Statement Alexis Stuck
dishes about her family’s luxury re-sale business
Up-and-coming designers in the Industry
Must-have items to build your spring wardrobe
Mercyhurst University Fall 2017
S T A T E M E N T Table of Contents 4. Pretty But Not Precious
Kate Wendleborn of Protagonist is a designer rapidly climbing to the top.
7. #HurstIsHome
Don’t believe us? Ask our students!
10. Sustainable Fashion is Trending
Includes an exclusive discount code for STATEMENT’S readers!
13. Fashion Films for a Lazy Day
Next time it rains, snuggle up in bed with a mug of coffee, light a candle and put on one of these movies.
15. So, you Missed the NYC Trip?
Dechlyn Sheffer shares the highlights of the department's trip last spring.
5.
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JUST AN AVERAGE MONDAY FOR OUR F.I.T. STUDENTS
8.
COVERGIRL ALEXIS STUCK IS A TOTAL #GIRLBOSS
12.
THE FASHION COUNCIL GETS A MAKEOVER
Letters From the Editors Rachel Lynch Editor-in-Chief
I won’t lie to you, this edition of Statement was inspired in part by the new Netflix Series GIRL BOSS, which I binged in a single day. I’ve loved the brand Nasty Gal and admired Sophia Amoruso since high school and with the newfound popularity of her story, the #GirlBoss trend seems to be cropping up everywhere. Besides being a current hashtag on social media, it also has become a trendy retail theme. I walked into Charming Charlie a few weeks ago to be greeted by the slogan and when my Ipsy bag arrived this month, the theme was “like a boss.” Inspired by this trend and the strong women and men in our department, there could be no better theme for the fall edition of STATEMENT.
Briana Harrison Co-Editor
I am one of those individuals who loves to think outside of the box. When it comes to fashion, I have always been fascinated with the creative aspects that accompany it. As a new school year unfolds before us, I am both thrilled and honored to have been given the position of Co-Editor of STATEMENT and work alongside Rachel to bring the ideas of our fashion community to life. Whether your interests lie within industry trends, department news, or keeping up with alumni and job opportunities, STATEMENT has something for you. We hope that this issue inspires you to contribute and offer up your ideas for next season’s issue. STATEMENT is a representation of the accomplishments and success that the Fashion Merchandising Department at Mercyhurst has experienced and will experience in the future. One person’s voice can be heard in the industry, but it takes an entire group of people to make a STATEMENT. 3
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Up-and-Coming in the Industry It
is no secret that women are killing it in the world of business. Within the fashion industry today, it is very common for women to make a name for themselves as successful businesswomen and entrepreneurs. Repeatedly, women have proven how valuable they are to the industry and do not appear to be backing down anytime soon. The industry is constantly changing and evolving, presenting a world of opportunity for new names and faces. Dozens of young designers set out to introduce themselves to the elites of the fashion industry in hopes of becoming the next big thing. Kate Wendelborn is an up and coming female designer who is not afraid to stick her foot in the revolving door of the fashion industry. Kate Wendelborn is one female within the industry who made a name for herself in 2017. Based in New York City, Wendelborn was a graduate from the Fashion Institute of Technology. In the autumn of 2012, she launched a ready-to-wear label “Protagonist” alongside her sister Morgan and friend Chris Ryskiewicz. After leading the company for three years, Wendelborn made an executive decision to leave Protagonist and venture off on her own. As a prime example of an independent woman achieving success within the industry, she launched her company in September of 2015 and it has since grown to new heights. All the rave over Wendelborn and her brand took off very recently after the debut of her Autumn/Winter 2017 collections were readily available and recognized throughout the industry. The brand consists of product categories ranging from knitwear, t-shirts, and leggings to its newest introduction of dresses and outerwear. Vogue described the brand as, “simple but not boring, surprising but not intimidating, and pretty but not precious.” Wendelborn envisions her brand as being one that is successful and legitimate while appealing to mature women. Wendelborn has a unique and abstract way of marketing and portraying her brand. The brand is so simple and carefree to an extent of desirability. Although she may not be a “new” designer so to speak, Wendelborn has put a new approach to womenswear that has sparked a reaction.
