008: the world is my oyster… and my classroom
As some of you may know, I am enrolled as a fashion marketing student at one of the best schools for art and designed in the world. For the last two quarters of school, I have honed my academic experience outside of the institution for various reasons, and I have learned many valuable lessons about what it means to be a student of the world and just how meaningful this experience can be when you go at it intentionally. Luckily for me, I have a major and a passion that is highly saturated with dedicated studiers who enjoy sharing the information that they learn. I'll be real, most of this is for like... personal gain, but the information is being shared nonetheless, and the girls are #thankful to all the #oomfs that take part in the discourse! Another plus for me is that there are endless collections, campaigns, editorials, runway shows, and pieces to study. There are retail statistics, and Business of Fashion podcasts, and books galore. I have found secret pockets where goldmines of information lie, and I milk them with gratitude. I soak up as much information as I can, and apply it to the best of my ability.
I was devastated after discovering that I would not be able to immediately return to my traditional schooling right away, and it has truly been a trying time. However, I am sure of one thing & that is my end goal. I know the version of myself that I am working to become. Conventional education or not, I still have to perform and show up for myself in ways that will land me where I want to be. Here are three ways I have made the world my classroom:
VAULT CAMARI VAULT has served me in so many ways since the very beginning of the journey. VAULT has been not only my passion, but also my assignment. I have created something that holds me accountable simply by existing. I feel guilty and behind when I have not fed the Vault. The research, preparation, and quality control that my platforms demand of me aid me in creating structure in my life and education.
ATTENDING FASHION WEEK (regardless of where I am in the world) Fashion Weeks are something that I seriously look forward to. I make it a point to go through every collection and observe not only each look, but the details and beauty shots as well. I observe how the brands are styling pieces and composing outfits because every aspect is part of the selling pipeline... from runway to retail store to consumer. Being that the collections are shown months ahead of the corresponding season, this sets the tone and lets consumers and fashion enthusiasts know what they have to look forward to. Furthermore, this allows me to find patterns and make predictions about what's to come in fashion and fashion marketing.
STUDYING WHO I ADMIRE, AND WHO THEY ADMIRE, AND SO FORTH This one, I highly suggest. STALK. YOUR. INSPIRATION. (Vault Camari does not suggest or condone illegal activity such as wrongful, harmful, or inappropriate stalking of your idols. If you did not take this figuratively, please exit the Vault) Find their handles and their websites and their past and present projects. Look into who they follow and the organizations and brands they support. You never know what type of opportunities you'll come across. Your studying should not land you exclusively at surface level findings. I promise it's worth it to dig deeper because this is how you make your passion work for you. I have found some of the greatest opportunities by studying my favorite people and their favorite people. This has landed me in conversations, rooms, and relationships with likeminded and inspirational people. Whether I'm able to take advantage of every opportunity I am presented with or not, I am afforded the experience of being able to bask in a wealth of opportunity and valuable information because I did the work.
Right now I am typing this from the high fashion hub of Atlanta surrounded by my favorite luxury retailers. Earlier today, I wanted to take a quick break from working and decided to go into the stores and study store designs, pieces I remembered from collections I saw months ago, and the way the associates sell the items. This only required me to walk around and pay attention. My experience began on the outside of the store looking at what was in the window on my way to the door. The marketing is from beginning to end. Therefore, so is my learning experience. What you gain from experiences like this is whatever you intend and are open to gaining.
I am completely understanding and empathetic of anyone who has dedicated themselves to a mission and been redirected or discouraged from the journey. I'd like to encourage you to use the world as your oyster, allow it to serve you and make it work! You do not have to struggle to do so, and you do not have to settle for less quality experiences than you deserve. I hope that regardless of your passion or path that you were able to gain meaningful insight from this entry. I LOVE U I LOVE U I LOVE U VAULT!
xoxo, vc <3
OG post date: mar. 09. 24
