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[wrldofanthonii]

A Visit to Splendid

Hiiii for the last time people 😔 Let’s get the energy up in this piece though! This week we toured Splendid and got to meet AMAZING people! The team at Splendid is truly inspiring and I loved learning about their journeys within the industry and about their roles there at Splendid. They all play such crucial roles whether they’re one year in, three years in or a 15 year veteran on the team.

My favorite thing about the tour was the different show rooms! From Converse to Florence by Millie, I was truly amazed by how many brands they worked with and to take a peak at which products they sell. We started in the Florence by Millie showroom and got a sneak peak at Millie Bobby Browns next collection for the winter season. Lots of bows, candy canes, red, white, black, and baby blue. It was awesome! Couldn’t take pics of it unfortunately, but I promise it was excellent!

I hate to say this… omg no no no😔 This blog was fun for the meantime, but unfortunately everything has to come to an end. I knew you for such a short time, and I’ve missed you forever… goodbye study tour. :(

[wrldofanthonii]

A Visit to Majesty Brands

Hi anteaterss! This week, we got to tour and chat with the amazing associates at Majesty Brands! Tanya and Dana were absolutely incredible. So knowledgeable, so energetic, and so passionate about what they do. With decades of experience under their belts, they shared so much helpful advice about building resumes, gaining experience, and finding your path in the industry. I could have listened to them all day!

After our chat, we got a full tour of the office and it was SO cool! We got to see all the rooms for the different retailers Majesty is a licensee for, like Starter, Jessica Simpson, and Born. Each room was filled with products that hadn’t even hit the market yet, so it felt like getting a backstage pass to the fashion world!

We wrapped up the visit back in the meeting room, asking Tanya and Dana even more questions before we left. I loved everything about the experience — the team, the space, and the positive energy surrounding Majesty Brands. Seriously, such a great company with such great people!!

[wrldofanthonii]

A Visit to Kleinfeld

Hi, peopleee! This week we got to tour Kleinfeld and I’m still freaking out about it! Huge shoutout to the amazing team there for making it so special. We walked through the gorgeous try-on area where families gather (and either fight or cry happy tears), and of course, we saw the iconic Say Yes to the Dress fitting rooms with the giant mirror. So exciting!!

Then we got to peek inside the stock room, and oh my gosh… it was dresses floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall! Everywhere you looked, there were more gowns wrapped in plastic and packed like sardines. I felt like I was walking through a real-life bridal fantasy land and an electric field apparently. After walking through the dresses, I got statically shocked so terribly haha.

The tour didn’t stop there though! We headed downstairs to the accessory area, walked past the alteration rooms where all the behind-the-scenes magic happens, and even saw the workspace where dresses get steamed, altered, packaged, and prepped for the big day. It was seriously one of the coolest experiences ever. #obsessed!! I definitely recommend every bride-to-be go to Kleinfeld for the experience alone.. It’s magical.

[wrldofanthonii]

A Visit to the MET

Anddddd we’re BACK! This past week, I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art! This was my first time going, and I couldn’t have been more pleased with my experience. I knew the MET was a culmination of art from different time periods, areas of the world, and cultures, so I was pumped to go. Also, being a fashion nerd, I was even more pumped because they have their fashion exhibit… except it was down because they’re currently building the following exhibit. I’ll just have to see the next one in May!!

The MET was so beautiful. From the huge cathedral-like gates that felt like you were entering an entirely new world to the miniature model of the Statue of Liberty, the museum combines history with intriguing detail perfectly. There were rooms solely lined with artwork created by Artists like Van Gogh, and just around a few corners, you’d find the Little Fourteen Year Old Dancer sculpture highlighted in the center of a room like Van Gogh's self portrait is in his gallery. It was awesome. There were a few exhibits I wish I could have explored before leaving, so I will have to take a trip back before the semester ends to see them! I would recommend everyone go to the MET, not only if you’re a serious art or fashion lover!! 

[wrldofanthonii]

A Visit to Urban Outfitters

I took a trip to URBANNN this week! This was my second time being in the Urban Outfitters location in Herald Square, so I was super excited to go again. Especially because of the new addition in the lower level, Reclectic Vintage! Reclectic Vintage is URBN’s approach to exploring more eco-conscious solutions for products from lifestyle brands that can’t be sold at retail. These lifestyle brands include Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters, and Nuuly. So, there were a lot of great options to choose from when creating my look.

