2025
MORE COMING SOON!
A CONVERSATION WITH José P. Chan
José P. Chan '93—co-founder of iCustomer, entrepreneur, and Parsons School of Design professor—returned to Cornell for this year's Obendorf lecture. A pioneer in applying data and IT to optimize fashion retail, including machine learning, Chan emphasized the importance of supporting people to successfully adopt new technology in the workplace. His global career spans major brands like LVMH. Sponsored by the exited founders of the Laundress, the Kay Obendorf lecture brings industry experts to campus to share their experiences as both artists and entrepreneurs. We were also thrilled to have Gwen Whiting '98, founder of The Fill and lecture sponsor, join us. The Cornell Fashion Industry Network, a student-run organization connecting students with fashion professionals, partnered with the lecture to provide hands-on experience with global industry leaders.
The Oddli entrepreneurship project
In collaboration with Oddli, a bold and boundary-pushing fashion brand known for its colorful aesthetic, values-driven mission, and Gen Z energy, this initiative invites students to step into the shoes of fashion founders. Each team became a fashion brand in its own right, using Oddli as inspiration to craft a completely original concept.
The goal was to understand how a brand like Oddli went from a college dorm dream to a national fashion name by unpacking what makes it so successful: storytelling, community, values, authenticity, and style. Teams were challenged to think holistically about what it means to build a brand in today’s industry—one that is not only cool but conscious, sustainable, and socially aware. This immersive project encouraged each team to build a comprehensive brand identity from the ground up: from name to narrative, product to persona, aesthetic to activation. The result was a detailed brand presentation that reflected both individual creativity and a deep understanding of modern fashion entrepreneurship.
The CFIN CAse study project
This Fashion Case Study Project brought together members to experience the full fashion business cycle, from concept to consumer. Members explored every stage of the process: designers developed mock collections, buyers curated selections to fit market trends, product developers planned production logistics, and marketers built strategies to tell a compelling brand story. By collaborating across these roles, members gained hands-on experience in the interconnected decisions that drive the fashion industry—bridging creativity, strategy, and innovation to prepare for real-world challenges.
CFIN YOUNG ALUMNI PANEL
CFIN’s Young Alumni Panel brings recent FSAD graduates back to campus to share their experiences transitioning from Cornell to the fashion industry. Members gain insight into alumni career paths, hear about their current roles, and receive valuable advice on navigating life after graduation.
2024
CFIN’s Mentorship Program
The CFIN Mentorship Program offers underclassmen a chance to be guided by experienced upperclassmen, fostering growth, confidence, and connection. Through shared knowledge and support, mentors help mentees navigate academics, career paths, and the fashion industry, creating a collaborative community where future leaders are inspired to dream boldly and succeed together.
A CONVERSATION WITH Matthew Nastos
The Laundress Lecture, established in honor of Professor Emerita Kay Obendorf, brings fashion industry experts to campus to share their experiences as both artists and entrepreneurs. This year, Matthew Nastos, class of 2010, discussed the art and science of fashion marketing, the state of digital marketing, and how it impacts graduates at this year's Laundress Lecture. Nastos' passion for entrepreneurship was evident as he spoke candidly about starting his digital marketing agency, together with brother Lexi '12. Nastos is also a lecturer at Boston College, an advisory council member with Entrepreneurship at Cornell, and business mentor.
"Always say yes," said Nastos, one of eight "rapid fire" career guides, referencing the Cornell connections that became pivotal opportunities.
CFIN Uniqlo networking event
CFIN partnered with Uniqlo for an exclusive networking event, giving members the chance to connect directly with industry professionals. Attendees gained insights into global retail strategy, brand innovation, and career paths within one of the world’s leading fashion companies—bridging the gap between campus and the fashion industry.
2023
URBN INFORMATION EVENT
CFIN hosted an information session with URBN, the global retail company behind beloved brands like Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, and more. Members learned about URBN’s unique company culture, innovative approach to fashion and lifestyle, and the wide range of career opportunities available—offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to thrive in one of the industry’s most dynamic retail groups.
TJX RECRUITING WORKSHOP
For the second year, CFIN partnered with Laurie Lynch, The TJX Companies, Inc. Campus Recruiter, to speak on paid merchandising internships for Sophomores, Juniors, and full-time roles for graduating Seniors. The presentation and following Q&A provided an in-depth look on work responsibilities, environment, and the merchandising career path mobility at TJX’s Framingham, Massachusetts Corporate Office location.
