Statement Spring 2018 by Mercyhurst University Fashion Merchandising

STATEMENT You don't have to be a fashion major to be fashionable. #HurstStyle Build your brand on social media.

Style your collegiate gear like a pro.

MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY SPRING 2018

C O N T E N T S 4. 6. 8. A Blog for Every Occasion. Outfit Formulas for Girls On-The-Go.

Abby Widger Shares How She Built a Successful Blog.

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l li ps

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Become a Social Media Influencer in a Few Easy Steps.

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Futuristic Fashion: Levi x Google.

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Score Your Favorite Looks for Less.

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Thinking of NOT Attending F.I.T.?

Letters from the Editors I

O liv eZ uc

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remember sitting in my Intro to the Fashion Industry class freshman year and passing around the Fall Edition of STATEMENT. Seeing the theme about the rise of athleisure, and my peers’ articles I thought, “I want to be a part of this.” Never did I imagine being the one to produce it. I am grateful to our advisor Jen: for encouraging me to even apply for the position in the first place, for her advice along the way and for her talent as a copyeditor. To last year's editor Olivia: for imparting her Adobe wisdom on me and for being equally passionate about issues of social justice. And to my current co-editor Bri: for taking my ideas and running with them and having an innate talent for layouts. I am thankful for the past two years that I have had to work on this publication and to have been able to make my STATEMENT in the Fashion Merchandising program. -RACHEL LYNCH

am in disbelief as I sit here and realize that another school year is quickly approaching its end. This year I have had the privilege of working alongside Rachel to produce STATEMENT and it has been such a great experience. Though I was not exactly sure what I was getting myself into when I applied to be co-editor, Rachel helped me throughout the process resulting in the production of two outstanding issues this year. Though it will be difficult to fill her shoes, I promise to have the same enthusiasm and passion that she does about STATEMENT in the years to come. For our last production together, this spring issue is all about building your brand through social media which is extremely relevant in our age of technology. I hope that the tips discussed allow you to create a successful and effective brand image so that you too can make a STATEMENT within the fashion industry. -BRIANA HARRISON

spiration

BLOG

Chiara Ferragni The Blonde Salad

Courtney & Kelly

Mimosas & Manhattan

Sarah Vickers

Classy Girls Wear

We’ve all been there; you’re scrolling through your Instagram feed or browsing your Pinterest boards, and you get bored with what you see. The outfits seem repetitive and tiresome. Are you in need of some new fashion inspiration? Look no further! These bloggers are sure to help you improve your next #ootd.

Chiara Ferragni is the real life Elle Woods. She is an Italian law student with a serious passion for fashion. Ferragni combined her fashionista attitude with her love for photography by launching her personal blog, The Blonde Salad, in 2009. The blog gets its name from Ferragni’s ‘mixed salad’ of interests – fashion, photography, lifestyle, and travel. The name is also fitting because Ferragni puts edgy twists on feminine classics. Today, Ferragni collaborates with major fashion houses and designer brands and graces the covers of the most popular magazines worldwide. She is also a total girlboss, acting as the creative director of her namesake shoe line. It came as no surprise when she was recognized by Business of Fashion and Forbes as one of the most influential personalities of the international fashion world. These two cousins travel through life in the most fashionable way possible. Courtney and Kelly created their blog in 2013 and have been giving us serious FOMO ever since. The girls balance full-time jobs, blogging, and attending NYC’s coolest events, and of course, brunching every weekend in the city’s cutest cafés. Whether you need help dealing with a breakup, would like some interview tips, or are desperately seeking the hottest trend to rock this season, Kelly and Courtney have got you covered. Their relatable content has led them to success and is sure to turn you into their next biggest fan. Calling all girls who aspire to emulate Jaqueline Kennedy rather than Kylie Jenner — this blog is for you! Sarah Vickers, a New England girl at heart, started her blog in 2012 to talk about fashion, friendship, and life on the coast. She combines her romantic and preppy styles for a vintage yet modern feel. Sarah and her designer husband Kiel James Patrick are the definition of a power couple. Her hubby’s line of nautical-inspired jewelry, accessories, and apparel meshes perfectly with her blog style, and the couple’s partnership has conquered social media. -BRIDGET HAVENS

Collegiate Style About a year ago, when I was finalizing where I wanted to attend college, one of the many deciding factors I had gone through was, “Do these school colors look good on me?” As a fashion major, I care deeply about clothes and the way I present myself to others. Immediately, I knew that navy blue and pine green would look great as staples all throughout my wardrobe. After my first semester as a Laker, my wardrobe expanded substantially with not only Mercyhurst gear, but also other garments that feature a beautiful mix of the classic blue and green. Here are some tips for incorporating some of your favorite Mercyhurst apparel into your everyday wardrobe.

