Joey Carosilva and four other NAU students are headed to New York Fashion Week, where they will network with expert designers.
Over 2,000 miles and a world of difference separate fashion fanatic Jose “Joey” Carosilva’s tiny hometown of Nogales, Arizona from the glittering metropolis of New York City. Carosilva, along with four other NAU students, travels to NYC February 10–13 to attend New York Fashion Week (NYFW).
Every September and February, celebrities from around the globe flock to Fashion Week, an international event for designers and brands to showcase new releases for the upcoming season. Until now, Carosilva had only observed from afar, scrolling social media posts and stories from his favorite stars and designers. But this year, he’s packing a bag and getting ready to share his own story from the style trenches with #NAUFashionWeek.
Carosilva and his fellow travelers—Kyle Killett, Julia Rabussay, Naomi Rusk, and Alexis-Marie Soliven—were selected from applicants in the College of Arts and Letters, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and The W. A. Franke College of Business. The all-expenses-paid trip, known as “U of NYFW,” is made possible through a partnership between NAU and the Collegiate Licensing Company. This is the third time NAU has sent students to U of NYFW. They will attend fashion shows, workshops, and networking events with fashion industry representatives.
When Carosilva, who is majoring in Strategic Communication with an emphasis in Merchandising and a minor in Business, saw the email inviting students to apply, a lack of confidence held him back. But with encouragement from his co-president in the Northern Arizona Merchandising Association club on campus, he submitted his application at the last minute.
Now Joey and his cohort are busy packing their bags—not an easy task, considering the destination. “We have a little group chat, and we’re just constantly talking. Like, ‘Oh my gosh, what are you going to wear?’ ‘Did you see that we’re getting our own rooms?’ Or ‘Did you see that we got our flights?’ We’re all super stoked and excited to be doing this because, when do you have an opportunity to go to Fashion Week, you know?”
Carosilva can’t remember a time when he wasn’t into fashion. “I’ve always considered fashion to be a big part of my life,” he says. “I’ve always liked dressing up, expressing my creativity.”
This trip will allow him to express that creativity while immersed in the creativity of others. It will be his first time in New York, and he can’t wait to soak it all in.
“Professionally, I hope I get to network with some individuals. I honestly have been super excited to maybe see some celebrities and also to see some great collections from designers.”
He’s hoping to bring some of the lessons he learns back to NAU, and will use them to pull off a Northern Arizona Merchandising Association fashion show on campus. Although the club is having trouble securing a venue on campus, they’re actively planning to stage a show on April 2. He also hopes to secure a merchandising internship this summer.
But first, he’s got to pack.
UP NEXT...
NAU students attend New York Fashion Week
Five NAU students get a behind-the-scenes look at New York Fashion week.
Aiming high
For Marketing major Ana Aranda, New York City has always been the promised land. Thanks to NAU, she’s got the chance to return in style.
Strengthening a successful career
NAU alumna and successful professional, Michelle “Shelly” Talsma Everson returns to NAU to pursue a master’s degree in Communication.
Thriving by design
After transferring to NAU, interior design student Jessica Arnold triumphed alongside a team of peers determined to shape their community.