BLOOMINGDALES X CFIN
CFIN teamed up with Bloomingdale’s for an engaging networking event where members connected with professionals from a leading luxury department store. Students gained valuable insights into retail management, merchandising, and brand strategy while exploring diverse career paths and building meaningful industry relationships.
A CONVERSATION WITH ADAM Lippes
CFIN along with Human Centered Design had the distinct pleasure of welcoming Adam Lippes in association with The Laundress. Adam spoke about his experience as a fashion designer, owner of Adam Lippes Luxury American Sportswear, and his time at Cornell University.
2022
A CONVERSATION WITH GIZELLE BEGLER
For the first time ever, CFIN collaborated with Cornell’s Women of MENA to host a conversation with Gizelle Begler ‘08, fashion designer, entrepreneur, and former creative director of Haute Hijab. The event addressed Belger’s experience in the fashion industry: Tommy Hilfiger, Giorgio Armani, Begler’s own bespoke gown design business in the Middle East, and Haute Hijab. Her works have been featured in Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vogue with the messaging that a hijab is not an accessory as much as it is an extension of your wardrobe. The attendees learned that Belger’s intricate and fashion-forward designs were beautiful and purposeful, bringing representation and accessible fashion to American Muslim Women.
TJX Companies recruitment event
CFIN partnered with Laurie Lynch, The TJX Companies, Inc. Campus Recruiter, to speak on paid merchandising internships for Sophomores, Juniors, and full-time roles for graduating Seniors. The presentation and following Q&A provided an in-depth look on work responsibilities, environment, and the merchandising career path mobility at TJX’s Framingham, Massachusetts Corporate Office location.
Black fashion week
This year, CFIN hosted BFW under the lens of entrepreneurship for Black-owned businesses. During the week of February 21st, 2022, students gained insight on the beauty, streetwear, and design industries during conversations with Jaleesa Reed, Assistant Research Professor at the Department of Human Centered Design, Cornell University, Sharia Livingston and Sha’Miah, Founders of Living Rich, and Jamie Williams, founder of Naclo Apparel. The event was an educational opportunity to increase Black-owned business awareness and to learn what it takes to establish one’s own brand in the ever-changing fashion industry.
2021
Student Internship Panel + Peer Mentorship Meet & Greet
For this event, CFIN partners with the Fiber Science and Apparel Design department to produce a panel of FSAD students that completed internships for credit last summer. They presented about their experiences, including what they learned and what advice they had for fellow to CFIN members starting the internship application process. This was a great resource for students, especially underclassmen, to help them gauge what kinds of internships might strike their own interests. After the panel students were able meet their assigned mentors and chat with them over some light drinks refreshments.
How to Brand Yourself: LinkedIn, Portfolios, Headshots & More
This event was a collaboration between the Cornell Fashion Industry Network (CFIN) and the Cornell Fashion Collective (CFC). It was designed for students to get knowledge on how to develop their LinkedIn profile, network using LinkedIn, and how to create an effective portfolio. In attendance we had José Chan, Senior Retail and Technology Executive at LVMH, Kerry Speake ‘95, Senior Design Director at Nike and Leadership Coach, and Evan Cagner ‘95, Former CEO of Synclaire Brands Shoes & CFIN Sponsor. At the end of the event, CFC took headshots of all the attendees using the FSAD photo studio to ensure that from this event students can start using their LinkedIn and networking. The event gave students a chance to learn how to brand themselves which will become crucial for getting jobs and internships in the future.
CFIN x Bloomingdale’s Connect
This event was a panel for members to gain insight into growth and opportunities at Bloomingdale’s. Students were able to ask questions and gain knowledge from experienced professionals in the fashion industry. In attendance there was Rachel Mattessich ‘19, Business Manager at Bloomingdale’s, Kristen Pau ‘20, Assistant Buyer at Bloomingdale’s, Julie Brownstone, Bloomingdale’s Campus Recruiter, and Anne Giles, Human Resources Business Partners at Bloomingdale’s, to provide a wide range of perspectives to students no matter their interests and major. It was the perfect opportunity to learn about first-hand experiences from successful recent Cornell University alumni.
Resume & Cover Letter Workshop
To prepare members, specifically first-year students for the world of job applications, CFIN hosted a workshop centered around resume building and cover letter drafting. The Career Exploration Center helped students understand the format and content of their resumes and cover letters. An industry professional alumni, Melanie Espeland, helped break down what future employers are looking for, especially within the fashion industry. A recent FSAD graduate, Grace Anderson, outlined the most important things she learned about resumes and cover letters after graduation and what worked for them.
