MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY SPRING 2020
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Athleisure for Every Consumer Has the Definition of Sexy Changed Today? A Classic Color for a New Decade Five Ways to Transition Your Outfit From Class to the Gym What is Your Athleisure Style?
LETTERS FROM THE EDITORS
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hen my co-editor, Emma Thomas and I began brainstorming ideas for this spring issue of STATEMENT, we both instinctively agreed upon the color scheme. I can honestly say that I have never gravitated towards bright colors, especially yellow. However, this time around I couldn’t resist the fun-loving feeling the color portrayed. Turns out reading about fashion alongside a cheerful yellow is exactly what we need right now! This issue’s theme discusses activewear and athleisure’s impact on the fashion industry among other exciting fashion-related topics. As always, I would like to thank my co-editor, Emma for all of her creative input, and Jen for overseeing and guiding us throughout this process. Most importantly, I hope you all enjoy and feel inspired by this issue of the STATEMENT.
- MACKENZIE LE WIS
I
have always been skeptical about putting myself out there, but STATEMENT offered me the opportunity to escape creatively and put myself out there shamelessly. STATEMENT was too good of an opportunity for me to turn down. The responsibilities were a little daunting at first, but I’ve had plenty of guidance through preparing this issue. I’ve been really grateful to be a part of this issue, especially because I am a huge devotee of athleisure wear myself. I look forward to continuing my experience with STATEMENT and hopefully, I will be able to use this platform to make my own STATEMENT.
- EMMA THOMA S
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ATHLEISURE FOR EVERY CONSUMER Athleisure has infiltrated the fashion industry and has re-imagined exercising, lounging, and traveling. Brands across the board have been taking their shot at selling athleisure. Luckily, there are some outstanding options for every type of customer.
AFFORDABLE ATHLEISURE Aerie offers oversized sweaters, incredible cozy leggings and graphic tees galore, along with so many other essential athleisure items. Best of all, Aerie is very reasonably priced and often offers great sales. This past summer I purchased a pair of leggings and a Henley pullover sweater. They are now some of my favorite athleisure items. I can dress the sweater with jeans or joggers and the leggings are hands down my most comfortable pair. Aerie offers great pieces with even better prices.
ECO - FRIENDLY Girlfriend Collective proves fashion can be eco-friendly. The brand believes in ethical manufacturing, recycled materials and never putting anything before what’s best for the planet. If that’s not empowering enough, it’s an all-inclusive brand supporting women of all races, ages, and sizes. The merchandise itself is minimalistic but comes in numerous colors. Test out the brand with its sustainable scrunchies. They were made from recycled water bottles and will amp up any basic pony.
SPLURGE-WOR TH Y Lululemon is a bit pricier with leggings priced as high as $158. However, splurging on a great pair may be well worth it. In fact, my roommate raves about the brand’s leggings and believes that everyone should have at least one pair. Lululemon offers a wide range of apparel with a style and color for everyone. Are you willing to take the pricey plunge to own a beloved pair of Lululemon leggings? I haven’t heard of any unsatisfied customers yet.
SIZE- INCLUSIVE Universal Standard is making beautiful clothing for women of all sizes. The brand values giving women the same shopping experience, regardless if they’re a size 00 or size 40. Either way, Universal Standard offers some stellar athleisure items including, biker shorts, stirrup leggings, and full-length bodysuits. Another feature it provides right now is its fit liberty program which allows consumers to purchase products in the size they are currently. If their size changes, Universal Standard will replace the product and send them a new size for free! Look your finest in your favorite leggings. There is an endless amount of options, so take your pick, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
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MACKENZIE LE WIS
WORKING OUT CAN BE CHIC! If you are anything like me, you dread working out. It is incredibly hard to feel good about yourself while you are sweating through an old t-shirt and leggings you don’t really care for. But, what if I told you athleisure brands today are making it easier than ever to look and feel cute while you are working out? Brands know and understand that people are more motivated when they are feeling their best, so they are creating stylish and comfortable workout gear to get young people off Instagram and out being active. We have all seen Adidas’s black and white 3 stripe pants, but did you know that they come in multiple colors? Available in dusty rose, red, green, blue, and gray, you can rock those sleek and stylish pants with any outfit. Athleta is an awesome brand that has trendy legging and sports bra options, sure to motivate anyone to get up and go out. Athleta leggings are sold in regular, tall, petite, and plus sizes. Also, its leggings have built in pockets as well, so there is no need to worry about carrying around your phone. Coming in flattering colors and patterns, there is a little something for than your average legging. Lululemon leggings come everyone. in sizes 0 to size 14. Lastly, Lululemon has amazing technology in its leggings that prevent sweating. With small “vents” in its leggings, they are more cooling to wear
NATALIE DEUTSCHBAUER
Working out doesn’t need to be a hassle. So go out, buy some cute athletic gear, and feel your best.
