Apparel Studies Students Visit New York Companies

The apparel studies group attended a studio tour of QVC in West Chester, Pa.

isa Morrisey, vice president of apparel/accessories at QVC, visited with the apparel studies majors.

One of the stops included Li & Fung in the Empire State Building.

Shaul Cohen, director of marketing at Jordache, visited with the Bumpers College students.

Another stop included a tour of Saks Fifth Avenue.

The group also visited Superior Model, which produces mannequins and bust forms.

The students visited Leun Thai, a global industry consolidator and multiproduct expert.

At Ralph Lauren corporate headquarters, a recruiter gave students an overview of the company.

G iii Apparel Group, which employs two recent graduates, Ashley McCormack and Alex Layrock.

Students leave the Brioni showroom with gift bags.

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While on tour of apparel companies in New York City, the group had dinner with graduates of the program at John’s of 12th Street. The dinner included (first row, L to R): Ashley Moline, Paige Passmore, alumna Alexis Anderson, alumna Lelia Nelson, Jacie Gregory, Katelyn McKinney; (second row, L to R): alumna Brittany White, alumna Rachel Redd, alumna Marissa Sargent, alumna Alisha Campbell, Melissa Do, Tryneese Settles, Erin Woody, alumna Mollie Parks, alumna Brooke Burton, Mikaela Zavasky, Tiffany Bounkhong; (third row, L to R): Blair Staples, Taylor Vance, Naajidah Hardeman, Victoria Stokes, Jenna Spencer, Victoria Blankenship, Breeanna Kirk, Marcela Face, Leah Matthews, Erin Westphal, Hannah Morehart; and (fourth row, L to R): Meg Landis, Sloan Markey, Haley Hines, Taylor Aycock, May wright, Evan Morehart.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Twenty-six apparel studies students from the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas visited New York City in May to get a first-hand look at the apparel industry.

Associate Professor Laurie Apple, instructor Lance Cheramie and Bumpers College Director of Employee Relations Donna K. Graham accompanied the group during its week-long visit.

“The students who attend are required to take a one-hour pre-study tour course the semester prior to the trip,” Apple said. “Students research the companies in-depth and prepare discussion questions for each appointment.” 

The students visited companies such as Li & Fung, Luen Thai, Superior Model, G iii Apparel Group, Ralph Lauren, Aeropostale, Donegar Group, Brioni, Ross Stories, Saks, Jones Group and Ariela Alpha International.

“The appointments were organized and scheduled strategically throughout the week,” said student Jenna Spencer. “They were very informative and helped me learn more about the industry through their eyes.”

While on the tour, which is worth two hours credit in the School of Human Environmental Sciences major, the students were required to complete on-site assignments that give insight into retail store formats as well as industry appointments.

Apple said the diversity of the appointments give “a unique perspective of companies within the apparel industry from product development through retailing.”

Other locations for study tours have included Las Vegas, Los Angeles/San Francisco, London, Paris, Italy and China.

“Trips such as this are a vital component of the student’s curriculum,” said Cheramie. “They provide our students with industry experience as well as making contacts with influential people who can aid them with their careers.”

Naajidah Hardeman, a senior from Bentonville, said the group gained knowledge every day. There were two appointments on some days.

“This tour was definitely an eye opener,” said Spencer, a senior from Shawnee Mission, Kan. “It takes a lot to be in the fashion industry and every appointment made me realize that you have to work extremely hard to achieve your dream.”

Graham, an apparel studies alumnus, attended the tour with past experience in mind.

“As a former apparel studies student, I was shocked by how much I learned about the fashion industry on this tour,” said Graham. “The apparel studies faculty is very proactive in maintaining relationships so our students are top prospects for competitive internships and careers.”

Students were able to ask questions during the appointments with apparel companies. They also toured facilities in addition to snagging “swag bags” from certain designers.

“The biggest takeaway was watching their confidence grow,” said Graham. “They visited with alumni and others who, like them, are not New York City natives. Learning how others made it to the city, found housing and started a career was inspiring.”

Graham also said she overheard students discussing the apparel studies curriculum and how it has prepared them for their future careers. Some said they felt they were prepared to work for the companies they visited because of the education they have received from both the merchandising and production sides of the industry.

Graham was impressed with the professionalism of the students.

“I am certain they left a wonderful impression of the University of Arkansas, the Bumpers College and our School of Human Environmental Sciences with each company we visited.”

Apple said, “this educational opportunity gives students an additional experiential component to their curriculum, which sets our apparel studies program apart from others.”