Wendelborne’s collections can be viewed directly on her website as well as on her Instagram page. As of now, her clothing can be purchased through retail companies such as Moda Operandi and SSENSE. However, an online shop is coming soon to Wendelborne’s website displaying readily available merchandise that can be purchased. This season Wendelborne sparked the interest of some important people, landing her a spot among the top up-and-coming designers of 2017. The fashion industry is a gamble, one day you’re in and the next you’re out. No two days, designers, or brands are ever the exact same. Time and time again, women like Wendelborn stun the fashion industry with their determination and passion. Success derives from these two qualities and positively impacts the industry as a whole. - BRIANA HARRISON
From The Loft to the Runway: The Inside Scoop on Working New York Fashion Week
This September I had the opportunity to work New York Fashion Week. Although this sentence alone prompts images of couture garments, The second show I worked A-list models, and Vogue-worthy mo- was a bit more of what I expectments, the reality of it is a bit different. ed. I was a dresser for a show called Indonesian Diversity, The first show I worked was a which featured five prominent dress rehearsal for Tory Burch. Ini- designers from Indonesia. Halletially I thought I would be running lujah, no more stand-in modeling. errands, helping set up the show, or putting together goody bags. When The hustle and bustle of I got to the venue I was asked, “Have backstage is far more intense than you ever walked with us before?” Now you would ever imagine. We had as you are reading this, you cannot tell just moments to get models into what I look like, but it is safe to say I their looks and send them down have never walked or modeled for a the runway. Somehow the fastfashion show in my life. I was given paced production managed to go a number and lined up with the rest seamlessly, which you would have of the volunteers. Turns out, myself never guessed based off the chaos and the volunteers were the stand in of backstage. The glitz and glammodels for the morning (yikes). Let’s our of the fashion most definitivejust say my stubby legs and walk of ly masked the rushed frenzy actua duck was not exactly model status. ally happening behind the catwalk.
Although the two shows I worked were drastically different, they gave me insight to how fashion shows are put together for NYFW. Everyone from the designers, to the models, to the makeup artists all play a crucial role into the success of the show. Even if it wasn’t exactly how I dreamed it to be, it was nonetheless an incredible experience. And hey, I can now say I was a standin model for Tory Burch.
-OLIVIA WAGNER 5
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#HurstIsHome The days leading up to my
first day at Mercyhurst University were overwhelming, to say the least. And not just because I was leaving 18 years of my life behind, but because I had no clue what clothes to bring. As a person who has always had an interest in fashion, I think I can put an outfit together fairly well. I stick to a casual look, mostly centered around a nice blouse and a trusty pair of jeans or pants. But as the days drew closer and closer to August 18th, I couldn’t help but let my mind wander into the black hole of “what ifs?” What if my style is too casual compared to the other Fashion Merchandising majors? What if my style is too eclectic to actually be a style? What if my second-hand pair of thrifted jeans stick out like a sore thumb amongst the girls with designer brand adorned bodies? “Lorin,” I told myself, “It’s time to go to the mall.” So I went. I flew through store after store, picking up dresses, shoes, cardigans, all marked as “in style.” I felt proud when I got home. I immediately threw my bags on my bed and, as a lot of teenage girls do when they’ve successfully finished a shopping spree, put together outfits and paraded around my room as if it were Fashion Week. At this point, I felt ready for this new chapter in my life, grey velvet booties and all. Six days after move-in day, my first day of classes rolled around. Luckily, I had my first fashion class, and I was so excited. I felt great, as though I had the most beautiful pearl necklace draped across my neck; but no, that was just my $6 Forever 21 choker squeezing a little too tightly, blood rushing to my head. I didn’t have my fashion class until 1 p.m., and I had two classes before that; Gender Studies, and my Intro to Mercyhurst course. I arrived at my first class, red faced and sweating through my distressed, orange Free People shirt. I was too embarrassed to even look at what everyone was wearing, and quickly shuffled to the back of the room. As my tomato face slowly, slowly disappeared, I began looking at people’s clothes. I spotted some girls who I figured were also in Fashion Merchandising who looked super stylish. Then I noticed more and more students coming into
and