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I SAID TO BRIDAL ELEGANCE My Internship Experience
This past November, I went on a field trip with Erin Magorien’s Visual Merchandising class to Bridal Elegance in Erie, Pennsylvania. When entering Bridal Elegance, I was drawn to the visual presentations, the set up and staging, and of course the beautiful dresses. Bridal Elegance is all about creating an experience for the entire bridal party. I was impressed and intrigued when learning about the store’s history— enough to apply for an internship position. After applying and interviewing with the owner Chris Wells, a couple of peers and I were hired as interns and consultants, assisting clients and their parties find their dream dresses for their special day or occasion. Before interning at Bridal Elegance, I had no experience working at a bridal boutique. I knew nothing in-depth regarding the bridal industry. My only exposure involving the bridal industry was through watching the TLC show “Say Yes to the Dress!” Every day I work at Bridal Elegance, I am learning something new—there are so many nuances to learn in the bridal industry. It takes time. With the mentoring of Chris and other professionals at Bridal Elegance, I have gained considerable knowledge about the industry. In January, Bridal Elegance participated in the bridal fashion show and expo at the Warner Theatre in downtown Erie. It became one of the best fashion experiences I have had so far. I contributed with the fashion show by putting outfits and accessories on the model I was assigned to and saw it all come
ALICIA DE ROMA
together. It was a great experience and one that I will never forget—it was an excellent way to end winter break! The best part of my internship is when I put a smile on my client’s face when we find the perfect dress. Whether the dress is for prom, mother of the bride, or bridesmaids, our goal is to create a fantastic experience. We complete the look with complementary jewelry, stylish shoes, and accessories to adorn their dresses. It’s all about whoever is the center of attention on that special day. Overall, I learned significantly about the bridal industry through working at Bridal Elegance. This internship has taught me that you must have thick skin when dealing with high energy and high emotions. It can be a roller coaster, but it is not personal, just fueled by passion. Working in a bridal boutique is entirely different than working at a traditional retail store such as Express, where I have previously worked. Lastly, it is creating an experience that these clients have dreamed of. Their time to be “in the sun” and the center of attention has finally come. This Cinderellaeffect is the difference in this industry and the key to overall success both in the eyes of the bride and as a boutique. To all prospective and current fashion students, my key takeaway is to make the most of every opportunity there is before you. You will learn a tremendous amount from different sectors within the fashion industry. Step outside of your comfort zone—sure it is risky, but it is much more rewarding!
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The term, “sexy” has been interpreted in several different ways. Companies like Victoria’s Secret took it in the direction of lacy lingerie, push-up bras and satin robes. They even started the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show to display each season’s newest take on sexy. But times have begun to change society’s view of what is considered sexy. In 2020, with the rise in body positivity, the mindset has shifted from flaunting to fitness. Whether it be a mom running errands or a student with a busy schedule, athleisure is a sure win for the look of the day. It’s a quick and simple outfit, who could dislike it? Topping it off, it reinvents the idea of sexy. A rise in fitness has brought inclusivity to the forefront of sexy. Companies like Aerie have models of all body types showing off the athleisure and comfy lingerie. Popularity has shifted from Victoria’s Secret to PINK, where the focus is athleisure not lingerie. It’s no longer, “how can I look like that? I want to be skinny too!” It’s now, “look at me and all I can conquer!” Fashion is molded by the needs and wants of society. It just so happens that the current needs and wants is athleisure. It is the want to feel comfortable and sexy in their own way. Athleisure is the industry’s answer. Athleisure may be a clothing style, but under it all it’s a new mindset. Society has turned away from revealing everything they have. Now, it has turned to embracing the comfort of their own skin. The clothing is no longer the root of the sex appeal. Instead, it is the confidence of the individual. If the person feels comfortable, then the person will feel sexy. Trends are always changing. Athleisure was one that rose to the top a couple of years back. By looking at the change in society’s perspective – in terms of sexy – it may be a trend that stays around. It was time for a change in the industry. Athleisure was the driving “mindset” that brought this change. Who needs to bring the old “sexy” back? This new sexy is revolutionary and nothing can beat that!
