mimilemar-kentstudytour

[mimilemar-kentstudytour]

Aritzia

We visited Aritzia at Hudson Yards and got a great look at how the brand combines accessible luxury with a strong sense of identity. I learned that the founders’ family owns Dillard’s, which explains their success in retail. Aritzia’s NYC offices and stores focus on creating a full experience, not just selling clothes.

One piece we discussed was the Farrah pant, redesigned with an added two inches for a better fit. We also got solid career advice: show up as the version of yourself who could already work there, know your personal style, align with the brand’s aesthetic, and always represent the brand thoughtfully.

[mimilemar-kentstudytour]

Met

I got to visit The Met for the first time, and it definitely lived up to expectations. Walking through the museum felt surreal and overwhelming. There’s just so much to see, and every room is filled with something completely different. One of the coolest parts was the porcelain collection. I didn’t expect to be so drawn to it, but loved the detail and craftsmanship. It made me think about how much design and art overlap and loved the colors.

We also spent time exploring the sculpture galleries, which really stuck with me. Seeing these massive, carefully carved pieces up close gave me a whole new appreciation for form and structure. The way the artists captured expression and movement out of stone was wild. For a first visit, it was so beautiful and inspiring. I can’t wait to go back and see even more.

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Urban Outfitters

We got to visit both Reclectic and Urban Outfitters, and it was such a fun and inspiring day. Reclectic had so many vintage finds and one-of-a-kind pieces, and walking through the space felt like digging through a super curated thrift store in the best way. I loved seeing how they style everything, and it made me think about how much storytelling goes into visual merchandising. It felt personal, creative, and super thoughtful.

Urban Outfitters had a totally different energy but was just as cool to see. We got a look at how their spaces are laid out and organized. Seeing both places back-to-back really showed the contrast between curated vintage and retail. I left feeling really inspired to think more intentionally about how clothes are presented and had fun styling these looks.

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Kleinfeld's

Going to Kleinfeld Bridal was honestly such a cool and unique experience. I used to watch Say Yes to the Dress all the time, so being in the actual space felt very special. We got to walk through the showroom, check out some of the designers they carry, and just take in all the beautiful designs. It was so fun seeing how excited everyone gets about helping brides find the dress.

The best part was getting to see the behind-the-scenes areas where all the production and alterations happen. It was really cool to see how much detail goes into making everything perfect for each bride. There's a whole team working so hard to make sure every little thing is just right. It made the whole place feel even more special, and I left with a new appreciation for everything that goes into bridal fashion.

[mimilemar-kentstudytour]

Splendid

We recently visited the Splendid Showroom, where we got to check out collections from brands like 7 For All Mankind, Florence by Mills, and, of course, Splendid. The Florence by Mills sleepwear line was super cozy and stylish, while 7 For All Mankind had some amazing denim pieces that really showcased their attention to detail. It was cool to see how they build these collections from scratch and how they manage different price points to appeal to a wide range of customers.

The marketing side of things was equally interesting- hearing how they tailor their strategies to fit each brand’s vibe and use social media and influencers to drive customers was eye-opening. We also learned about internship opportunities at Splendid, which would give anyone a chance to dive deep into design, production, and marketing. Overall, it was a great look into the business side of fashion, and it made me appreciate the balance between creativity and strategy that goes into making these brands successful.

[mimilemar-kentstudytour]

Majesty

This week, we had the chance to visit Majesty Brands showroom and offices and it was honestly such a cool and eye-opening experience. We got to walk through their showrooms, see how they set everything up, and saw how a brand like that operates behind the scenes. It’s one thing to learn about the fashion industry in class or online but it’s another to actually see how collections are built, how products are merchandised, and how much thought goes into every little detail. One of the highlights was getting to hear from their Head of HR. She gave some amazing advice about getting a job in the industry. She told us to make sure to get different types of experience and to be persistent. It was super refreshing to hear tips from someone who's actually doing the hiring and knows what companies are looking for right now. Overall, it was such a valuable visit. Getting to see how a brand works from the inside out and hearing advice directly from people in the industry made everything feel way more real. I also love socks so that was cool too!

[mimilemar-kentstudytour]

Harry Potter Store

Today, we visited the Harry Potter Store in Manhattan and had the chance to explore all the different sections on display. As we walked through, each area was thoughtfully explained to us, making it even more exciting to take in all the details.

Every element, from the walls and ceilings to the stair posts and even the ambient sounds, was carefully designed. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or not, there was something for everyone. It was fun seeing the intricate designs and seeing how they made the store so successful. We ended the visit with butterbeer ice cream and got pins!

[mimilemar-kentstudytour]

Nordstrom's

We had a super insightful Zoom call with a visual merchandiser from Nordstrom, who shared how she bounced around different roles before landing in her current position managing the Nordstrom website. She talked a lot about how important it is to have strong product knowledge and how she curates products to make them look their best online. It was really interesting to hear about her experience working from home and how that’s changed the way she works. I was also lucky enough to connect with her on LinkedIn, which was awesome!

