Kenneth Cole VIP Client Event

On Wednesday Dec. 8, 2010, I got the pleasure of working as a photographer for my dear friend Courtni Martin of Cami De Productions as she organized a fashion show for Kenneth Cole's VIP Client Fashion Event at the Tanger Outlets in San Marcos,Texas. Courtni Martin is a senior at Texas State University majoring in Fashion Merchandising, she is an ambitious young lady who has hopes of starting her own model management company in the near future. Martin was also the president of FashioNation last year.

Other than the events that we organize for FashioNation, It was my first time working at an event for a clothing store. As we arrived at the Kenneth Cole San Marcos, I was quick to notice that I was underdressed (wearing a golden top and dark brown pants) because everyone else wore dressy fancy work attire. But luckily the manager had me change into some Kenneth Cole gear that I got to wear the whole night.

 The models are Texas State University students who all have aspirations of becoming models, they currently do work for FashioNation as well as other local events. Martin organized and styled the models' clothing and we were able to fit the models with shoes and other Kenneth Cole accessories. Upon the completion of the dressing, the models went in for hair, make-up and rehearsal. As the show got close to starting, I went around the store snapping pictures of customers shopping and enjoying the 50% off one day sale. Local artists by the name of Educated Minds performed and got the audience pumped and ready for the fashion show. The show was hosted by public speaker and former KVUE news anchor Jason Hill.

The event was definitely one to remember, the Kenneth Cole team provided all the event helpers with Kenneth Cole giftcards to add on top of the 50% off sale.  I am so happy that I got the opportunity to be part of this event and hope there'll be more to come!

Job Industry: Flexibility is Key!

Keith Knopf who is Kohl’s senior Vice President of Store Administration came to Texas State University and gave an informative presentation about kohl’s and the job industry. The audience was mostly full of Fashion Merchandising majors but I believe it would have been beneficial if it had been publicized to other majors as well.His presentation was very informative; he started off giving us a history of Kohl’s and his road to his current job position.

I learned a lot during his presentation. He reiterated something that I learned during last year’s Fashion Forum, the more flexible you are the more opportunities you’ll have. If you are more open, you will be more attractive to employers. If you are a person who is willing, committed, hardworking and open to taking on opportunities others won’t, then you become a better candidate. Problems are everywhere, employers look for someone who is confident, flexible and has the qualities needed to do the job.

He spoke of the job industry and how tough it is at the moment. “Things run in cycles. It’s tough now but things will get better.” There are many ways that students and graduates can gain experience while seeking employment. Through internships, volunteering and others you can be part of something that you believe in and be able to showcase your passion.

“You are more attractive if you are doing something.”

Take part in the action; be involved because employers want to hear about something you did. Approach every opportunity like it is the one you need, the one you want; Invest in it like it is the one for you. Choose people whom you can learn from, people who are smarter than you so that you can learn as many things as you can from them and accelerate your leadership. Be able to tell in a story format what you can do and how good you are at that task.

You have to do some research and see what companies are about. Do your homework and see what the companies are looking for and what opportunities they have for you. He kept repeating the idea of being flexible, so that is the main thing needed to work in the fashion industry though other it probably works the same for other industries.

I strongly believe that it is important to choose a field or a job that you are interested in, better yet passionate about. “Don’t think about your field, think about what you are interested in, your passion. What do you contribute?” If you are too narrow, you will not get much.

Knopf spoke about finding things that line up with your passion and your skills, and by doing that you are setting yourself up for more and better opportunities. When connecting with employers or when you are in an interview, it is okay to ask the employer questions.

I also like learning new things and different perspectives, because they help brighten my horizon and make me more compatible. He advised not to be so locked into one specific area or job but instead to try finding a role or roles that allow you express your passion.


Peace.Love.Passion
Lavidalida