“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but I knew the woman I wanted to become.” – Diane Von Furstenberg
This past weekend, I attended Teen Vogue Fashion University which is a week long fashion workshop in New York City hosted by Teen Vogue. I applied during the summer but they only take 500 people from across the world so I was worried that I would not get in. Needless to say, I was absolutely ecstatic when I found out I was accepted!
Friday night was the kickoff event at Juicy Couture. Juicy Couture was gave a 25% discount for all Teen Vogue Fashion U students and a guest. We were also handed Pink Passports that can be used at any Juicy Couture store and they gave away a $75 gift card. Even without the discounts and freebies, the party was fabulous! I had so much fun!
On Saturday, we had seminars all day. Once you are accepted, you receive a list of seminars that they are offering and you can sign up for whichever ones you want (provided they aren’t already full). My first seminar of the day was with ‘Gossip Girl’ stylist Eric Daman. I was very excited to hear his insight in the world of styling since that is the area of the fashion world that I am most interested in. He gave us great insight on what it is REALLY like to style for a television show. He claimed that he usually gets the script a week before they shoot the scenes meaning he has to come up with 200+ outfits a week! Sounds like a crazy yet exciting life!
My next seminar was with the editors of Teen Vogue including Amy Astley. They were more than willing to answer any and all of our questions about the fashion industry, working in a magazine, internships and more. My third seminar was with Cynthia Rowley. Her story of success was very unique. She got discovered on a subway by a fashion buyer and basically just figured out the industry as she went on. My final seminar before the keynote speaker was with Ann-Sofie Johansson, the head designer at H&M. I had no idea that their headquarters was in Sweden!
I was very fortunate to be able to be in the presence of a true fashion icon, Diane Von Furstenberg, Teen Vogue Fashion U’s 2009 keynote speaker. She is just an amazing, wise and successful women. It was so inspirational to hear her story in person. The day concluded with a shopping event at H&M where Teen Vogue Fashion U’s students received a 25% discount and tons of delicious treats!
On Sunday, Maybelline was giving girls free mini makeovers before the screening of The September Issue. It was really interesting to see the movie and what it is really like to work at Vogue. We also got to speak with the producer of the film, Sadia Sheperd. There was so much that went on behind the scenes that she was more than willing to share with us. After the screening, we all received our diplomas.
All in all, Teen Vogue Fashion U was a great experience. There is really no other place where you can interact with people who have already made it in the fashion industry like this. They have so much insight that they want to share with you to help you succeed. If you are interested in working in a magazine or any other area of the fashion world, I definitely suggest that you apply for Teen Vogue Fashion University next year! I can’t even begin to explain how much I learned!
Also, if Teen Vogue Fashion U is just not an option for you. You can also get great tips about how to get started in the fashion industry by purchasing a copy of the Teen Vogue Handbook.
How would you like to receive an all expenses paid trip to New York City to attend this year’s Teen Vogue Fashion U?
