As someone who has always had an interest in fashion, journalism, and the business world, I had the amazing opportunity to interview one of my Year 13 friends on their exciting time at the incredible Vogue Summer School, in New York City. This article will give a detailed insight of their experience, broadcast the exhilarating time they had, and what they have learnt coming out of the courses they took.
Which course did you take during your time at Vogue?
Student: I took the Fashion Business Course which is an introduction into marketing and brand development skills within the fashion industry, where essentially by the end of the two weeks you create a business proposal or plan for a fashion brand of your choice.
What’s the most interesting thing you learned during the trip?
Student: One of the most interesting things that I learned during the trip was how the app ‘Met Gala’ actually came about, as the planning to rearrange the seating plan takes tremendous effort and the staff at Vogue have to take that into account. For example, the Met Gala theme is decided two years prior to the event which gives the staff time to organize where celebrities are going to sit, as often celebrities are not able to sit next to others due to having past relationships or disagreements in movies. Anna Winter often meets regularly with staff like Rose Carlisle to discuss how to make each theme for the Met Gala better.
Did you get to meet anyone inspiring, and what advice did they share?
Student: Yes, throughout the course you are constantly exposed to a vast number of guest speakers who work with Anna Wintour to bring the Met Gala to reality such as Rose Carlisle, Ian Malone and Tanner Fletcher. The advice that the majority of guest speakers shared during the Q&A panel was similar: such as “don’t put yourself in one box, try different industries, it will always lead you somewhere.” Nearly every speaker studied something completely different to what their job is now. My instructor Emily McKay was one of the many inspiring role models that I came across in NYC, she definitely opened my eyes to the many issues that the fashion industry faces, for example, sustainability.
Has this experience changed the way you think about fashion or business?
Student: Definitely yes, as during my time at Vogue, my instructor is an owner of a second-hand luxury business who gave us insight into how mass market brands are contributing to the downfall of the fashion industry due to production happening on a large scale, such as brands like Shein. Since returning to the UK, I now constantly think before I shop about the brand’s mission statement and if it correlates to what they’re actually selling. So many brands now lie in order to gain customers and control their market share.
What was your favourite moment from the trip outside of the classroom?
Student: My favorite moment from the trip outside of the classroom was going to Brooklyn by subway with my friends to explore the Brooklyn Flea Market. There are so many small businesses with incredible talent such as watchmakers, video cameras and Jewelers that incorporate the sustainability aspects that the fashion industry is beginning to adapt to.
Would you recommend this opportunity to other students, and why?
Student: 100% I would recommend this opportunity to other students, especially those who want to pursue a career around the business world as even though you are primarily learning about the fashion industry, the business aspect can be applied to everyday life, which is definitely an important skill that is useful in the future. Moreover, not only do you have access to amazing lectures, instructors and guest speakers, you also meet the most amazing friends from all around the world, who have similar ideas and thoughts to yourself. Lastly, The environment of New York is so inspiring, during your time on this course you get to visit places that are not open to the public such as a private tour behind Saks department store, the exclusive exhibit of the Met Gala and even what it’s like to work in Anna Winter’s office, which can definitely help you to decide the path you want to go down in life!
