SAVE THE DATE! January 25, 2009
Though we don't have updated posters, yet, this event HAS been moved to January 25.
Open to all Students and Graduates of The Art Institutes. Job Postings, Guest Bloggers, Industry Information, Job Search Strategies, and More!
Yasmina Johnston with her incredibly artistic display...
A shot of Sarah McLaughlin's exquisite bridal-inspired display:
Felita Harris (left), Donna Karan Sr. Director of Sales discusses Donna's System of Dressing
(photo credit: Jason Janik)
Felita, who has been with Donna Karan for six years and was recruited by a former president of DK, is a wealth-of-knowledge, and she was happy to demystify the how-to's of breaking into the fashion industry:
Did you work while you were in college? Yes - in Retail Management.
How important is prior retail/wholesale experience to Donna Karan? Crucial!
Is prior experience important when applying to ALL entry-level positions with designers? Yes, nothing like experience!
What is the best way to network and meet new people? Consider everyone you meet a "contact".. You never know who will or could refer you to future jobs. Stick with the task at hand.. If you put pride in your current job, people will notice and you will get promoted.
I know you travel a lot with your job.what are the (3) Can’t-leave-home-without-it things you ALWAYS pack for every business trip? Makeup, under garments, jersey from Donna karan.
What fashion-related blog/website/publication do you read every day? wwd
Final piece of advice for students seeking their degrees in Fashion Design and Fashion & Retail Management:
*Most careers in fashion are not glamorous.. Be willing to assist in whatever capacity you're needed. Think outside the box and be ready when the "ball" is tossed to your court...
*Never dismiss anyone based on their current job position. You never know where people will end up...
*Strive to work harder than the person you report to. Behind every great manager is an amazing support team...
*Always start with the company's "style" preference.. You can always incorporate pieces of your personal style. Just remember that companies are looking for people who wear THEIR clothes well...
*Be FRIENDLY AND EASY TO WORK WITH. Most people spend more time at work than they do at home. If it doesn't feel like work then you're in the right place..
Jennifer Rodgers, Fashion and Events Coordinator for NorthPark Center, shared the following information with us:
What does your job entail?
- On the events side of my job I work on coordinating events within the center such as Fashion at the Park and Model Search, and I also get to work with the tenants on their in-store events.
- On the fashion side of my job I get to dress with anchors, Paige, Robert, and Amy, of Good Morning Texas on a daily basis, their clothing is provided exclusively by NorthPark. Also, I get to plan and pull clothing, gifts, and accessories for any news segments that we do throughout the year.
Can you recall a particularly interesting or fun event?
- A fun memory from my job would have to be when I got to plan my very 1st event for NorthPark all on my own. It was a bridal event that I had to make a budget figure out rental, model costs, hire and fashion show producer, and make my vision for this event a reality. Well, of course everything that could go wrong did, including busting my butt while getting one of the male models from the dressing room, but I did do one thing right… I hired my previous boss, Jan Strimple, to produce the fashion show. She did such a great job, as always, and had also had a amazing ability to keep me calm. In the end the event turned out beautifully and everyone was happy!
What advice would you give to a student or graduate who wants a job like yours?
- The biggest piece of advice I can give to student who want to get into the fashion industry is to go to as many fashion events and parties you can, whether you are a volunteer or some ones plus one, you must network! I would not be where I am today with out the great people in my life pointing me in the right direction and opening up all the right doors. I am truly blessed!