Wilson College student experiences New York Fashion Week firsthand

by Sarah Stone

Every fall, industry icons from around the world descend on New York City for Fashion Week.

They travel from all the international fashion hubs: Milan, Paris, London, Tokyo…

and Raleigh, North Carolina, home to Wilson College of Textiles.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a college student to go to New York Fashion Week. [NYFW]”, says the elderly Ankitha Gurram. “It was crazy”.

Photo of Ankitha Gurram and other students sitting on a bench inside the New York Fashion Week venue.  They are all in blue light and looking directly at a stage (not shown) where a parade is about to start.Gurram (second from left) and other U of NYFW students await the start of a parade at Spring Studios.

He spent four days immersing himself in the industry, and the city, through the U of NYFW.

The all-expenses-paid program provides access to the event to about 25 college students from around the country each fall and spring. NC State’s Trademark Licensing Office made it possible for Wilson College to send a student this semester. Gurram won the joint competition that determined who would go.

inside fashion week

Unique and exclusive experiences defined Gurram’s time in New York City.

She attended a fashion show off limits to the general public: Son Jung Wan. A tour of Spring Studios, the home of NYFW, allowed him to enjoy the backstage frenzy as the models prepared for the runway.

“Being in person and seeing a new line for the first time with my own eyes was definitely the best experience,” says the marketing and brand management student.

U of NYFW also brought Gurram and his “classmates” to Champion’s flagship store for a unique insight into the streetwear giant’s operations. It even had a sneak peek at the 2024 line.

“They showed us their design process and I learned a lot about the industry through them,” he says.

Valuable Connections, Valuable Lessons

More than what he saw during his stay in New York City, Gurram says he values ​​those he met.

U of NYFW hosted panels on all aspects of working in fashion, from digital advancements and the role of social media to mindfulness and self-care.

Throughout the process, Gurram connected with entrepreneurs, execs from IMG and Champion, models and designers, and even his favorite TikTokers and influencers.

On a raised stage, five panelists sit in mid-century-style chairs and speak to an audience. Panelists discuss the value of mindfulness in the fashion industry during “The Talks” hosted by NYFW. Gurram attended and had the opportunity to ask questions of the panelists.

“They were really interested in getting to know all of us and asked us to reach out to them in the future,” she says. “We had to ask questions all the time, and they were open to answering them honestly.”

From everything he learned, Gurram says one piece of advice stuck with him: Act like you belong and be confident in what you bring to the table.

“Do not be afraid. Even if you’re in a room full of famous and well-known people, don’t put yourself down,” she says. “That’s how you make connections and how you show people, ‘I deserve to be here.'”

Making a name for herself

Even before arriving in New York City, Gurram began making connections in the fashion industry through her Instagram account. At @ankiskin.beauty, she shares her tips on makeup, skincare, fashion, and travel.

And the world is listening: she is a paid partner of several skin care brands.

Gurram also uses its online presence as a platform to promote diversity and representation in the industry.

Ankitha Gurram stands in Times Square at night.  she poses with her Gurram in Times Square. The NC State Trademark Licensing office provided him with Wolfpack gear to wear during the photo shoot at this New York landmark.

“I’m from South Asia and I’ve never seen much of myself in the fashion and beauty industries. I want to inspire more people like myself or anyone to get into these industries,” she says. “One thing I learned from New York Fashion Week is that I want my brand or whatever I do with my career to bring more diversity and inclusion to the industry.”

Gurram describes the trip as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but she doesn’t pretend this is the only time she goes to New York Fashion Week. After graduation, she plans to get a job in the fashion industry in a big city. Ultimately, he dreams of starting a clothing brand of his own.

It certainly seems to be going in the right direction.

Source: textiles.ncsu.edu