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K AT Y VACC ARIELLO
Athleisure wear became popular in the late 1970s when the rise of fitness regimes became popular. With such popularity, many people turned to comfortable clothes to make participating in such activities easier. This workout wear quickly turned into grocery-shopping attire, which quickly became weekend wear. This has correlated into brands beginning to incorporate athletic clothing into their everyday collections. While athleisure wear took off and became mainstream in casual fashion, is it possible that it is also becoming mainstream in workwear? This casual approach to fashion has shifted how people dress for work. With the rapid rise in athleisure in everyday street and casual wear, it wasn’t long before Millennials started to incorporate athleisure into their workwear. Scrapping the idea of ties, suits, dresses, and heels, professionals are turning to clothing with fabrics made with an athletic approach. Comfort and practicality is valued more in comparison to the typical, traditional, stiff fashion that popularized workwear for many decades. It is easy to find many work-appropriate clothing items that utilize the popular synthetic fibers such as spandex, nylon,
EMMA THOMA S
HAS ATHLEISURE INFILTRATED OUR MODERN WORKWEAR? or Lycra that many athleisure pieces are typically made of. Trends especially highlighting this include wearing leggings in place of jeans or dresspants, matching chunky sneakers with your professional clothes, or even men wearing Nike golf shirts in professional environments. The everyday consumer values both the comfort they find in athleisure, but they also value something that can prove to be functional and won’t require them to change throughout the day for various activities. While consumers enjoy comfort, they don’t necessarily want to look dressed down. Consumers have turned to mixing athletic looking garments with traditional business attire to create a low-effort, put-together look that will keep them comfortable throughout the day. Overall, we have shifted from simply purchasing athleisure clothing for working out, but rather for inactivity. Consumers’ desire for a multifunctional wardrobe
is expected to further drive the athleisure market and to help the trend further infiltrate our wardrobes.
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A CLASSIC COLOR FOR A NEW DECADE
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n the past, Pantone has designated more impactful shades for its color of the year, such as 2019’s Living Coral and 2018’s Ultra Violet. For 2020, the color choice was something calmer. Many people are looking for stability going into a new decade, so Classic Blue is the perfect choice. Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, Leatrice Eiseman explained it as, “a solid and dependable blue hue that we can always rely on.” This dependability and the fact that it’s more understated in comparison to previous years makes it easy to incorporate into anyone’s wardrobe. When styling the color of the year, you can go about it in a few different ways. First is as an accent color. Think of blue as the new black. Anywhere in your outfit you tend to add a black accessory, try Classic Blue instead. This could be your belt, handbag, or shoes. If you prefer a bit more color, try a true-blue shade in a larger part
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of your outfit – jeans, jacket, dress, anything. Go for a monochromatic Classic Blue look if you’re ready to fully embrace the color. Similar to your outfit, easy changes can be made to your beauty routine. Bold eyeliner has been trending and going for blue over black is the perfect balance between wearable and statement. A way to make your outfit always feel polished is with a good manicure. Whether it’s done at home or professionally, blue nails could be the finishing touch your look needs. Since this issue is focused around fitness and athleisure it only makes sense to also incorporate Classic Blue in this aspect of your life. Like in styling any other outfit, you can easily swap out any neutral item. Instead of your basic black leggings, try a pair in the color of the year. But if colorful pants aren’t your thing, add this hue to your gym shoes. You can also find Classic Blue workout gear ranging from water bottles to yoga mats and weights.