class, sporting sweats. One with leggings and a sweatshirt, one with shorts and a t-shirt, and so on, until the class was about 98% loungewear and 2% dressy. And then, I felt foolish. “What am I wearing?” I thought to myself. “Everyone looks so comfortable,” I thought as I stretched my legs in my extreme skinny jeans. Not that I don’t usually feel comfortable wearing what I wear, I just wasn’t physically comfortable. My next class was similar, too. I found myself to be the only one who was dressed up. Even walking back to my dorm, I saw almost every boy and girl in a hoodie and black pants. I kept thinking to myself, “Good thing I have a break before my Intro to the Fashion Industry class.” When I returned to my room, I immediately changed from my previously-thought stylish outfit into a Mercyhurst sweatshirt and leggings. I sat there for a good hour, watching Netflix, convincing myself that I should wear this comfortable outfit to class. Yet somehow, my inner conscious convinced myself to put on the outfit I had worn that morning, telling myself, “You never know…”
“I felt 100 times more comfortable in my own style”
And as I so optimistically hoped, I walked into a class full of stylish girls; I felt 100 times more comfortable in my own style than I had the few hours before. Just as I usually do, I observed the outfits that filled the classroom. Some were more casual and emphasized a blouse— like my style—some were trendsetters, and some had the coolest accessories. I even noticed that I was not the only one observing. Almost every girl was doing the same as I was. I realized, on my first day of college, that the best thing I can do is be myself. I did, after all, clear out my bank account a few weeks prior, so those new dresses and shirts in my closet that were screaming my name couldn’t be disregarded. I walk to my classes a bit more comfortably now, no matter my attire. I may just be a freshman, but I do think I’ve successfully navigated my first real “college problem,” and have learned my first real lesson: do not push your real style or personality to the back corner of your mind. You’ll eventually find where you’re most comfortable being yourself. -LORIN MARMION
We’ll Tell You Why
Natalie Thompson Sophomore Class
Fave Fashion Class:
My favorite class I have taken within the department has been Personal Styling Analysis. I found it very fascinating to learn all about style personality types, body types, and how to dress all types of people based on their different features. I also enjoyed the project we did throughout the semester where we picked a client to dress, as this allowed me to use my creative side.
Career Path:
I’m interested in pursuing a job where I would be buying or selling for a company, maybe for a department store of sorts. I have always had a great interest in business, and a love for fashion, so this is a position that I think would fulfill both things that I really love to do.
Campus:
The teachers in the department are very welcoming and they always have their door open to talk. Everyone I have met during my time here have been great people who I can gladly say will be friends who will last a lifetime. All around the community on campus is very welcoming and homey, allowing for an easy transition and an all-around great experience.
Vas Bitsas Senior Class
Hannah Figurski Junior Class
Fave Fashion Class:
My favorite fashion class would have to be Personal Styling Analysis. It was a super fun class where we got to pick a client to analyze and style. Not only did I love it, but my roommate got her own personal stylist for a semester!
Career Path:
I always thought it would be cool to be a buyer. It’s a job that combines both the business and creative sides of our major so it is something I could see myself doing. Having a love for both math and fashion, buying could definitely be a potential career path for me.
Campus:
One of the main reasons why I love Mercyhurst so much is the sense of community you get here. The small campus size means you and the professors get to know each other on a more personal level. Not only that, but being part of a smaller major makes us feel like we have another little family away from home!
Fave Fashion Class: My favorite fashion class that I took was Intro to Fashion Construction. Though the class is no longer offered, it helped me to appreciate how many garments are constructed and made me realize that sewing is a therapeutic activity for me.
Career Path:
I plan on pursuing a career in the marketing field, probably looking for jobs as a social media coordinator in Rochester, NY and then a few years down the line expanding my horizons and moving somewhere new.
Campus: Hurst is Home because I could never and would never want to imagine myself at any other university. Every day for the past four years, I have walked onto this campus and never once have I felt like I didn’t belong. 7
Now “ a Su
Starting in her junior year of high school, cover girl Alexis Stuck worked with family friends selling name brand clothes out of a basement workshop. Focusing mostly on e-commerce, the space was set up in stations with areas dedicated to shipping and handling, and photography for their website. The company was very successful and when it came time for the family friends to move, they suggested that Lexi’s family open their own brick and mortar shop since they lived in a more populated part of town in Hershey, PA. After testing the waters throughout the winter of 2016, in April of 2017 Trend: A Luxury Resale Boutique was officially opened.
