In early fall 2024, NAU students Lexi Wahl and Tracy Castillo joined 26 other students from around the country in New York City to attend New York Fashion Week.
It was, in their words, a “trip of a lifetime.” But more than that, it solidified their desire to pursue a career in fashion.
Castillo and Wahl represented NAU in season 13 of what is called the U of NYFW. This all-expenses-paid trip is made possible through a partnership between NAU and the Collegiate Licensing Company.
They made friends with students from other universities amidst the buzz of NYC. They also networked with Amazon and fashion executives, gaining insights into fashion culture, the future of the business, and career opportunities. Both students highlighted the fashion show with SIMKHAI Design Studio and enjoyed decorating garments at Champion.
Castillo is a proud first-generation American and first-generation student majoring in Business Economics, hoping to pursue a career in the business side of fashion. She offered further thoughts on the trip and fashion through this Q&A.
Reflections on fashion, NYC, and career growth
Do you have a favorite designer?
Paolo Sebastian was one of the first designers I was really intrigued by looking over their collections and designs, and now SIMKHAI.
Was this your first trip to NYC?
I went to NYC over the summer to visit some family and friends. This trip was the most memorable NYC trip, meeting a diverse group of people who are all excited to experience the same thing as you. It was a unique moment in our college career.
Describe NAU fashion.
NAU fashion, to me, describes the environment in Flagstaff. Flagstaff is 7,000 feet in elevation, covered in evergreens, aspen, and the San Fransisco peaks. The people of Flagstaff typically are in hiking and athletic attire, Patagonia, earthy tones, and relaxed outfits. The students on campus will wear the latest trends, baggy jeans and fitted tops or boxy oversized tees. What is interesting to note is that though the majority follow the trends, everyone still has a piece of individuality that they sometimes present through clothing.
What were some highlights of the trip?
I enjoyed meeting and networking with other students on the first night! I also enjoyed meeting the panelists of Amazon and, lastly, the fashion show. From the moment you step onto the elevator to the moment you sit in your seat, the ambiance is created through the music and setup and allows you to focus on the pieces that will walk by. The moment the music changed to begin the show, I found myself emotional; my biggest dream was coming true. Sensational. I even got to introduce myself to the designer’s (SIMKHAI) mother, who was the inspiration for the whole show; she was nothing short of kind and sincere.
What does it mean to you to have an opportunity like this?
To have the chance to experience NYFW felt surreal. It was the kind of opportunity that I had always dreamed about, to experience what the fashion industry has to hold, and having the top professionals give you behind-the-scenes insight on how New York Fashion Week is produced is an inspiration that I have taken in and will extend to other facets I am and will be a part of.
How did this experience tie in with your career goals?
This experience allowed me to accept a part of me that craves creativity in my work. I want to be analytical but also allow myself to tap into things I enjoy outside of “serious” topics, such as the fashion industry. I also loved how much networking is involved, internally and externally.
Would you recommend this experience to other students?
I would recommend this experience to other students. No other experience is like it in college. This program is so structured; the people you meet are tenured in their fields, and even those who are relatively new in their department have been able to experience, act on, and pivot in more ways than one. I feel as though this industry is the definition of what it means to be in the world of problem-solving and business.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I want to extend my deepest thanks to those who made it possible for me to attend this transformative experience. From the designers and organizers to the departments and faculty within the university who believed in me, thank you. For anyone dreaming of attending NYFW or taking their career into the fashion world, my advice is to stay passionate and persistent. Build genuine relationships and never be afraid to reach out for these opportunities. Sometimes the hardest part is asking. This opportunity has shown me I need to have courage, work hard, and dedicate myself to my goals and so should everyone else.
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