VERONIC A C ALO
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TREND REPORT:
Spring & Summer 2020
With every new season, comes a new and exciting trend. This spring and summer is introducing many different trends to look forward to. 2020 is going to be a year full of bold fashions and making old fashions new and modern again.
POLKA DOTS
Remember that one song about a polka dot bikini for summer? Well, that pattern is back. This fun and bold pattern is making its way back to this upcoming spring and summer season. Polka dots have been around even dating back to the mid-19th century, so it’s amazing that it keeps coming back every now and again. Being bold has been a concept for a few years now, which the polka dot pattern demonstrates perfectly.
CORSETS
Making an old trend modern again seems to be a reoccurring theme for this spring and summer. Corsets that have dated back to the British court, are coming back in a modern way. The corset is being integrated into blazer jackets, dresses, and shirts.
BLAZERS
Blazers are back in business for this season. Matching the being bold theme this year, blazers with bold shoulders and colors are coming back. Being a boss lady is an important part of the fashion industry, so a woman feeling confident in a blazer seems only fitting for this season. This is also a recurring trend from last year, so blazers now appear to be a staple piece in one’s wardrobe. These trends are sure to make a big impact this spring and summer. From being bold to making old trends more modern and newer, this upcoming season is all about showing individuality and power.
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CHLOE SANFR ATELLO
THE RISE OF LUXURY ATHLEISURE I have always enjoyed dressing up. Something about sporting a stylish dress and a trendy pair of boots makes me feel invincible. Although if I am being honest, nothing quite compares to the satisfaction of taking it all off at the end of the day, slipping into your favorite pair of sweats and releasing a sigh of relief. Luckily for us, feeling as comfortable and great as we do in our favorite pair of sweatpants no longer has to be limited within the confinement of our homes. Luxury athleisure is changing the game and proving that there is a way to be stylish while wearing your extra-extra-large hoodie. Well-known luxury brands such as Gucci, Balenciaga, and Fendi are among many high-end designers who are creating active and athleisure lines. The brands include everything from leggings and crewneck sweatshirts to joggers and bomber jackets. In particular, sneakers have been the most popular amongst these luxury lines. Gucci’s Ace sneaker and Balenciaga’s Speed Knit sneaker are both highly desired footwear that are priced upwards of $500.
MACKENZIE LE WIS
Other designers have collaborated and created capsule lines with already wellknown activewear brands. For example, Stella McCartney partners with Adidas. Together, the two brands have worked to produce effective performance wear with a stylish flair. Even A-list celebrities like Beyoncé have united with Adidas to create an active and athleisure line. The capsule collection includes cargo pants, cycling shorts, a utilitarian jumpsuit, and more. The impact of luxury athleisure has even revived the sportswear brand, Fila. Years ago, Fila was another active brand amongst Adidas and Nike. The brand eventually faded to the background until recently. Fila is now back and truly better than ever. The sportswear brand recently presented its spring 2020 ready-towear collection at New York Fashion Week. So if casual really is the new couture—I’d start trading those designer handbags for a luxury gym bag.
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FIVE WAYS TO TRANSITION YOUR Cover Girl Jill Setek Explains Her Favorite Athleisure Tips If you’re anything like me, you love to go to the gym. Among the chaos of homework, classes, and all of your other student obligations, you can’t resist getting a quick workout in. However, I often find it difficult, with so much on my plate, to find the time to change into my comfy workout clothes. To save myself some precious time, I have integrated multiple athleisure trends into my everyday wardrobe. Over the past three years, I have crafted and perfected a few ways to dress stylishly for class, but also seamlessly transition an outfit suited for a great workout.
S T Y LING AN OUTFIT AROUND YOUR SNE AKERS Although some may find it hard to believe, focusing some attention on your footwear can create a great focal point for any outfit. If I have some errands to run, I’ll select my outfit based on my sneakers, whether it’s jeans, leggings, or a pair of sweats.
WE ARING YOUR ENTIRE GY M LOOK TO CL A SS The easiest and most efficient way to transition your outfit is to wear your entire look to class. Honestly, I do this almost every day, and love just feeling comfortable and confident in my favorite pair of leggings, tee, or jacket. It also allows me the ability to head straight to the gym after class!