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“Trend”-ing: Building uccessful Business
Lexi’s family has multiple con- theirs to keep. Lexi comments that what a valuable selling tool mannetacts that supply clothes for Trend. She these sales can be hard to watch when quins are when a girl came into the and her parents will go to a warehouse people walk away with 5 or 6 pieces store one day saying she saw a manneand sift through piles upon piles of from Lulu Lemon for $25 when in an quin’s outfit on Instagram and wanted clothes and pick out garments that ordinary retailer this purchase would to buy it. Keeping their social media they think will sell. Lexi, obviously be hundreds of dollars. However, she up to date is one of Lexi’s many jobs at having an eye for designer pieces has states, its necessary to keep their prices the store. What’s so special about uscollected brands such as Michael Kors, low since that’s what their customers ing their social media as a selling tool Free People, J. Crew, Lulu Lemon, have come to expect. Big ticket items is that each piece is one-of-a-kind in Athleta, Polo, Vera Wang, Diane Von such as Prada heels go on her family’s the sense that there isn’t stock on each Furstenberg and many others for Ebay website and can be sold internapiece. Once the piece is sold, it is gone the shop. What’s unique about this tionally. Other high fashion items that from the store for good, making each process is that when customers piece unique to its customer. This come into the store looking for a creates a sense of urgency for the certain brand, her family has the customer to buy when they see “If you know what you are something they like, encouraging ability to go back out and look doing and are hard-work- business. for the requested brands to stock ing, you can build a starttheir store. Once the garments are collected they are inspected Trend has been so successup company. If you are for quality and authenticity, and ful as a company because of its innovative, you can do steamed, ready to be part of the mentality. Lexi says that “if you anything. ” inventory. Particularly in this line know what you’re doing and are of work, one has to be cautious hard-working you can build a of counterfeits and the many telltale are not particularly practical for the start-up company. If you’re innovative signs. Lexi says “I have developed demographics in Hershey also go on you can do anything.” Though she’s unthe skill of being able to tell real the website. sure whether she’ll work solely in her from fake.” family’s store after graduation, she’s Through her work at Trend, grateful for the invaluable lessons she’s Trend describes its pricing Lexi has been able to implement many learned there. She says “it has been a strategy as “good quality clothing of the things she’s learned in fashion really great opportunity to be a part for good prices” and this really classes at Mercyhurst. While taking of opening a resale store but I came to holds true. Tops are sold from $8 to visual merchandising, for example, she college because I have other dreams to $20, shoes for $8, and semi-formal did a lot of work on her store’s visual pursue.” Between her experience with dresses for $25 to $85. The store strategy. Each season brings a Trend and her can-do attitude, also periodically offers bag sales in new theme, currently being Lexi is a total #GirlBoss which customers can buy a small featured in the store are and we’re lucky to have bag for $25 or a large bag for $45 homecoming gowns. her in our department. and whatever they can fit in it is Lexi saw first-hand
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Secondhand First Lacoste Surplice Sweater $119.00 $29.99
Thrift shopping has seen a surge in popularity over the past couple of years, starting (debatably) with the rise of the “mom jean.” It has become a common past time of high school and college students across the nation, and really for anyone looking for a good Free People Skirt deal on clothes or unique items. I per$88.00 $23.99 sonally love thrift shopping because of the satisfaction of finding a diamond in the rough, or a Lacoste sweater in a sea of Old Navy cardigans—this happens, Tommy Hilfiger trust me. Sweater $129.00 $34.99
Madewell Sweater $179.00 $46.99
Madewell Jeans $119.00 $31.99
Banana Republic Jeans $98.00 $14.99
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Just last week I was dropping off some clothes at Plato’s Closet when I saw from across the store a mini Longchamp bag being sold for $8. In the U.S., this bag retails for $95! It was a total fluke that I spotted this bag right away as finds like this can often take a bit of time and patience. Finding a great piece after skimming through articles upon articles of clothing makes the whole process worth it! Besides being incredibly gratifying, second hand shopping is much more environmentally conscious than consistently shopping at fast fashion retailers. Fast fashion has fostered a culture of instant gratification and regular purchasing habits. The average consumer buys 60 percent more clothing each year compared to the year 2000 and keeps the items for about half as long. As we learn in Global Trends in Fashion, the average American throws
away roughly 70 pounds of clothing and other textiles per year. Much of this clothing goes into landfills and the issue is that synthetic fibers, such as polyester and acrylic, take decades to degrade. As much as 95 percent of the clothes that are thrown away can be re-worn, reused or recycled. That’s where a consignment retailer like ThredUP comes into play. The company just celebrated its eighth birthday and last year alone shoppers on the app and website saved 128,751,983 pounds of CO2 emissions by shopping second hand. It takes 8.81 pounds of CO2 emissions per garment to be made new. Additionally, in its eight years, by choosing to upcycle instead of buying brand new the company has helped to save 10 billion gallons of water. Living sustainably on a college campus can be difficult but ThredUP helps to make it easy. On both the app and webstite you can search by brand, narrow selections down to just your sizes and filter for items that are new with tags attached, like-new, or gently worn. I check this app religiously for new additions. So far I’ve found and purchased items from Nike, Topshop, Madewell, Free People, Tommy Hilfiger, and Lacoste. I love this company and am confident you all will too--I’m giving all of Statements’ readers 50% off their first purchase with discounts up to $50 with the code STATEMENT. Happy thrifting!
