Five NAU students have been selected to attend New York Fashion Week as part of an annual event known as “U of NYFW.”
The students will get a behind-the-scenes look at the world of fashion, networking with industry experts and attending shows, career workshops, and panel discussions. The all-expenses-paid trip will take place from February 10–13, 2022.
This is the third time NAU has sent students to fashion week. At five, this year’s cohort is the biggest yet. The colleges of Arts and Letters, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Business invited all students studying merchandising and related fields to apply. Representing NAU at U of NYFW in February will be Jose Carosilva (who goes by Joey), Kyle Killett, Julia Rabussay, Naomi Rusk, and Alexis-Marie Soliven. Read on for their thoughts as they prepare for this remarkable trip.
U of NYFW is made possible through a partnership between NAU and the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC). Now in its eighth season, the U of NYFW program hosts students from CLC partner institutions around the country.
Joey Carosilva
Major: Strategic Communication – Merchandising with a minor in Business
Age: 21
Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Nogales, Arizona
What are you most excited about for the trip? I am extremely excited just to be in the same ambiance as many talented designers and creators! Also, this is my first time visiting NYC, so I’ll be excited to see all of the tourist hotspots!
Who is your favorite designer? As of right now, I have been noticing that everyone wants or needs Prada accessories. I absolutely love Prada’s line, and I am eager to see the looks they’ll be showcasing at this upcoming NYFW.
Is this your first trip to NYC? Yes. It has always been a dream of mine to visit NYC, especially during fashion week!
Describe Flagstaff fashion: It’s a combination of streetwear, bohemian, athleisure, and casual wear.
Kyle Killett
Major: Marketing – Sales
Age: 20
Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Lahaina, Hawai`i
What are you most excited about for the trip? Seeing NYC for the first time and the creative direction for all the new collections.
Who is your favorite designer? Oscar de la Renta.
Is this your first trip to NYC? Yes.
Describe Flagstaff fashion: It seems like Flagstaff fashion is really whatever people want it to be; it’s so diverse! If I had to describe it, I would probably say athleisure—a blend of trendy athletic apparel and comfortable loungewear. On another level, Flagstaff fashion is very bohemian/hippie chic.
Julia Rabussay
Major: Strategic Communication – Merchandising with a minor in Photography
Age: 20
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Tempe, Arizona
What are you most excited about for the trip? I am excited to be able to represent NAU at one of the biggest fashion events in the world and to be surrounded by new designs for the upcoming season.
Who is your favorite designer? I have a hard time narrowing down my favorite designer due to an interest in varying styles. Some of my favorites that I always get excited about are Betsey Johnson, The Blonds, and Alice + Olivia.
Is this your first trip to NYC? No, I went with my parents when I was much younger. This will be my first time going as an adult and I’ll be able to experience it through an entirely different lens.
Describe Flagstaff fashion: Flagstaff’s fashion is eclectic, a mix of many styles and cultures that make for a diverse appearance overall. There is some athleisure wear, a bit of bohemian, as well as some academia. Fashion in Flagstaff is often focused on comfort rather than trendiness, especially in the winter.
Naomi Rusk
Major: Theatre – Design and Technology
Age: 20
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
What are you most excited about for the trip: I am most excited to get hands-on experience and learn from real designers.
Who is your favorite designer?: Lirika Matoshi
Is this your first trip to NYC?: No, I’ve been several times!
Describe Flagstaff fashion: To be honest, Flagstaff fashion is generally granola and hippie style, which is pretty different from what I like. I hope to spread my fashion throughout Flagstaff someday.
Alexis-Marie Soliven
Major: Strategic Communication – Merchandising
Age: 21
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Litchfield Park, Arizona
What are you most excited about for the trip? I am most excited about seeing all the different outfits people wear on- and offstage!
Who is your favorite designer? Currently, it is Jackson Wiederhoeft! The designer’s newest collection is so whimsical; I love it.
Is this your first trip to NYC? No, it is not! New York City is one of my favorite places.
Describe Flagstaff fashion: If I had to use one word to describe Flagstaff fashion, I would say “earthy.” Flagstaff is full of nature lovers, such as myself, and we can definitely see that in people’s style choices.
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