navigation and eye-catching layout.
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MAKE A POST
Publishing your very first post can be a bit daunting. Just remember that it’s your blog. This is a creative outlet designed by you. Making your first post an introduction post can serve as an easy doorway for all of the juicy content yet to come.
Are you ready to start your online fashion diary now? Once you start it you’re going to fall in love with it. Oh, and did I mention you can work from your bed if you want? -FRANCESCA ALOE
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Being monochromatic means wearing separates of one cohesive color, having various textures and shades of that color mixed in, creating an overall tonal look. Wearing a single shade is a simpler, cleaner approach to putting an outfit together. In keeping your overall outfit within the same color hue, the outcome can be equally as noticeable as wearing a unique print or bold color. Many of us have already subconsciously dabbled in this trend. Black on black is always a favorite go-to for many fashionistas, and it happens to be one of the most straightforward and simple ways in testing the waters of monochromatic dressing. But while you can’t go wrong with all black everything, there are plenty of other ways to dive into this head-to-toe trend. You may not even need to purchase anything new to achieve this chic, polished style. Monochromatic outfits can be achieved in a plethora of ways that can be tailored to fit each and every individual’s unique sense of flair. Whether that’s incorporating new, trendier purchases with older more classic pieces, it’s all about feeling confident and making the trend your own. Wearing multiple layers that consist of different textures of one color can add depth and dimension to any outfit. It also allows one to highlight, or downplay, specific parts of the body. If you want to bring the focus upwards near the face, it would be helpful to wear bottoms that are a darker shade and then incorporate brighter
monochromatic magic It’s time to clean up our acts (in fashion related terms
variations of the color as you travel up the body. If the nature of this cosmopolitan style hasn’t already convinced you to give it a try, then here’s something to consider. When dressing monochromatically, an outfit is basically just one uninterrupted consistent line from head to toe that elongates the silhouette, helping one to appear slimmer and taller than they actually are. The monochromatic movement has proven that it is still going strong! It has moved off the runways and is now dominating street style all across the globe. Whether one’s rocking top-to-bottom jewel tones, crisp whites,
that is)! Bright outlandish suits, statement-making
or classic neutrals, monochromic dressing definitely leaves room
color combinations, and flamboyant outfits have
to mold into one’s individual personalized style. It surely has given
characterized street style for years, but the latest trend
the eye a bit of visual relief from the rather exuberant trends of past
in street style has taken a different approach to
seasons. No matter one’s shape or style, the monochromatic trend
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“standing out.” Today, monochromatic looks are
will always be a crisp easy way of looking simplistically trendy.
the latest obsession.
-RACHEL HALPIN
Designer Christian Siriano shows off his rockin’ design for Miss Minnie herself.
Rock the Dots This past January, Refinery29 and Disney teamed up
Kate Spade’s newest line, which hit stores in March is full of
to put on Minnie Mouse “Rock the Dots,” an interactive
polka dots and bows galore. The most anticipated design of
fashion and art show. The event celebrated Minnie Mouse’s
the night was Christian Siriano’s dress for Minnie Mouse’s
iconic style, which focused on her ultra girly polka dots!
red carpet appearance.
The event showcased a plethora of Minnie inspired
Siriano wowed the crowd when Minnie showed up in a
designs ranging from couture to ready-to-wear. Some of the
vibrant fuchsia A-line dress. When asked about his
designers included Vicky Martin Berrocal, Lauren Conrad
inspiration for the design, Siriano explained, “Minnie
and Kate Spade.
Mouse and her iconic style have had a huge impact on me
Brands such as UGG Australia and Sephora debuted
and on the fashion industry. I drew inspiration from Minnie
Minnie Mouse inspired collections, which are set to hit
Mouse’s ability to light up a room and designed a dress for
stores this coming spring. Conrad’s line for “Rock the Dots”
her that is happy, playful and what I like to call ‘downtown
was only one of her many collaborations with Disney. Last
chic.’ I also infused some special touches to celebrate her
season, she teamed up with them to design
classic polka dots.” He decided to have Minnie ditch her
MinnieMouse, Cinderella and Bambi inspired
classic bow worn on her head, and opt for large white bows,
lines as part of her LC Lauren Conrad line at
which were adorned all across the dress.