Outfit 1

Here is one of my best friends Cara, sporting a timeless grey Mercyhurst hoodie with classic leggings, and her go-to pair of sneakers, her Vans. This outfit is perfect for any student on the go, as it has both elements of comfort and sensibility. One of my favorite things about this outfit is that it is so versatile. You could wear this outfit as is, or combine the sweatshirt with a pair of jeans and your favorite boots. Cara is originally from Pittsburgh, so this outfit would also be great to wear in her hometown, in order to show off her Laker pride.

Outfit 2

This next outfit is ideal for those students who want to incorporate the simple yet stylish Mercyhurst colors into their everyday wardrobe. In order to accomplish this, I picked up this blue and green tartan plaid blanket scarf and paired it with a grey long sleeve, my favorite pair of ripped jeans, and my trusty Vans. Integrating staples like the scarf into my closet was very easy, as the navy blue and pine green combo is classic, and matches nearly all neutral colors. Since attending Mercyhurst, my favorite pairing thus far within my own array of clothing has been merging the blue and green with grey intertwined.

Outfit 3

This third outfit is my personal favorite, as it combines both MU apparel, and other options that include the beautiful Laker blue and green. My friend Cara (pictured) and I’s favorite thing to do on the weekend is to attend hockey games.This outfit is spot-on for attending hockey games, as it combines a basic yet stylish Mercyhurst hockey tee with a timeless blue and green plaid flannel. When it comes to fashion, Cara values comfort over anything, so it was no surprise that she decided to wear her leggings and vans with this outfit. The pairing of these tops with the adorable knit hat creates the perfect outfit for sitting and cheering in the chilly ice rink. -JILLIAN SETEK

Outfit Formulas for When You Have With the busy end of the semester upon us it's incredibly easy to fall into the routine of throwing on leggings and a sweatshirt in the morning while dreading the full day ahead. Here are some tried and true outfit formulas that will keep you looking chic and feeling put together while requiring very little effort for when you have a million items on your agenda.

graphic tee + straw bag + espadrilles With spring right around the corner, it's time to break the trendy straw bags back out. A good complement to these bags are espadrille sandals or sneakers. Pairing with a graphic tee and skinny jean keeps the look casual, while adding a silk neck scarf makes the look perfectly polished and Parisian.

midi dress + sneakers + circle bag

A dress is an often overlooked simple garment. It's so easy to just throw one on and immediately look put together. Pair a midi dress with a simple sneaker, a crossbody bag and statement earring. This look is perfect for running errands, running to the mall, or just sitting in class.

a Million and One Things to Do

baseball cap + romper + denim jacket

The quintessence of a bad hair day is a baseball cap and on busy mornings when you wake up and can't be bothered to deal with your hair, they're the perfect option. Instead of pairing them with the classic leggings and hoodies, pair with a contrasting lacy, feminine romper and denim jacket for a super springy look. For an even trendier alternative, try this look wth a cabbie hat.

a simple top + culottes + slides

Loose, boxy pants can look stylish while still providing comfort and flexibilty. Culottes are a really trendy style that capitalize on this. Tuck in an oversized t-shirt to add some definition at the waist and pair with a leather slide-on shoe. Accessorize with a simple pendant necklace, throw your hair in a chic bun and you're good as gold.