My customer is attending a music festival this summer. They’re looking for an exciting outfit, one that plays with texture, pattern, mixing fabrics and garments that aren’t usually paired together, and mixing statement/fashion pieces with statement/fashion pieces. As I moved further into the store, I noticed the leopard print basketball shorts, so I grabbed them immediately. They’re comfortable and breathable but fashionable, so I knew they’d be perfect for my customer. As I kept exploring the store, I went down to Reclectic, where I found the rest of the outfit! I saw the black top and thought it’d be such a fun statement piece to add to the outfit, so I snatched it up. Next was accessories! I found a perfect belt; it felt light but tough at the same time, adding a dangerous feel to the outfit. Then, I found black and white plaid bow clips that could be used in the hair, on clothes, etc., and gold earrings that would go perfectly with the outfit! I hope you enjoyed it!!

[wrldofanthonii]

A Visit to Aritzia

Hii everyone!! This week, I visited the Aritzia store in Hudson Yards!! I didn’t know much about Aritzia, so I was intrigued to go and check it out. Especially since it was in Hudson Yards and every store in there is destined to be somewhat great. I wasn’t let down either!! We were greeted by Gabriella, who gave us a walk-through of the store, letting us know everything about each section of the store. From the type of clothing to the type of customer and to the brand(s) for that department. 

The walk-through started with the customer who’s shopping for a wedding or a spring or summer event, for example. It had many dresses that were breathable and comfortable but still had very feminine silhouettes and experimental prints/patterns. Then we walked into their more casual area filled with jeans, cute crop tops, tanks, etc. Which was followed by their athleisure. That completed the first half of the store!! We then walked to the other side, where Gabriella dropped the fact that the Aritzia socks and some of their best sellers!! Something you wouldn’t expect. The other half of the store focused more on the working but fun woman. A woman who wants to be able to go to work, then go out after work without having to change! Pieces that you can wear ANYWHERE. After getting my summer internship with Abercrombie & Fitch, I fully understood Aritzia’s clear focus on the customer because everything is about the customer at A&F as well. Aritzia’s store is very critically thought out, which I appreciated a lot! I loved learning about the brand more.

[wrldofanthonii]

A Visit to Harry Potter Store

I’m backbackbackbackback again everyone! I’m feeling a little special cause I have powers now!! Thanks to Harry and friends of course.

I’ve never been much of a fan of Harry Potter, but getting a closer look into the universe, I’ve now grown a big appreciation for it. I might even keep watching past the second film now haha.

As I entered the store, the first area that caught my eye was the Butterbeer room! Which was foreshadowing how I ended the experience *wink face*. This room was then followed by an area filled with wands! Which I thought was awesome!! Daisy, an employee at this location, then started our tour of the store, starting with the first level. Taking us from the main entrance of the store, which was the Harry Potter NYC merch room, then to a room with a section for each of the Hogwarts houses, to the chocolate frog room, and finally to the basement. The Hogwarts houses room was one of my favorite areas of the store because of the amazing detail and pieces from the set of the movie stored in glass boxes.

As you walk down the steps to the lower level there are figurines made to scale as they were in the films. When we entered the lower level there was a large snake moving throughout the ceiling and walls that made sounds every now and then from the speakers in the room. It was terrifying, but sooo cool! Fun fact about that room: the tile on the walls remains cool to touch no matter the temperature inside or outside. We then walked throughout the lower level, viewing the room filled with all hand written letters and owls, the awesome book arch, and a broom flying vr space which customers usually love doing haha. Finally, we came back upstairs and were given free butterbeer ice cream, which was so delicious! Rate: 10/10. Would definitely recommend everyone come and see how assume the store is!!

[wrldofanthonii]

Nordstrom's Corporate Remote Visit

Learning about Nordstrom's remote work from Jamie was awesome!! I enjoyed learning about her experience and evolution in the industry; it was impressive. Within 10 years, she went from a merchandising assistant to a project manager for Nordstrom's website! Knowing she was able to make her way up the ranks while being remote was what was extra impressive to me, though.