Kohl’s. Conrad isn’t the only
Refinery29 and Disney’s “Rock the Dots” event was just
designer to incorporate the
the beginning for Minnie Mouse‘s influence on fashion.
famous mouse into her
With all of the collections Minnie has inspired for the year,
collection.
this mouse isn’t leaving the fashion industry anytime soon in 2016! -CAITLIN REDDINGTON
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I“business was just shy of 16 when I started my own, shall I say, venture.” Because I was still too young to get a
part time job, I had to get crafty with how I would be making cash. What first started out as selling clothes that just sat in my closet, via eBay, soon ended in a suspended account on not one, but two sites. I began by purging my dresser and closet of clothes from seasons past. Every time one of my items sold, I got an instant rush. Once that was through, I was still hungry for money. My next step was taking my profits to thrift stores, finding name brand garments and selling them for more than the insanely low price I bought them at. This was instant profit and people jumped on it quickly. While out and about looking for garments to stock my eBay store, I found two hidden gems. The first, a small Louis Vuitton bag that appeared to be authentic. The second, a classic quilted Chanel bag similar to the 2.55 style. This bag was blatantly a fake since the gold CCs on the front flap had a number etched into them and the interior showed no authenticity. Each only cost four dollars so I went ahead and bought the bags intending to do some research on them. Even though I knew for a fact the Chanel bag was a counterfeit, I still had hopes for the Louis Vuitton. It was a small shoulder bag with the multicolored LV monogram and a little leather bow. Very Paris Hilton circa 2006. The inside was even further confirmation for me to believe I had come across the real deal. The lining, although a bit used, appeared to be on par with what Louis Vuitton produced and there was a leather tag stitched inside claiming authenticity. Was it possible that someone donated a bag worth hundreds of dollars, and I happened to buy it for a mere few bucks? After scouring the Internet, I finally found a webpage with examples of authentic and counterfeit designer goods. I indeed had a counterfeit good on my hands. The website indicated that Louis Vuitton never sold a bag with a leather bow attached and included other details that again proved this was nothing but an illegally made handbag. Now this is where it starts to get real shady, real quick. I knew these were hot ticket items that would sell no problem so I decided to take my chances and list them. I had seen so many women proudly strut around in their
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The One Where I Sold Counterfeit H a n d bag s obviously fake “designer” handbags. I knew someone out there was willing to pay me for these. I proceeded to list the bags on eBay in a strategic manner, ensuring I never used the designer name on the product listing. Instead I chose something along the lines of “Quilted Black CC Handbag.” How clever I thought I was. I managed to find a loophole in the system and was on my way to easy money. Not even 24 hours later, I received an email explaining that my listing was removed and I was suspended from any further use of eBay. Although this was quite an upset, it did not stop me. The bags were soon listed on Etsy and I was back in business. A few day went by and the counterfeit Chanel was sold for $50.00, giving me a 1,150% profit. Not bad for a fifteen year old. About a week went by from the time I listed the handbags and I got yet another email stating my activity was illegal and violated the terms of agreement for selling. Account suspended. Game over. Athough I technically supported and was involved with illegal trade, at the end of the day I still made $46.00 so I was pretty happy with myself. Since then, I have learned my lesson and DO NOT condone the sale or purchase of counterfeit goods. Counterfeit goods devalue a brand and are often times affiliated with organized crime. But if anyone is interested, I still have the fake Louis Vuitton and am willing to cut you a deal. -OLIVIA WAGNER
D o c u m e n ta ry R e v i e w