From Casual Instagrammer to

blogger extraordinaire I

How Abigail Widger '20 Built Up a Successful Following

n the beginning blogging was a hobby for me, I was taking mirror selfies in Target, having my mom grab a photo here and there, and even setting up a tripod in 30 degree Buffalo weather just to show my ootd (“Outfit of the day”). I put my two hobbies of DIY crafts and personal fashion into my favorite social media outlet, Instagram. I started my Instagram page in May of 2013, initially under the username ‘bowsandbeauty1’. At this point, I had no idea what it would become. Bowsandbeauty1 started out as a page where I could share my crafts and “ootds” without swarming my followers on my personal account with things it was likely they weren’t interested in. When I started it was just about me, I was not concerned with Instagram analytics as much as just sharing my ideas with like-minded people. I began to follow a lot of other accounts doing similar things to me, and I loved being inspired by them and making new friends. Influencers, bloggers, Instagrammers, and such others have recently become a major outlet for the advertising world. To large companies, it is a personal, relatable, and often costeffective way to get a product out there. To bloggers, it is an amazing way to brand yourself and open new opportunities. The relationships built between companies and bloggers is very dependent on the content you produce, and it is important to maintain these relationships as a foundation for future partnerships and to gain experience. But, the key is staying true to yourself, your page, and your followers in doing so. Branding yourself requires consistency. Someone will form an opinion of you based off either all your pictures or just one. It is crucial that every picture posted under your name is an accurate representation of who you are. This is something that has proven to be stressful at times. It’s hard to constantly be in new locations, or always have new and interesting content to post. I find that it’s better to not post content if it isn’t "on brand." You are the personal brand you’ve created throughout your posts. Blogging and influencing can be and is a lot of business and professionalism but the relationships you make along the way are priceless. I have earned unparalleled networking skills which have introduced me to countless partnerships and, more importantly, friendships. My page, now ‘@belleoftheball45’ has taken over my life but still five years later it still does not feel like work. Today, I am typically posting content every day and I will always love doing it. -ABIGAIL WIDGER 8

Keeping Up With The Fashion Council

This past February 22nd, speech, eye contact, demeanor, and the Fashion Council welcomed of course apparel. The culmination local business woman and of all of these things together is entrepreneur Mary Marz, for a what comprises one’s personal style special event open to all members and image. While outfits and book of the Mercyhurst community. The covers may seem extremely event was coined as, “The ABCD’s of Your Personal Image,” "Just as the cover of a book and it was intended to provide indicates its contents, an members of the audience with a outfit indicates the contents of comprehensive breakdown of the an individual’s personality." importance of taking pride in one’s own personal appearance. As both a successful business different, the two share a similar woman in corporate America and appreciation to detail and style. the foundress of Perfectly Poised, a Just as the cover of a book indicates personal image consulting firm, it is its contents, an outfit indicates the no surprise that Mary had a contents of an individual’s personplethora of pertinent style tips and ality. Therefore, it is important to tricks worth sharing. analyze each component to ensure that they are in accordance with To Mary, being professionthe desired style one wishes to both al is more than simply dressing embody and exude. the role, it is a way of life. It encompasses things such as posture, One of Mary’s main focuses

throughout the seminar was the value of having self-awareness and confidence. According to industry insiders such as Mary, confidence is one of the most crucial components to one’s success. She reminded all that the absence of confidence can be near detrimental if not at the very least inhibit one’s ability to maximize their potential. Mary’s visit was additionally intended to inspire others to pursue their dreams just as she has done for herself. It is of the utmost importance to honor one’s personal aspirations and never let the fear of failure diminish or prohibit making them come to fruition. Always remember that being perfectly poised means that you need to embrace the fact that we are all perfectly imperfect. -ZACHARY ABODALO 9

Building a Brand That Reflects YOU

From photos in art museums, to coffee shops, to sitting in the aisle of the grocery store freezer section, cover girls Casey Phillips and Olive Zucchi, both freshmen fashion merchandising majors, are no strangers to influencer Instagram shots. In this day and age social media undoubtedly gives everyone with access to it a chance to build their personal brand. From filters, to fitness pages, to artistic landscape photos, there is a platform for everyone to define themselves.

