RCFG Style Summit: Empowering Beauty, Fashion, and Skincare Education

Recap of Style Summit Industry Night

The recent two-day fashion industry networking event proved to be an enlightening experience, providing valuable insights into diverse career paths within the sector. As a business student and a member of the Rotman Commerce Fashion Group’s Marketing team, I found the speakers' narratives both inspiring and informative, offering a glimpse into the dynamic world of fashion. Having attentively listened to all the speakers' stories, a recurring pattern emerged, revealing that each of them came from different academic backgrounds and had never imagined to be in their current positions.

Notably, while some speakers had experiences in retail, others started entirely from the ground up. This realization fills me with satisfaction, knowing that the fashion industry is an inclusive space, offering opportunities to individuals with diverse educational backgrounds. It's reassuring to understand that one isn't confined to a specific career path but can explore various avenues. The most impactful insight they shared was the significance of networking and reaching out, even though it may seem intimidating. This aspect was strongly emphasized by all the speakers, highlighting its crucial role in achieving success in the fashion industry.

Aritzia: Crafting Careers in Strategy and Operations

The presentation by Amanda Chan and Hibah Agwani showcased the potential of launching a career in fashion through Aritzia's internship program. They emphasized how Aritzia's summer internship, starting in which applications open in January, can be a transformative experience. The focus on strategy and operations, along with detailed training and a robust onboarding process, underlined the company's commitment to nurturing talent. For those aspiring to join Aritzia's internal consulting group, ACG, the opportunity to work with clients and receive mentorship from managers was highlighted. The internships being exclusively in Vancouver adds a unique touch, emphasizing the company's local roots.

Van Cleef & Arpels: Elevating the Essence of Luxury

Megan Wong's experience at Van Cleef & Arpels in Hong Kong provides a glimpse into the global luxury retail landscape. Serving as both the Internal Events Director at RCFG and a Retail Performance Intern at Van Cleef & Arpels, Megan showcases the company's dedication to a global perspective, offering internships in Hong Kong and New York. Her decision to extend the internship stemmed from the company's commitment to excellence, fostering an environment that encourages continuous learning. Megan's immersion in the intricate world of jewelry aligns with Van Cleef & Arpels' renowned craftsmanship, providing invaluable insights. Moreover, her recognition of a great work culture highlights the significance of a positive and supportive environment in the luxury industry, contributing to both personal growth and professional excellence. This narrative enhances our understanding of the multifaceted nature of the fashion industry, emphasizing global exposure, craftsmanship, and a nurturing work environment within the realm of luxury retail.

Helfrich Collective: A Unique Blend of Passion and Purpose

Brainne's journey at Helfrich Collective showcased the power of passion in shaping a career. From a background in physiology and med school, her spontaneous creation of a hoodie gained local attention, turning into a venture that combines fashion and philanthropy. The close-knit team culture, all-female in their twenties, added a personal touch to the narrative. Despite not having active internship opportunities listed, the company's openness to reaching out and exploring roles in marketing, social media, and graphic design demonstrated a flexible and dynamic approach to talent acquisition.

SSENSE: Unconventional Paths in Makeup Artistry

Tharmiya's unconventional journey from studying makeup artistry to working with SSENSE highlighted the diverse opportunities in the fashion industry. Her advice to apply through LinkedIn and know one's desired position emphasized the importance of clarity in career goals.

Pehr, Maison Birks, Oak and Fort: Navigating Varied Career Trajectories

The insights from Pehr, who navigated through finance, merchandise, planning, and operations, showcased the versatility of a career in fashion. Similarly, the speakers from Maison Birks and Oak and Fort, with diverse educational backgrounds, underlined the industry's openness to individuals with various skill sets and backgrounds as well as emphasizing the importance of networking, proactive outreach, and the courage to explore various positions.

Takeaway: Reach Out and Network

The recurring theme across all speakers was the importance of networking. Whether through internships, LinkedIn applications, or personal connections, the fashion industry thrives on building relationships. The advice to actively reach out to people and network aligns perfectly with RCFG’s  mission of fostering connections and collaboration within the community. Overall, the networking event provided not only a window into the fashion industry's multifaceted landscape but also offered practical advice for Rotman and non-Rotman students looking to make their mark. The personal experiences shared by the speakers served as a source of inspiration, encouraging us to explore different pathways and embrace unique opportunities and challenges within the dynamic world of fashion.