-RACHEL LYNCH
These S/S 2018 Runway Pieces Would Look Great in Your Closet Wardrobe Winners From oversized jackets and lounge
wear, jumpsuits and chunky belts, to mesh tops and skirts, next spring/summer season will be one for the books! The fashion industry is rapidly becoming as diverse as the world itself, and the Spring/Summer 2018 season trends has something for everyone.
COLORS As the spring season marks the start of sunnier days, be on the look-out for your favorite articles of clothing in vibrant yellows and oranges. Shades of these colors will be essential to make even your most basic summer essentials pop!
Christian Siriano Carolina Herrera
Sies Marjan
Marc Jacobs
ASOS Maxi Dress With V Back
ASOS ($35)
Mesh Ruffled Top
H&M ($24.99)
Metal Flat Lens Round Sunglasses
Urban Outfitters ($10)
TRENCH COATS During the spring season expect to see people in oversized trench coats to keep dry from April showers. When May finally brings flowers, stock up on mesh items for the summer to stay cool while looking cool.
CĂŠdric Charlier
JUMPSUITS & CORSET BELTS While you may believe things like chunky belts and jumpsuits to be a thing of the past—think again! Chunky belts and pantsuits seem to be the dynamic duo for both the spring and summer seasons. There are quite a few different styles especially between well-known designers like Calvin Klein and Michael Kors.
Faux Suede Trench Coat
General Idea
ZARA ($89.90)
Shadow Stripe Velvet Crop Top
Forever21 ($15.90)
MIXING MATERIALS One final trend to be aware of is mixing winter materials like wool and corduroy with lace and silk in the spring. Mixing textures and materials this spring will be just as trendy as mixing prints and patterns has been in past seasons! -ADRIANNA DEMYAN
Star Stud Cinch Waist Belt
Topshop ($75)
Michael Kors MISSGUIDED Lace-Top Jumpsuit
Nordstrom ($113)
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The Fashion Council is Now in Session
Fashion is one of those remarkable arts that has the power to bring people together, no matter their age, ethnicity, race, gender, or even their major. This year, I am fortunate and proud to serve as a member of the Executive Committee, as well as Secretary, for the Mercyhurst Fashion Council, welcoming all students who have a “passion for fashion.” While many students on campus may be unaware of or have misconceptions about our department, from firsthand experience, I can assure you of the passion and drive many of us Fashion Merchandising majors and minors have for not only fashion, but for our school and community. If you are a little confused, or even mislead about Some of the Fashion Council Executives sell merchandise at the who and what our department consists of, let me clarify. Our Homecoming Tailgate with Ashlee’s daughter, Yara. department, including staff, majors, and minors, is constructOctober ed of intelligent, loving, determined, positive, accepting and - October 23rd: Riverblue Documentary Screening hard working people. We are not “ditzy;” we are not a stereo- · 7 P.M. in Mercy Heritage Room type. Instead, we are motivated and accepting. · Collaboration with the Sustainability Club This year, we are happy to invite all fashion-lovers to join our re-vamped Fashion Council, that is being run with a new energy and vigor after being dormant the past couple of years. After tearing down the old, and rebuilding the new, we are ready to show our school and community who the fashion students really are. Our upcoming events will be a combination of both fun and informative, reaching many different ideas, clubs, and organizations outside of our own. We are excited to spread awareness, encourage others to join us, as well as give back to those who need it most. Our mission is to reach a broader audience, influence others to join us, as well as gain knowledge and acceptance about not only who we are, but what we can do. We are so much more than what we wear, and we are so excited to finally show you. -BELLA STEPHAN
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- October 27th: Halloween Fascinators Due · Create a spooky fascinator, hat, or mask for the chance to win a prize! · Materials will be available in The Loft, begin ning Wednesday, October 18th – October 27th · All projects must be photographed and emailed to Amy by October 27th to be eligible · Projects will be posted on the Mercyhurst Fashion Instagram account; photo with the most“likes” will be the winner November - November 10th: Visual Merchandising Event at Pointe Foure Vintage Boutique · Come and enjoy the Visual Merchandising Class project at Pointe Foure Boutique located at 2508 Peach Street Erie, PA 16520 from 6-8:30pm - November 18th: Fashion Formal (Unofficial Fashion Council Event) · Bring a plus one and enjoy a formal party at an upperclassman’s house - November 20th: Canned Food Drive (Last Day) · Donate non-perishable food for the less fortunate just in time for Thanksgiving! · November 9th – November 20th · Boxes will be found in The Loft for donations December - December 8th: Christmas Party · More info coming soon!