apps like Unum which allows the user to move around uploaded pictures in order to preview which order would look best posted on Instagram. Both girls do their own editing. Casey uses Lightroom, an Adobe program, which she has a preset filter she created that “brightens up photos and really helps with the theme. I feel like my aesthetic is now more obvious since I started using this program in December,” she says. Olive prefers to use VSCO and is leaning towards the A6 filter right now to add a vintage vibe to her photos. When asked about where they look for Both Casey and Olive have cultivated profiles that, though different from each inspiration they had similar answers: blogs, brands other, clearly express themselves. The girls recognize and Pinterest. Kailee McKenzie is one of Olthat setting yourself apart by defining your ive’s favorite Instagram profiles at the moment personal brand is neccessary to differentiate and she pulls a lot of inspiration from the page. yourself on a platform that contains upwards of 800 Both she and Casey follow brands like Urban Outfitters and Zara, where million users. Olive says, "I think it's important to main- "Being consistent is important to they also like to shop, tain your brand because there building your brand. You have to and Casey additionally likes a brand gaining popare so many people on Instaunderstand what you want ularity called I.AM.GIA. gram all trying to achieve the before you can communicate it Pinterest also plays a big same thing," which is being a to other people." role in the girls’ inspiration. social media influencer. Casey admits that she has a whole folder dedicated to photography and poses. For Casey, color scheme is of upmost importance when shooting for her Instagram. She looks for She always wants to “try something different” in her colors like burnt orange and light pink in her set- photos which lead her to shooting in her local ting and utilizes blank walls as much as she can to grocery store. A mundane location made for a really really focus on her fashion choices. When asked unique Instagram post. what her Instagram aesthetic says about her she "Being consistent is important to building states, “I’m creative. I’m fashionable. I’m bright and happy.” Olive, on the other hand describes, your brand. You have to understand what you her Instagram as “dark and moody colors, want before you can communicate it to other basically the opposite of Casey’s!” Alternatively, people,” Casey dishes. Researching other successful Olive prefers to shoot indoors at art museums with influencers, playing with different filters and an urban feel. She aims to maintain a more vintage studying a multitude of photography styles aesthetic and likes to thrift shop to support can help you define where you fit in. Branding yourself on social media is important because this image. when someone opens your profile it’s the first im The two girls shoot together a lot and pression that they get. “It’s important to do in this often text each other asking “does this picture fit day and age and I like that this is a new thing.” my theme?” Olive laughs and confesses, “that’s Olive chimes in "I think the ones who are successpretty much all we text about.” They both utilize ful are confident and original with their ideas." 10

-RACHEL LYNCH

Casey

& Olive

Cutting Edge: Vinyl by Day and by Night

With spring on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about fall. Seems counterintuitive, right? Well, that’s just the speed the fashion industry moves at. While every consumer’s mind is on light, airy materials like lace and chiffon, the designers at New York Fashion Week debuted many garments in their Fall 2018 collections with heavy, high-gloss, vinyl textiles— the PVC trend. From Ralph Lauren’s shorts, to a Sies Marjan’s jacket, to Christian Siriano’s wide-leg pants, PVC garments were everywhere. Even our covergirl Casey Phillips is sporting a vinyl jacket (above, left)! Many people might scoff at this trend, thinking it’s too edgy or too much of a Friday night look to be worn in broad daylight. While surely these garments are a power move, people in the street scene have proved time and time again that this trend can be incredibly versatile. Whether it’s in the form of a style detail like a pair of boots or handbag, or a full garment like a trench coat, everyone can wear vinyl in some 12

capacity. Pairing classic, feminine silhouettes with a PVC punch can really up your style game. Designers in the New York Fashion Week shows also made the point that this trend is wearable by using a variety of colors from delicate pastels to vibrant, but adaptable, hues. Growing up, I remember my Grandmother telling me that my shiny black patent leather shoes were only to be worn on formal occasions and only ever at night. The fashion world has since embraced this glossy look and worn it day and night, formally and casually, and in every color imaginable. A trend that’s been on the rise, many retailers already sell PVC garments. From designer brands such as Acne, to fast fashion brands like Forever21 and ASOS, the PVC trend will be endemic this fall.

Will you be rocking this style? -RACHEL LYNCH

Technology Fashion

Futuristic Fashion A collaboration between Levi’s and Google is taking fashion to the next level

e live in a world that is run by technology and soon enough, will be part of an industry that is as well. Technology is the new trend, and with its continuous advancements, is one that’s here to stay. Whether it be for sport or style, it is becoming extremely common for technology to be worn on a day to day basis. That being said, trendy technology goes far beyond apple watches and the latest iPhone. Technology has opened up a world of opportunity within the fahion industry and seems to be breaking through within the marketplace. In recent months, Levi’s teamed up with Google and created a smart jacket that is now on the market for purchase. Its exclusivity and rarity have captured the attention of innovators while simultaneously introducing an entirely new concept to consumers. As a company of firsts, Levi’s has spent years innovating clothing that is both fashionable and functional which is why its collaboration with Jacquard by Google expands upon the functionality of the clothes its consumers already wear and love.