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OUTFIT FROM CLASS TO THE GYM UPGR ADING YOUR JOGGERS Although some may think that wearing sweats or joggers to class can look like you just rolled out of bed, I personally believe that joggers should, without a doubt, become a staple in any college student’s wardrobe. Wearing a pair of joggers with a cute tee or jacket provides a very stylish, yet comfortable look.
ADD A PAIR OF BOOTS TO YOUR GY M LOOK During the winter months, I find one of my go-to staples is adding my toasty winter boots to a pair of leggings and a sweater, in order to make a practical yet stylish outfit for the day. Adding your Uggs or Sorel boots to your outfit is an easy, yet stylish, way to make your day a little bit easier.
DRESS UP YOUR FAVORITE PAIR OF LEGGINGS I practically live in leggings throughout the semester, which allows for an extremely easy transition from the classroom to the gym. Wearing a nice pair of leggings with your favorite pair of boots and a sweater automatically creates a great school-ready look!
JILL SE TEK
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THE IMPACT OF
Jen
During this unprecedented time of fear, sadness, and confusion, I’ve witnessed an amazing thing: the resilience of not only students, but also faculty and the University as a whole. “Hurst is Home” has now transitioned to “Hurst From Home,” and I’m proud of our ability to carry on the closeness with our students, despite the distance between us. While I’m missing in-person interaction with my classes, I know that once this period is over, we’ll come back even stronger. My hope for everyone throughout the weeks and months ahead is that they find a way to stay positive. Practice self-care and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Most importantly, remember that near or far, the fashion faculty are here for each and every one of you. We miss you!
Erin
Although it's not how we were anticipating Spring semester to go, here we are! Adjusting to our "new normal" is going well and both the faculty and students are working together to make it all happen. I miss my morning coffee in the Center for Teaching Excellence…my home Keurig is on overload! So far in this crazy journey I have learned that our students and fashion faculty are super resilient, understanding, flexible and strong! With the online tools given to us by the University keeping connected and moving forward with classroom learning has been easier than expected. Although it's not an ideal situation that we find ourselves in, we are all doing our part to keep moving, keep positive and keep going.
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CORONAVIRUS & REMOTE LEARNING Ashlee
A MESSAGE FROM THE FASHION FACULTY
Top five things I have learned during the COVID-19 experience. 5) Making sure each one of us is taking the time for self-care. I have been running or exercising daily for 30 minutes. It helps to clear my mind and refocus. 4) Limit your time on social media and/or television. The news is inundating us with information, and it has not necessarily been positive. Try to follow people, social media sites, and businesses with positive messaging. Mute anything that seems to be bringing you down. It is important to stay informed but just try to limit the amount. 3) Remember this is only temporary. Take it day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. Taking the time to remember the positives and keeping the negative thoughts at bay. We are all in this together. 2) Family is so important. This time has allowed for me to remember what is most important and that is my family. Remember, Mercyhurst is your family too. The Fashion faculty have been talking daily to encourage one another and constantly discussing how we can continue support you. 1) We truly have the strongest most resilient students at Mercyhurst! I do miss seeing the students in person, but I am glad I can still see them virtually. It has been fun to see the student’s homes, bedrooms, study spaces, and even family members. It has made this experience that much enjoyable to let us get a glimpse of your lives outside of the Hurst. Remember always #Hurstishome #houseofhurst #wegotthis
Amy
The fact that the announcement to move to remote teaching was received on Friday the 13th, should have been the first indication that things were going to get a bit crazy. At that time the announcement said we were moving remote for two weeks, which didn't sound so bad. Then the announcement came that the remainder of the semester would be taught remotely. I'm not going to lie, that announcement was a tough pill to swallow. As a self-proclaimed extrovert, the lack of in person interaction with my students and colleagues is (and will continue to be) the toughest aspect of the whole situation for me. I love hearing the chit-chatting of students passing by my office, students popping in to tell me something funny or a bit of good news. I miss the side conversations with my students before and after my classes begin, as well as seeing students hanging out in 308. Quite frankly, I miss everything about what happened day in and day out on the 3rd floor of Old Main. As sad as that all sounds, I've optimistically shifted my attention to what the rest of the spring semester holds. I am happy to have the ability to still "see" my students on a regular basis in the virtual classroom and during my online office hours. Our fashion family is exactly that: a family. Even though we are not able to be together in the same place right now, we are always in each other's thoughts and are only a text or Facetime chat away.