Films for Fashionistas
- CHLOE SPERANZA
Legally Blonde
The Carrie Diaries
Elle Woods, a fashion graduate from UCLA, chases the “love of her life” to Harvard Law School. The story follows her adventure of finding herself and realizing her true potential after putting her mind to school instead of love. This movie is a heartwarming story of a fashionista turned lawyer who proves that the blonde from California can do anything she sets her mind to. I really liked this movie because it proves that just because you’re fashionable and well dressed, you can still be intelligent.
Based on the book, Sex in the City, The Carrie Diaries is a throwback to Carrie Bradshaw’s high school life. In her junior year of highschool, Carrie takes an internship in Manhattan exposing her to several aspects of the fashion world. Throughout the series, Carrie faces problems with boys, friends and family, school and her internship. Although The Carrie Diaries, is set in the early 1980’s, the lessons Carrie and her friends and family learn are still relatable in today’s society. Even though it’s just a TV show, watching Carrie come from a small town and work her way into the fashion industry, got me so eager to see where I end up after college.
If you liked Legally Blonde, you should watch: Confessions of a Shopaholic
If you liked The Carrie Diaries, you should watch: Lipstick Jungle
Clueless
Iris
Cher, a wealthy, fashionable, social butterfly is inspired to give a new student, Tai, a total makeover. This results in Tai’s increase in popularity causing Cher to turn to her ex-stepbrother who she ends up falling for. The fashion featured in the film is influential in today’s society (I could go on for days about Cher’s iconic yellow tartan blazer and skirt). Clueless is a film almost anyone can relate to. Filled with plot twists, comedy, fashion and wisdom, Clueless is the kind of feel-good movie everyone should watch.
Iris is a documentary about 93-year-old fashion icon, Iris Apfel. This documentary focuses on Apfel’s point of view about how different the fashion industry today is from the fashion industry in the early to mid 1900’s. I’m not a big documentary girl, but to my surprise, I actually enjoyed Iris a lot. The 93-year-old fashionista was hilarious and truthful, outgoing and inspirational and knew exactly what to say to get her point across. This documentary reminded me that individuality in fashion is highly encouraged and that you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars in order to be fashionable.
If you liked Clueless, you should watch: Heathers
If you liked Iris, you should watch: In Vogue: The Editor’s Eye 13
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT:
AUBREY O’HARA (‘01) IS A TOTAL
#G I R
My love for fashion began at a young age. I can’t say that I had a defining moment where I knew fashion was for me, however I do recall seeing much of the clothing I picked out as kid being worn in magazines, on TV shows, in movies and other publications. I would get a sense of ‘Wow! I have that shirt’, or ‘I have those shoes too!’ and I began to consider how much fun it would be to select pieces of fashion that would be featured in the public eye. Though I started my career at Mercyhurst as a ballet major, I switched to Fashion Merchandising by sophomore year after I learned more about the major through my roommate (who is still a bestie) and discovered that I really enjoyed learning about the ins and outs of fashion as a whole. Upon my senior year I found myself at FIT along with several other Mercyhurst classmates. The year I spent in NY was life-changing for me. I took every opportunity to learn about many different avenues in fashion, and secured part-time jobs in design, retail, marketing, writing, forecasting and styling. I had actually taken 3 different internships while at FIT, with my final one as a wardrobe stylist for MTV where I connected with some pretty amazing people. Over the next few years I wound up living in and around New York City, and worked in fashion forecasting, special event planning and finally freelancing as a fashion consultant, which landed me some fun jobs such as working the tents at NYFW for a few years (back when it was still in Bryant Park).