Levi’s and Google entered into the marketplace with the world’s first touch-capable smart jacket in late September of 2017. The jacket cannot be found at local retailers, but rather is only available at a handful of select locations. Specifically tailored to the urban cyclist, the jacket was designed to accommodate those individuals living within the city. The jacket's main feature is the Jacquard technology by Google that is woven into the sleeve. The jacket, retailing at $350, allows an individual to communicate, navigate and listen to music all through its sleeve. All features can be controlled and customized through the Jacquard app. While other wearable accessories like smartwatches feature similar functions, the jacket is a new way to access the same technology in a different form that is easy to use, stylish, and practical. It is a futuristic take on the classic denim jacket and is the first of its kind, encouraging further collaborations between fashion and technology. Technology is shaping the future of fashion in many ways. Despite a rising trend in wearable technology, new technologies have begun to revolutionize the way in which businesses within the industry operate. New advancements have affected the ways in which consumers interact with products as well as associates. Though Levi’s and Google may have been the first to penetrate the market with a futuristic product, this is only the beginning of the changes technology has in store for the fashion industry. - BRIANA HARRISON 13

#hurststyle Fashion Majors are NOT the only people with Style

Unique

Style

Envision

Express

Power

Create

Dare

C.J. C.P. K.C. 14

-Christian Johnson

Bold

MU STUDENTS Christian

"I am a FIRM believer that you will find more interesting and unique clothing from thrift stores and secondhand locations. You will not find the clothes, the clothes will find you."

Johnson (C.J.), Cole Prots (C.P.), Krista Cousins (K.C.)

What is your major? "My major is Interior Architecture and Design. We design spaces, buildings, and structures that accommodate all walks of life. This includes ensuring that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing." Christian is a Senior. "I am a Graphic Design major with a double minor in Marketing and Fashion Merchandising. I love my combination of studies because it allows me to explore creativity and stay up to date with what is trending, but it is also something that has a lot of professional depth. " Cole is a Junior. "My major is Business and Competitive Intelligence with a marketing minor and a social media and web minor. My major entails learning how to collect data and turn it into an analyzed final product that is understandable to a decision maker." Krista is a Sophomore.

2. C.J. C.P. K.C.

3. C.J. C.P K.C.

Does your major affect the way you dress? "In the architectural world, many architects and designers can be seen wearing black. This echoes into our department sometimes, and even for presentations or social events when dressing professionally. [My major] has given me the confidence and perspective to wear the clothes I enjoy because it only matters if it feels right to you, other than letting others think for you." "I think since my major and minors have a little more freedom as to what I will be able to wear when I get into a professional setting, I have really taken that mentality into what I wear on a day-to-day basis." "Because my major typically requires professional dress, my style has evolved a bit. I am finding myself buying clothes I can wear both casually and professionally. I try to continue wearing my normal, everyday style to class."

What inspires your style? "I have been really influenced by older skateboarding trends, hardcore/punk, and thrifty clothing. In a sense, I personally don’t know if I even have a style on some days. Although, I am inspired by the different accessories and clothing I collect." "Some days I am feeling super lazy and will wear sweats and a baggy sweater, and other days I am feeling super fierce so I make sure I dress up to look like (as the kids say) a snack. I am also really drawn to vintage clothes, most specifically 90s style. I try to match my quirky and outgoing personality with what I wear on a day to day basis." "My sister influenced my style in high school. She is four years older than me, and won best dressed for a senior superlative in high school. Throughout school, I was able to borrow her clothing and then put my own twist on it from there."

How do you hope others perceive your style?

C.J.

"I hope that I would inspire others to explore thrift stores or at least try something new. You don’t have to be edgy to be fashionable. But if you want to be edgy, go for it. Sometimes I like tucking my shirt in. Why? Why not! I like to call it 'the honest tuck.'"

C.P.

"I never really think about how others will perceive my style. I guess I would want people to perceive my deviation from typical style trends as a further extension of my 'I don’t care what you think' attitude I take into my everyday life."

K.C.