[mimilemar-kentstudytour]

I had the opportunity to visit Cotton Inc.’s NYC headquarters, where we heard from their trend analyst about the development of different fashion trends. One of the most intriguing concepts she discussed was Celebraordinary, a trend that highlights and celebrates the beauty of ordinary life. She also shared insights into her work, including how she travels to source garments from around the world, allowing us to examine some of the unique pieces she had collected. It was fascinating to see how global influences shape trends and materials. This visit was especially interesting to me because I had previously been to Cotton Inc.’s headquarters in North Carolina, and it was insightful to compare how the two locations operate differently within the same organization.

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Coterie Trade Show

The Coterie space is filled with racks of clothing, accessories, and footwear from brands all over the world, each booth carefully curated to reflect its unique aesthetic. It’s a place where designers, buyers, and industry professionals come together to showcase new collections, discuss trends, and build relationships.

One of the most interesting aspects of Coterie is the variety of brands present- some are well-established, while others are emerging labels looking to break into the market. Many booths highlight sustainability efforts, whether through deadstock fabrics, ethical production, or innovative materials. The show is divided into different sections, like the “International Neighborhoods,” where brands from Italy, Korea, and Africa display pieces that bring global influences into contemporary fashion.

Beyond just browsing collections, attendees can sit in on panels and discussions covering topics like digital fashion, consumer trends, and how the retail landscape is evolving. It’s fascinating to hear how brands are adapting, whether by using 3D sampling or adjusting to changing shopping habits. The networking aspect is just as important- buyers are placing orders, designers are making connections, and conversations about future collaborations are happening at every corner.

Overall, Coterie is a space where creativity meets commerce. It’s not just about the clothes; it’s about how brands tell their stories, form partnerships, and navigate an ever-changing industry.

[mimilemar-kentstudytour]

New York Embroidery Studio

Today, I delved into the world of the New York Embroidery Studio (NYES) and was thoroughly impressed by its rich history and significant contributions to the fashion industry. Founded in 2002 by Michelle Feinberg, NYES has become a cornerstone of New York City’s Garment District, offering a wide array of embellishment services that cater to both emerging designers and established fashion houses. 

One of the most interesting aspects of NYES is its commitment to preserving the art of embellishment in an era where many such crafts have been outsourced overseas. The studio’s dedication to quality and innovation has attracted high-profile clients, including designers like Thom Browne, Alexander Wang, and Tory Burch. It’s fascinating to learn how NYES collaborates closely with these designers, bringing their creative visions to life through intricate embroidery, laser cutting, and hand-sewn embellishments.

Exploring NYES’s journey has deepened my appreciation for the meticulous craftsmanship that holds up the fashion industry. The studio’s unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation not only supports designers but also ensures that the rich tradition of embellishment continues to thrive in modern fashion.

[mimilemar-kentstudytour]

Museum of Broadway study your

Today we went to the Museum of Broadway and it was absolutely incredible! We got to see costumes and props from Broadway musicals of the past and present. I enjoyed hearing about the history of the musicals and the people who made them happen. We learned a lot about West Side Story and how it was intended to be a religious musical but they changed it to territorial. I personally found this very interesting. I also enjoyed the black excellence exhibit and felt very happy they were showcasing diversity in all aspects. Overall, I had a wonderful time and a lot of laughs and it helped me gain a greater appreciation for Broadway.

[mimilemar-kentstudytour]

M&S Schmalberg Study Tour

We visited M&S Schmalberg, which i a fabric flower manufacturer. Right as we walked in, it felt like we were in a garden. The walls were adorned with flowers of all different shapes, sizes, and patterns. We sat down and learned a bit about the history and importance of the brand, and about different projects they have worked on. I thought it was most interesting how they work with celebrities to make red carpet looks, as well as bridal uses- like making fabric bouquets.

We were then taken back into the factory and were able to see the people that produce the flowers, as well as the specialty machines they use to make them. I thought it was most interesting how they maintained a lot of the processes they used in the past, while changing them some to increase efficiency. We were walked through all the steps of creation, from cutting, to gluing, to the different finishes they can put on the flowers. Kindly, they allowed us to look through scraps of flowers that were either not finished or not up to standards. We were also encouraged to purchase pre-made flowers or reach out if we ever wanted to work on a project. Overall, I thought the experience was very wonderful and enjoyed seeing how they can keep a small business running, especially with all the changes in recent years in the garment industry.

[mimilemar-kentstudytour]

Dover Street Market

1/21/25

Today we explored all the floors of Dover Street Market. The store is more like a showroom. It features a collection of pieces from both well known and up and coming designers. It also has jewelry, perfume, and other accessories. We had the opportunity to speak to sales associates on each floor that told us about the specialties.

The layout of the space was creative and unique, with installations and displays that felt more like art exhibits than traditional retail merchandising. I appreciated the opportunity to actually see designer clothing and have the ability to look at the construction and feel the material. I was surprised how simple some of the pieces were for the exorbitant pricing. Overall, I enjoyed the experience and will definitely return in the future.