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Mostly A’s:
Casual & Comfortable Your main priority is being comfortable. You care about being able to move freely and perform all the right moves without feeling as if your clothing is holding you back. You look for flexible and breathable materials and you aren’t obsessed with brand names.
WHAT IS YOUR ATHLEISURE STYLE? 1. When choosing an everyday sneaker, what do you look for first? A. Comfort is key
Mostly B’s:
B. It’s all about the look
Fashionista
C. Performance matters
You love scrolling through Pinterest for the latest and greatest style trends and you always have an eye on the fashion runways. Styling outfits is your jam—why should you put any less effort into your athleisure collection? For you, everything must match!
2. You are most likely to head to class carrying: A. Keys, phone, water—the essentials B. Tote bag and eco-friendly water bottle C. Bag complete with anything I may need—always be prepared 3. You’re getting ready for your long-awaited vacation what workout gear are you packing? A. None—It’s called vacation for a reason
Mostly C’s:
Practical Dresser You enjoy picking out your workout clothes, as well as your casual wear, but you don’t obsess over it. You choose things carefully with the purpose of enhancing your workout—not much else matters! Price, styles, trends, etc. are irrelevant—it’s all about what you need to wear and bring to class.
B. Only my most fashionable workout attire C. A few basic leggings, tanks, and sports bras 4. You overslept! What are you throwing on when you leave your apartment? A. Pair of jeans, a white t-shirt and sneakers B. Off the shoulder top, dark denim, and heels C. Basic tee, joggers, and white sneakers 5. Your go-to hair accessory for summer workouts is: A. Creaseless hair tie B. Stylish satin scrunchie C. Workout-friendly headband
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Sa ra Oppen heimer, 2005 What is your position at Under Armour and what does it entail? I am a Senior Strategic Sales Manager here at UA in our Baltimore Headquarters. I personally manage the largest volume women’s wholesale business within the company, focused on Kohl’s. I juggle a lot of pieces to the puzzle that encompass tracking and analyzing current seasons’ retail sales, telling the story behind the numbers and working with our internal teams to move the business velocity forward for future seasons. Working in sales is always a really interesting balance of thinking 49% for my client and 51% for my company. They both need to succeed in their strategies and initiatives for us to win overall. I partner closely with internal teams (planning, merchandising, visual merchandising, marketing) so we can show up at retail in the best way possible and so we can win in future seasons.
How would you describe Under Armour's company culture? Young, hungry and fearless! This is by far the youngest company I’ve been a part of. It resembles more of a college campus of teammates (we call each other that vs colleagues) walking around “campus” with backpacks and Yetis. The team culture is also like no-other, everyone is willing to chip in and lend a hand when needed; we’re family. For a large $5B company it is much more entrepreneurial than one might think, which I love. We are always open to new and more efficient ways of working and executing on our plans.
What has been the most exciting moment of your career? Presenting future strategies and assortments to both UA and Kohl’s CEOs! During that week, we also got to all schmooze and have dinner at Kevin Plank’s horse farm, Sagamore (UAs founder and former CEO). Also meeting people like….. Jordan Spieth, Lindsay Vonn and rubbing shoulders with Tom Brady and Natasha Hastings!
What do you enjoy most about working in the fashion industry? Never a dull moment! It’s so fast paced, there is never a chance to have a monotonous schedule. I love constantly analyzing ourselves, but also the competition and finding new angles to win.
Do you have any advice on how to be successful in the industry? Network ALL the time. Always respond to LinkedIn messages, recruiter calls and to people in general – you never know where the conversation might go in the future. You can get really far by being kind and making people feel good about themselves. BE NICE & KIND & HUMBLE; You can be those things and smart, assertive and kick ass at the same time.
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A special thank you to Jen and Jill for making this issue of the STATEMENT possible
STATEMENT SPRING 2020 MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY FASHION MERCHANDISING DEPARTMENT