"I live by the motto 'it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.' I believe this to be true in both a professional and casual situation. I am always looking for new trends to try. My favorite thing to do with my style is experiment with new trends. I love playing with different shoes to either dress up or dress down an outfit."

#hurststyle

Fashion Influencer Finds S For Your Wardrobe

crolling through Instagram is the digital version of window shopping: you can look and hope at what’s out there but can’t actually buy it. You want to ask that random girl you followed at summer camp five years ago where she got that gorgeous jacket but you know that would be the most awkward thing ever. And so you say goodbye to that dream. You scroll a little further and there’s a beautiful pair of Valentino sneakers which are just a little out of your life savings. Another dream thrown away. What if there was a way to make these dreams a wonderful possibility?

I follow a lot of fashion influencers on Instagram, but with the resignation I could never actually own or find anything they wear on their posts. Even though they tagged their pieces, finding them was a needle in a haystack. The same thing happened when I saw all the beautiful Gucci, Marc Jacobs, and so many others—I knew I wanted them, but selling a kidney was not an option. This had been my struggle forever until I came across Screenshop.

1. Download the app

Screenshop is a fashion app that allows you to take a screenshot of whatever outfit you come across on social media, upload it to the app, and it will automatically tell you where you can find the product, or a similar form of it. The beauty of this app is that it will give you the biggest range of prices possible. It groups high end designers with fast fashion retailers all together, offering you the same variation of a product at different prices from different places.

My favorite feature of this app is its flexibility. Although I mostly screenshot influencers to get a more affordable version of whatever they wear, it works just as well when you screenshot your sister’s college best friend post wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and sneakers you absolutely need. Apart from this, taking pictures straight out of magazines is also an option to upload, although finding the exact product can be harder. I would definitely recommend this fashion app for everyone. Even if you are not the most involved person with fashion influencers, it can definitely serve you for those times when you wonder about someone else’s clothes, which let’s be real, can happen to anyone! 16

-VALERIA LOPEZ

2. Screenshot a coveted

outfit from social media

3. Upload your image and browse your options

SPRING RUNWAY STYLE FOR Khaite

$68.00 Forever 21

L E S S

Jason Wu

$33.71 American Eagle

Alice + Olivia

$47.94

Express

$30.80

Forever 21

Carolina Herrera

Goodbye winter, hello spring! Spring is underway which makes it the perfect time to go out and purchase this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest trends. The spring 2018 ready-to-wear collections, shown this previous September, had several trends that you will want to have in your closet. Unfortunately, the designs on the runway come at a high price. Luckily, there is a way to duplicate your favorite pieces for a more affordable price. The first piece is the classic trench coat. This garment was covering the runway from designers like Valentino, Michael Kors, and Balenciaga. The trench coat was seen in various structures, colors, and patterns, so take your pick! Keep it classy with the traditional tan trench coat or step out in a white and black gingham jacket. The Khaite cropped trench on the left is $1,420 which makes the comparable jacket at Forever 21 a major steal at $68. Next up are florals and ruffles. This spring style exudes femininity. The Alice + Olivia dress on the left is the perfect combination of a sweet floral pattern, scallops across the bottom, and bare shoulders. Luckily, Express sells a similar look at $47.94. Next we have candy stripes. The two most popular colors for these vertical stripes are red and blue. However, this season there are several options with either black and white or brightening it up a bit with an electric yellow. The possibilities are endless as this trend is being seen throughout all pieces, from dresses and rompers to blouses and bottoms. American Eagle has a pink and yellow candystriped romper today for only $33.71. Finally, find a spot in your closet for dots, because black and white polka dots are in style and super fun. Mixing patterns can be intimidating and tricky at times, but this trend doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go out of control thanks to the classic black and white color combination. Forever 21 supports the trend so anyone can go out and join in with the top being only $14.90, and the bottoms are $15.90. Spring is just around the corner so pick out a few of your favorite trends and make them yours at a much more appealing price! -MACKENZIE LEWIS

