Coco Chanel learned to sew from nuns. Giorgio Armani studied medicine and served in the army. Before walking the red carpet for her brand name, Vera Wang was a figure skating phenomenon. In other words, the road to becoming a bigshot in fashion is not a rigid path. Likewise, NYU students are finding their own ways to break into the fashion industry through the university’s wide range of classes, clubs and internship opportunities.

Fashion journalism

CAS senior Eden Bayou, who majors in journalism and history, has made it her goal to specialize in fashion communications and media. When she took a fashion journalism class called “Style NY: Covering the Fashion Industry” with Professor Jessica Minkoff last summer, her aspirations became reality.

“Minkoff is a former NYU student and has been an editor of really great publications,” Bayou said. “We had a lot of guest speakers who are very big in the industry come and visit us. It was such a great opportunity to be able to speak with them and hear their input, as well as advice.”

Bayou has also secured a public relations internship at KCD, a PR firm that works with events like the Met Gala and the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which she described as her first immersive experience in fashion. From there, Bayou went on to work in sales and PR for Mirror Palais.

“I was able to do a little bit of everything,” Bayou said. “One day, you’re running around the Fashion District, carrying a bunch of garment bags. The next day, you’re trying on a bunch of clothes.”

Bayou’s studies have come in handy while working in the fashion industry. 

“I was able to take a lot of my journalism experience that I’ve learned at NYU with me to the internships,” Bayou said. “At Mirror Palais, I was doing a lot of pitching to journalists, and we were able to land two press coverages for the New York Post and Business Insider. It was a really big moment for us.” 

Fashion business

This past summer, Stern senior Toluwanimi Ajani completed an internship at Google — an experience that now informs her work in fashion.

“With my background in both business and tech, one route that I find very compelling is fashion merchandising, which is essentially analyzing industry trends and determining what might align with your client and consumer base,” Ajani, who studies finance and data science, said. 

Outside of her studies, Ajani models and gains hands-on experience through fashion clubs on campus, such as the Stern Undergraduate Luxury and Retail Association. In March, she worked on the annual Gallatin fashion show, which gives students the chance to experience life on the other side of the curtain.

“I was able to gain backstage experience,” Ajani said. “I reached out to volunteer and I ended up doing hair for 10 models that night.”  

To sharpen her creative lens and expand her modeling portfolio, Ajani began producing her own photoshoots. Her website boasts an assortment of colorful, expressive shots that integrate bold stylistic storytelling and defiant model posing. 

Fashion history

Gallatin junior Ava Noland, who is studying museum studies and art and design history, views fashion through a historical lens. 

“The fashion world today is very interesting, but for me, it’s more [about] the actual history of garments and design pieces behind that,” Noland said.

In learning about the history of different styles, Noland’s academics have led to a global understanding of fashion. She took a Steinhardt class called “Fashion and Power,” which focuses on Italian fashion, as a first-year, and is currently taking “How to (analyze) Fashion,” a course offered in the new Steinhardt Fashion Studies minor.

At the Gallatin fashion show, Noland designed a collection called “Generational Games: The Art of Entertainment.” Drawing inspiration from the ’60s, Noland exhibited playful and colorful ready-to-wear pieces. She aims to transform her studies and experiences into a lifestyle.

“My dream job would be at the Met’s Costume Institute, working with all of the historical garments,” Noland said. “I’d love to work in preservation or as a curator.”

Contact Jada Lee at [email protected].