Jamie talked a bit about her role as a Merchandising Project Manager, the team structure behind project management, and why she became one, which I enjoyed because it’s always nice to know why someone is passionate about what they do. Her responsibilities as a project manager are to support high-volume projects—managing delivery and execution—and create process and project improvements for better productivity. This may not seem like much, but Jamie is involved in working with multiple teams, having to help the brand evolve past processes that are no longer serving Nordstrom, and working on the homepage for the website constantly. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Jamie's perspective in the industry, especially because she strictly does remote work!!

[wrldofanthonii]

A Visit to Cotton Inc

Hiii! This past week I had the pleasure of visiting Cotton Inc. and the even bigger pleasure of meeting and discussing with Audrey, a representative of Cotton Inc. She was awesome!! Great pick to talk to a bunch of drowsy college students at 10am for sure!!!

Cotton Inc helps companies develop and market cotton products promoting sustainable, ethical, and efficient cotton practices along the process. Learning about their processes within trend and market research was super interesting. Especially since we got the opportunity to see how it all happens! Cotton Inc starts researching for trend analysis’ and fabric forecasting two years in advance. For example, they’ve planned and are beginning the process for 2027 currently.

Audrey spoke to us about their traveling experiences at Cotton Inc as well. Each ‘season’ they take trips all around the world, in Asia, Australia, Europe, and more, and they collect. They collect cotton pieces ranging from dresses to men’s suiting and use these pieces to help build their color palettes, fabrics, patterns, and more. Audrey even showed us fabric swatches, pieces from the previous season, and old color story books!!

I loved this experience so much and can’t wait to see how Cotton Inc continues to evolve!!

[wrldofanthonii]

A Visit to the Coterie Trade Show

YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYA. Me when I'm Beyonce. Sorry, I'm still recovering from her wining AOTY and I have even better news now... I got tickets to the Cowboy Carter World Tour!!

Enough of that, I just had to update you all haha. I visited the Coterie Trade Show at the Jacob Javits Center this past week and had a great time! My friends and I started off the visit by getting lost. Then we stumbled upon this vibrant fuchsia carpet with beautiful looks crafted by students at FIT. The exhibit was titled The Future of Fashion and featured looks from the African Diaspora Gallery which celebrates student work as they "delve into themes of identity, resilience, and creativity, celebrating the contributions of African-descendant communities to style and self-expression in fashion design." The pieces were beautiful.

We then followed the pink carpet, which led to a huge space filled with brands from all over the world, specializing in different sectors of fashion, and sharing the latest collections for post-NYFW. The section of the trade show I loved most was the section of Asian designers. The brand Asparagus had amazing work. The designer had such a cool spin on streetwear, placing jaw strings where most people wouldn't think to place them, having exposed seams, and more. Another brand I fell in love with and will definitely be on the lookout for is LEDOME in Seoul. Perfect tailoring, perfect fabrics, beautiful designs, and an amazing designer.

We then moved to the "Contemporary Collections" side which was where we met the most awesome people ever. Brands birthed out of Turkey, Italy, and Barcelona, many by women, and with beautiful stories behind their work. We ended the visit by visiting the Desigual section, which definitely was the highlight of my visit. Just beautiful people, with beautiful souls, passion, and knowledge for the brand like no other. They definitely made me look forward to my future in the industry.

[wrldofanthonii]

A Visit to the New York Embroidery Studio

Guess what... don't tell anyone I'm telling you this, but I.... WENT TO THE NEW YORK EMBROIDERY STUDIO! Sorry for yelling. I couldn't control myself. But his week's visit was awesome!

As I got off the elevator to the studio I was met with a sea of novelty (sniewing) machines, all with different functions to create embroidery patterns like the snake stitch, ruffles, and plenty more. I then entered a tiny waiting room with a wall covered in patches made by them for a range of customers and mirror closets filled with samples of their work.

The tour started and as we walked through the studio we learned so much about their processes for different projects. Whether it was for rhinestoning, printing, pleating, or embossing each process was unique and had a specific and very detailed way to approach it. For example, their approach to rhinestone garments, fabric, etc. is very unique. They require customers to send a pattern for rhinestones for the product, which is then printed onto said product, and then they're placed in a dark room with a UV light. This process ensures customers get a flawlessly rhinestoned product back.

Now having gone to the New York Embroidery Studio I have a piqued interest in embroidery. All of their techniques, processes, etc. were very inspiring. I have a newfound love for embroidery and will definitely look into either working with them or just learning how to embroider on my own.