Finding My Fit at F.I.T. I think there are a lot of fears that come with moving to a new gigantic city with 8.3 million people in it. Whether it’s the fear of getting lost, or mugged or just leaving the people you love behind. Personally just from the few months I’ve lived here and got to adventure and absorb everything this city has to offer I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything in the whole world. The opportunities that have surfaced, the people you will meet and the things you will learn are incomparable to the normal life you will have at Mercyhurst. FIT alone will offer you chances to not only work backstage of New York Fashion Week but also attend and watch designer shows. There are endless fashion related clubs you can join: everything from the Sustainable Fashion Club to Runway27 which is a student run club that creates, designs, constructs and then produces runway shows each semester. They then present their projects to fashion industry CEOs, social media influencers and incredible FIT alumni. FIT famous alumni such as Nina Garcia, Nanette Lepore, Carolina Herrera, and even Calvin Klein have all attended and viewed these shows. 18

If you aren’t a huge fan of clubs, don’t worry, opportunities will arise through your internships as well. Students this year have gotten opportunities to attend shows like Wangfest by Alexander Wang, be on set for photo shoots with celebrities like John Krasinski and DJ Khaled, and even the

chance to model their company’s apparel and make their debut on the company’s Instagram. But I think the #1 opportunity about this city that Mercyhurst can’t give you is the amount of networking you can do. Everyone

here can connect you to somebody else, like I said the city is 8.3M strong. Everywhere you turn there are people and who knows who the person next to you is and what they might do. So if you take away one thing from this article it would be this: DO NOT BE AFRAID TO MAKE CONNECTIONS! Network with the people around you! I know your phone needs your attention and you will die without looking at it (insert eye-roll), but please every once in a while just look up, smile at someone and introduce yourself—you never know who they might be. For goodness sake, the normal guy at the bar could be the Head Executive of Carters and OshKosh, or the random guy at the DJ booth could be the Vice President of Madison Square Garden. Heck the guy dancing alone in the corner of the room could be Leonardo DiCaprio. You never know who will be around, and I know first hand because all of those examples I just listed ALL. HAPPENED. TO. ME. Yes, I got to meet all those people from just being smiley, social and constantly trying to network. Who knows, the people you might meet could be the ones employing you in May. -HANNAH LAU

MNI

ALU

Savannah Adair, '16

ooking back on the past two years since graduation, I couldn’t be happier with where my life has taken me with my career at Warby Parker in Nashville, TN. I would be lying if I said I didn’t think about my decisions during college. I was one of the very, very few that chose to stay at Mercyhurst for all four years. One of the reasons I initially chose to attend Mercyhurst was to take advantage of the amazing FIT program (and to cheer, obviously!) My mind quickly changed after the freshman trip to New York when I suddenly realized that I couldn’t see myself attending FIT. I had my mind set for my remaining college years that I wasn’t going to apply for their program. Although all of my best fashion friends went, I stuck to my decision not to go. There were positives and negatives to this decision, of course, but if I could go back I wouldn’t change my decision because I got to where I am today by choosing to

Warby Parker Nashville, TN stay all four years at Mercyhurst. Most of my classmates thought the only way to make it in the fashion industry was to go to New York and get an internship for any possible attempt at a career in fashion. That is what everyone did and most of them got a lot of great experience, but so did I by staying in Erie, Pa. I applied for an internship at Pointe Foure Vintage Boutique and had the greatest experience. Not only did I have such a great peer teaching me her ways, but I had much more freedom to experience every side of owning a fashion business. I was doing everything from organizing photo shoots, styling, event planning, marketing, and managing social media. You name it and I was doing it. I realized during that experience I would have never had an opportunity like that if I would have interned with a big fashion corporate company. I gained so much from just the internship that it made my future path for fashion

a lot more clear as to what I wanted to do, didn’t want to do, and why I was doing things my way. After graduating in May of 2016 I traveled around Europe for a little bit and spent the summer working my retail job at Crazy 8 in Erie until I heard back from the companies I applied to. After many interviews at Warby Parker I finally got the call in August of 2016 with a job offer and packed up my car and moved down south. I have been working at Warby Parker since then as a customer experience advisor. Looking at the fashion industry today, I think it is so important to make sure you are working for a company that you believe in and is setting a good example in our industry. I look forward to my path here at Warby Parker and will continue to grow in my role and be forever thankful for the decisions I made during my time at Mercyhurst. -SAVANNAH ADAIR 19

A special thank you to Jen, Casey, and Olive

for making this issue of STATEMENT possible.

STATEMENT SPRING 2018 MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY FASHION MERCHANDISING DEPARTMENT