TEEN VOGUE UNIVERSITY 2012
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanOctober has been the month when dreams came true for many a young girl looking to enter the world of fashion.
October 20,2012 was more than just another day at The New York Millennium Hotel. Teen Vogue University got underway for the seventh year and with it came excitement and anticipation. Each year students from all over the globe apply for this once in a million chance to soak up some valuable knowledge, gain experience and enjoy the opportunity to meet some of the best names in the business. This year there were over 1600 aspiring students that applied from ages 16 all the way up to age 24 and hailing from twenty-one countries including the United States and Canada. However, only 500 lucky students were able to be chosen and grateful they were.
This is a weekend long conference with a non-stop schedule. Seminars included topics such as blogging, buying, social media, styling, creative direction, how to land an internship and so much more to thrust this ambitious group of youths into a career in fashion. And as if the seminars were not enough, these lucky young adults also received first-hand information from Grace Coddington, Olivier Theyskens, BryanBoy, Phillip Lim, Rebecca Minkoff, Rachel Roy, Chris Benz, Erin Fetherston and Nicole Richie, all experts in this fast-paced world of style.
Focusing in on trends and accessories not only gave the students a look into what’s happening now but will also be monumental in helping them to organize their own wardrobe. Individuality is so important for the expressive message that it conveys.
Jason Wagenheim, publisher of Teen Vogue, had some very sound advice. “Never underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned handwritten ‘Thank you’ note. Don’t use abbreviations in emails to prospective employers – like “c” for “see” and “u” for “you”. Stay away from emoticons when emailing people you are trying to impress.”
Being a part of Project Runway and skyrocketing to the top of the design world, Christian Siriano had alot of great advice to get your feet wet in the business and make it work for you.
Students were focused and put it all on paper as they jotted down notes. Department stores such as Bloomingdale’s sent representatives to answer questions and give pointers and interns were on hand as well as a means of easily relating and apprising their experiences.
Of course, attending such a life-changing event calls for a style that will make a lasting impression. From some of the fashions, it already appears that these students have an eye for style and sophistication whether it be classy or edgy, unique or trendy. Lady Gaga’s wardrobe seemed to inspire with some individualized touches thrown in for good measure. Creativity was amazing and passion was revealed from head to toe.
Layering, the khaki military influence and the softer side of leather are all familiar trends to us for the coming seasons.
Designers seem to have such a large command on the way these students dress and their drive for success to the highest degree.
Style has traveled through the ages with dramatic twists and turns and it is probably one of the most dynamic industries to enter in the professional world. Best of luck to these hopeful and driven students!
PHOTO CREDITS: Getty Images, Chuck Grant
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