As many of you may know, I had the opportunity to visit London earlier this summer for the 5 Days of Fashion Styling program at Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design. Read on for some of my favorite memories and takeaways from my experiences while studying in London!
What were your first impressions of Condé Nast College?
Our initial walkthrough of Condé Nast College was such an incredible pinch-me moment! It was a dream come true to finally be studying at CNC, the company leading the world’s top fashion publications, with mentorship from previous (and current) Vogue and Glamour professionals. From day one, I had the impression that I was going to be learning from the best, and would be offered invaluable insight into the workings of the editorial fashion world. CNC is in a beautiful area rich with culture. It was an empowering experience to be surrounded by people from all over the world, both inside and outside of the classroom.
What did you expect from your styling course at CNC?
The styling course was more than I’d hoped for: I expected to learn first-hand tacit knowledge from industry professionals, as well as their tips and tricks for the trade and advice to further my career as a stylist. I was touched by the level of high quality feedback on my projects, and their genuine desire to challenge my styling skills in order to have me continue reaching for new heights.
What was your favorite styling assignment?
My favorite styling assignment was creating the mock Vogue Britain September Issue; I had the opportunity to work with students from the business side of fashion, in the creative directing department, and in the fashion journalism courses. Witnessing and working alongside my driven, talented peers was so inspiring and eye-opening in the process of creating a magazine. With this project, I learned the importance of considering every variable in its design, including the context of when the magazine is coming out, relevant issues, what is trending, designer partnerships, model, photographer and location choices that would be cohesive to the magazine as a whole, and the effectiveness in the execution of our business objectives.
What advice would you give to anyone considering the fashion styling course/and or studying at CNC?
My advice is get out of your comfort zone and take the course! This is your chance to learn from the fashion industry’s best, most experienced professionals to get exposure to product, editorial, commercial, and advertorial styling. It’s perfect for those at any point of their fashion careers, whether they’re exploring the idea, just starting out, and even those that are already established in their field. I’ve been a professional wardrobe stylist for four years, and I found the 5 Days of Fashion Styling to be an incredibly special and invaluable experience. Outside of the exciting assignments, speakers, and access to Vogue resources, the connections and lifelong lessons that I left with are what make this course all the more worthwhile.