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L
As the years progressed, I wound up moving around quite a bit and started my family. No matter where I lived, I tried hard to keep myself involved in all of my passions of dance, fitness and fashion. After I had children, I found myself becoming more and more interested in the topic of health. People were always asking me about food and nutritional tips, being that I was involved in fitness and dance, however I could only share my opinion at that point. I decided that I wanted to further my knowledge in nutrition and health, and enrolled myself at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN). The program was based out of NYC, at Lincoln Center, and I was living outside Philadelphia at the time, so it wasn’t too far of a trip.
B O S S
As I progressed along with my company, I really started to notice a consistency with the increasingly large number of women in my life asking me for guidance on shopping for quality apparel at places other than the obvious chain stores. I believe that when you start to notice something in your life through repeated occurrences, there is a deeper message to receive. So, I decided to put my money where my mouth is, and opened up a boutique of my own. I discovered that in today’s world, it’s possible to start a shop without any outside funding or investors. I researched business plans, the legalities of owning a boutique and so forth. I worked very hard on creating a website, as well as researching designers, shops and companies that I would be interested in supporting to sell in my shop. I have started small and focused After I finished the program at primarily on activewear, and as more orIIN, I began to brainstorm ways to use ders come in, I am able to consider what to all of my professional experiences in one branch into offering next in my boutique. business endeavor, and the result was H E A L T H tabulous. I have always My education at Mercyhurst prebeen very passionate about helping pared me to be a business owner in a quite women who want to improve their a few ways. We received a very well-roundhealth and feel better about themselves. ed education that helped expose me not H E A L T H tabulous was designed with only the world of merchandising, but also the busy woman in mind, helping her to other professional options in fashion as achieve better health and wellness in the well. The high standards and hard work areas of nutrition, fitness and fashion. I that was expected from us as students, was created a few programs to guide women all a worthwhile life-lesson in persistence, along this journey to better health and creativity and self-reliance. We were taught overall wellness, and to feel more and encouraged to believe in ourselves, confidence in themselves which resulted in graduating colin all areas of life. I offer lege with a self-confidence that services in nutritioncontinues to emerge into daily al counseling, fitness life. I think back to my years training, and wardat the Hurst and am ever-so robe styling. My grateful for my education, the services are designed people I met and the way that to meet each client’s my life was forever changed needs individually, for the better from day one of and tailored just for her. stepping foot on that campus.
MU FASHION TAKES ON THE CITY Being passionate about fashion and also loving the big city, what better place to be than New York City? This past year I had the opportunity to travel with the Mercyhurst Fashion Department to the Big Apple where I was able to experience and get my foot in the door of the fashion industry. Our first day was very hectic. The excitement of the city was in the air! Once in the hotel rooms and settled in, the Mercyhurst fashion majors took on Times Square! The bright flashing lights and thousands of people around us sparked a feeling of curiosity and wonder as we waited to see what we would get into in the days to come. The days were mostly filled with informational meetings with alumni. It was at these meetings that we had the opportunity to see each individual person’s job. Alumni worked at companies like Amanda & Chelsea, Ann Taylor, and The Accessory Group.
It was interesting to see what each person does on a day to day basis in different parts of the industry. Buying, selling, and product line development are just a few of the jobs that the alumni have under their belts. My personal favorite thing that we got to experience during the trip was going to see Amanda & Chelsea’s headquarters. We got to meet Bob Arochas, the owner and creator of Amanda & Chelsea! Bob was very down to earth and extremely knowledgeable when it came to his product, which made me respect him even more. His line specializes in women’s professional attire. Women’s suits, blazers, pants, A-line skirts all in different eye catching patterns and colors. He knew where everything was manufactured, what it was made of, and the quantities he ordered. It was extremely impressive that he had answers to everyone’s questions with
absolutely no hesitation what so ever. He was extremely knowledgeable about his product and very passionate as well. The New York trip is something I think everyone in the fashion program should go on. It’s extremely fun and informational. It gets you one step ahead of everyone else just based on the connections you can possibly make with people in the industry. I became a lot closer with the faculty and many of my classmates on this trip. By the end of the week, everyone was very close and comfortable with one other. I highly recommend this trip, I had a blast! -DECHLYN SHEFFER
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- A huge thank you to Jen Craven for overseeing the production of Statement -
- and to cover girl Alexis Stuck -
STATEMENT FALL 2017 MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY FASHION MERCHANDISING DEPARTMENT