4 WORDS PEOPLE: TEEN VOGUE FASHION UNIVERSITY

Cliché: I love New York. Reality: Who Doesn’t?

This past weekend I had the privilege of attending Teen Vogue Fashion University in Manhattan. It was a whirlwind three day event where I got to attend fashion and beauty seminars held by the top designers, stylists, marketing and PR professionals in the industry.

Friday night was the kick-off event at the Juicy Couture store at 650 5th Avenue at 52nd Street. The store is designed like a giant spoiled princess’ bedroom. There are crystal chandeliers, pink writing on the walls and bunches of pearls strewn on mantelpieces. Eye candy came in the form of cute waiters serving pink frosted cupcakes and mini bags of popcorn. I brought my sister as my plus one and we indulged, like princesses should.

 

 

 

On Saturday, my seminars were held at the Condé Nast Publications headquarters. As I went up the elevator, I watched as the light hit each level, highlighting the prestigious and famous other magazines such as: Vanity Fair, Vogue and GQ.

My first seminar was with Eric Daman, head stylist for Gossip Girl. He is a colourful, bright person who told us about his journey to becoming a stylist (no fashion school necessary) and how he creates the persona for each character, including the ubitiquous Chuck Bass. His most memorable quote, “We look to celebrities way too much- behind every one is a stylist, a chef, a hairstylist.”

My second seminar was with Frances Pennington, the VP of Global Marketing for Juicy Couture. She explained how the founders of Juicy were just two best friends who started the business with only $200 each! They wanted to design clothes for petite girls that were comfortable and it turned into a goldmine. Whoever dreams of living the life with your best, this was definitely for you.

My third seminar was with Serena Giovi, Vice President of Marketing for Maybelline New York, and Eva Chen, beauty director for Teen Vogue. They talked about the different sides of the beauty industry from business to magazines. I received a free vibrating mascara that I will definitely blog about!

My last seminar was with LaRok. Three pretty, young smart girls delved into their experiences in public relations, sales and the showroom of a major fashion brand. We then did our own DYI on old merchandise, and got to choose our own piece. Mines coming in the mail soon!

After the seminars we headed to the Hudson Theatre where THE Diane von Furstenberg was the keynote speaker. Special thanks to Daniela for holding me a prime time seat! Saturday night was an H&M event and Sunday was sadly graduation.

We watched an exclusive screening of The September Issue, the documentary look into world of Vogue and its empress Miss. Anna Wintour. I saw some similarities to The Devil Wears Prada, except no one at the real Vogue looks as glamourous as the movie. Anna Wintour is an extremely interesting entity to examine. Her mannerisms, frail body and quick snap judgments reveal her iconic status. Oh and that bob. Producer Sadia Shepard sat down after for a Q&A on her experience filming the movie.

All in all, I was terribly sad to leave New York but I had a nice free swag bag to show for it. I will be back one day, perhaps to start my own career in the city. My story is just starting.