[wrldofanthonii]

Guess what guys… I’m back with another blog for ANOTHER visit tehehe and since we last talked Beyoncé FINALLY won album of the yearrr. But back to what everyone is here for, this Tuesday I went on a tour of the Museum of Broadway and all I have to say is wow, just wow. From the electrified and knowledgeable staff to the beautiful displays of broadway productions—ranging from the 19th century up to present days—the experience was wonderful.

The tour started with a five minute video explaining the history of Broadway. From what started as this small idea and became this culturally significant movement basically. As you entered the next room there was red hallway mirroring the liveliness of times square as “Museum of Broadway” was the foreground of glistening circular disks in bold white lettering. We then entered the Ziegled Foilles room and were met with a pink feathered wall, garments from the 19th century, and a dresser of mirrors, brushed, and perfume pumps from that production. It was so beautiful.

As we moved through the third floor staff member, Alex, gave us a detailed description of each room starting from Westside Story to Cabaret. I loved his passion and enthusiasm as he talked to us. Let’s make him employee of the month!!

The Museum of Broadway was WONDERFUL. 10/10 recommend!! Everyone should go, broadway lover or not.

[wrldofanthonii]

A Visit to M&S Schmalberg

I'm back with another trip! Earlier this week I visited M&S Schmalberg and I absolutely loved it!! It wasn't as cold outside this time, so the travel there was nice and easy haha. Before our visit, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I knew they were one of few companies specializing in fabric flower making. So obviously I was expecting a beautiful shop! After the visit, I can confidently say the shop was stunning and I gained so much knowledge thanks Adam Brand! Adam makes M&S Schmalberg a fourth-generation, family-owned company. It was started by his great uncles, inherited by their nephew in New York after the holocaust, owned by Warren Brand(his father), and now him!

As you open the first door to M&S Schmalberg you enter a colorful hallway filled with life! It's like walking on the road to Wonderland. A little appetizer before the entree. As you walk down the hall you're forced to see all the beautiful work the company has done with celebrities, magazines, and more. Then you open the main door and it's a wonderland. The first thing that caught my eye as I walked in was the HUGE red flower sitting above the wall of mirrors. The entire space is a capsule of their work. Flowers from all different projects covering the rooms from top to bottom, and machinery and tools from the 20th century to the present day.

The company has a lot of rich history, which was interesting to learn about! Chanel bought the camellia flowers from M&S Schmalberg for her suits before Chanel bought their own factory for example. Speaking of the camellia, that is their most sold and commissioned flower. After seeing them in person, I completely understand why. Vera Wang started the Vera flower made at Schmalberg after going to pick flowers for a collection and making her own on the spot.

The visit ended with Adam kindly letting us dig through a scrap box of unfinished flowers that we could use for future projects!! So, if you ever need custom fabric flowers or well-crafted, ethically made flowers go to M&S Schmalberg!! They're an amazing company with amazing people!

[wrldofanthonii]

A Visit to Dover Street Market:

This past week on Tuesday, I visited the Dover Street Market in NYC and it lived up to the hype! This being my first time visiting the market, as chilly as the day was, the pure magic that is Dover Street Market made me forgot about the weather. It’s less of a shop and more of an experience. From its multitude of art installations, to its array of luxury garments it feels like a trip through a living, breathing art gallery. As you hit each floor, you enter a new portal. A new world. A space specifically curated for that category of fashion, ranging from prêt-a-porter to couture, contemporary designers to traditional designers, and luxury streetwear to women’s luxury. Each floor had knowledgeable associates as well.

As we walked through the market one floor really caught my attention. The 6th floor, which has a wide variety of options from labels such as SHUSHU/TONG, Rick Owen’s, Jean Paul Gaultier, Marine Serre, and more. My favorite area of the floor was the Rick Owen’s section. From the Rick statue/stool, mirror displays, and beautifully styled and uniquely crafted mannequins it stood out amongst its surrounding labels. The entire floor was amazing though!

Dover Street Market is easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. From the wonderful associates to well crafted displays I’d recommend everyone whether you’re a lover of fashion or not, interested in purchasing a product or not, go for the experience. You won’t regret it!

I’m super stoked about the seasonal changeover to the market that’ll include Spring/Summer collections, new displays, and new art installations! It should be closing soon for the renovation, so try to visit beforehand!