The graphic clips of the crushed workers and blood-rivers filling the streets of Bangladesh after the Rana Plaza sweatshop collapse made me think twice if my $5 T-shirt was really worth it. The images, interviews, and all around essence of “The True Cost” left me frankly dumbfounded about what is hidden behind the story our clothing. Look down. How does it feel to know that the shirt you are wearing right now at this very moment has a 97% likelihood that it was made by a worker in a third world country who gets paid approximately $10 a week. This worker probably has a child who was lying on the floor of the factory, breathing in toxic fumes while your “grab and go” T-shirt was being made. Shocking, heart-wrenching facts and information about our clothing industry would astonish
any and all viewers watching this documentary. The mastermind and director behind this horrifying masterpiece is Andrew Morgan. The images and connections he made with these workers from around the world emphasized the uncorrupted truth of what happens behind closed doors in the fashion manufacturing industries. It shows the grimy, scary, preposterous world that is forced upon the citizens of these countries, the workers of the factories and the effect on their lives as well as their families lives. One of the hardest moments to watch in this film was the scene with a woman from Cambodia who was shot, beaten and abused by its police force. She is shown bleeding out in the street during the worker’s strike,
just because she dared to voice her opinion to have a higher pay than $160 a year. That is $13 dollars a month. If you are intrigued by these facts and/or care about a life other than your own, I would highly suggest taking an hour and a half of your time to see how you could change a lifetime of someone stuck in the preposterous monarchy of fashion manufacturing. -HANNAH GRACE LAU
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Letter from Paris
a few euros to buy a small baguette or water to keep themselves
day my homestay mother took my flat mate and me around our
alive. People sleeping in the middle of the sidewalks just trying to
My experience in Paris thus far has been indescribable. The first
arrondissement, my heart was stolen and
keep warm really breaks your heart. This expe-
this city has yet to let go of it. I was placed
rience has truly brought a new outlook into my
in the 15th arrondissement—the same
life and I have learned to take nothing for granted
that the Eiffel Tower is located in, which I
because you never know what could happen.
can see from my bedroom window. Every
I have met some of the most amazing and
night I go to bed with the lights sparkling
interesting people in my stay. They come from not
through my curtains and fall asleep think-
only all around the country, but the world too! I
ing how lucky I am to be here.
have made friends from Thailand, China, Peru,
In all honesty, I was terrified to break
Guatemala, Hawaii, you name it! If I could convey
out of my little bubble in Erie. It was so
any advice to my fellow students at Mercyhurst,
hard to leave my comfort zone and branch
it would be to study abroad. This past month has
out into the unknown. Actually, not only the bubble of Erie but
been the best time of my life hands down and I want everyone to
that of American culture and society as well. I know for myself,
experience the amount of happiness I have felt.
the hardest adjustment was constantly seeing Syrian refugees on
Xo,
the streets—families, children, and elderly just scrounging for
Vas
International Alumni
Mercyhurst Fashion alumni and 1998 graduate, Amy Seabolt, gives an inside look at her successful career abroad. Now in Hong Kong, Amy oversees all marketing and communications for Dolce & Gabbana Asia-Pacific.
What her job entails: My department manages: Press and Communications – working with press, ce-
lebrities and other media and planning events to drive the awareness of Dolce&Gabbana; CRM and Marketing – which monitors and analyzes the clients’ shopping purchases and behaviors, as well as communications to customers and finding new and potential customers for Dolce&Gabbana. I manage and work on the content for all of our Chinese social media platforms and, E-Commerce – I watch this space as it is developing day-by-day!
How Mercyhurst prepared her for the industry + a career abroad:
I took advantages of ‘out of school’ opportunities whenever they came as I wanted to experience as much as possi- ble. These opportunities introduced me to all different types and facets of the industry. Having a career ‘abroad’ is no different from when you leave school and start working – you just need to be willing sometimes to step away from your comfort zone.
How Amy got to where she is today: Determination, an open mind and supporting my in-
dustry peers and colleagues along the way. In the fashion industry, you will always run across someone again so always leave the best impression.
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