Fashion ClubFest
Fashion ClubFest was a concentrated clubfest to introduce freshman and new students to the fashion related clubs that Cornell has to offer. In attendance were the Cornell Fashion Industry network (CFIN), the Cornell Fashion Collective (CFC), and Thread Magazine. It took place in the Human Ecology building and be accessible for all students, no matter the college. Students will be able to ask questions, sign up, and learn more about each individual club in a less overwhelming setting.
Headshot event
CFIN (Cornell Fashion Industry Network) had a free headshot event for our club members that needed updated professional photos for LinkedIn or other networking purposes. We felt that our members would benefit from this event given that we are providing free headshots that are good quality that can help them in the fashion industry.
Sustainable fashion week
The fashion industry is naturally at odds with the concept of sustainability; modern fashion has perpetuated overproduction and overconsumption. CFIN’s first annual Sustainable Fashion Week will be a forum to learn about and discuss how the fashion industry is shifting towards sustainability, and what changes need to be made. Our week of events featured an alumni sustainability panel, in-person screen printing workshop, and the inaugural Laundress Lecture.
Black fashion week
In light of Black History Month, CFIN would like to commemorate, honor and celebrate black fashion with a 3-day series to acknowledge its impact on the fashion industry and on our society as a whole. Black Fashion Week highlights the contributions of contemporary black industry figures in conjunction with the greater economic and sociopolitical strife black people have and continue to struggle with today. In acknowledging the influence of black fashion and prominent black figures in the industry, CFIN hopes to celebrate the achievements of black creatives and educate others on their perseverance and presence in the industry.
Buying bootcamp
As many Cornell FSAD alumni go on to become buyers, merchandisers, and planners for large fashion retailers, especially directly after graduation, CFIN is providing a “crash course” in the life of a buyer. Our Buying Bootcamp event features a multitude of alumni who are FSAD graduates to provide their expertise and knowledge on Fashion Buying and recount their experiences in this field. It will consist of a half day of lessons, workshops, and informal conversations between alumni and undergraduates.
2020
intersectionality in fashion
The Intersectionality In Fashion Event is an annual event focused on highlighting the possible career paths that combine a background in fashion with a myriad of other interests and disciplines. As Cornell offers a plethora of courses, it is often encouraged for students to experiment and explore their passions. With this event, CFIN wishes to showcase the ability to create a specialized career path that suits not only your knowledge of the fashion industry but in other career specific areas as well providing concrete examples from a collection of successful Cornell alumni!
2019
gap consumer insights workshop
Gap Inc. joined us for the first event of the year with a consumer insight workshop, giving students insight into the mind of the consumer. The workshop was followed with a valuable networking session.
forces of fashion
Members of CFIN traveled to NYC for Vogue’s Forces of Fashion event. The event includes thought-provoking conversations and experiences with designers, industry insiders, and cultural figures.
cfin x csc sustainability & fashion networking reception
The first ever CFIN x CSC Sustainability & Fashion Networking Reception is a mock networking opportunity where members can practice the ins and outs of networking in a comfortable, risk-free environment. There will be light refreshments, tips on how to have meaningful conversation with new faces, and good company.
2018
Fall Recruitment Panel
How do you get recruited? How can I make my resume stand out? What are the tricks to networking? What should/shouldn’t I do on LinkedIn? Our panel of industry professionals from Chanel, Synclaire Brands, and Choice Associates graciously gave CFIN members advice on making their way through the fashion industry. Thanks to our VP of Outreach, Kevin!
FALL INTERNSHIP PANEL
On Halloween day, members of CFIN and FSAD students shared their experiences at their internships this year. The speakers included: Lena Jiao, Caroline Brown, Grace Anderson, Lia Cernauskas, Yejee Yoon, Cali Chussid, and Oona Kyung. Thanks to our VP of Outreach Kevin for the pictures!
NYC Trip
Some of our members, along with our club president, took an amazing trip to New York City to meet some of our fabulous alums doing brilliant things in the industry! We met up with Cornellians at Kate Spade, Soludos, Synclaire Brands, The Laundress, and Choice Fashion & Media Associates. It was a great opportunity and we are immensely grateful to have been offered it. The following are some of the pictures from the trip, provided by Grace Anderson, a member of our team. Enjoy!
2017
Marina Levine - How to not take no for an answer.
Marina Levine, an FSAD Alum, came back to give the members of CFIN and any other visitors a talk on how to not take no for an answer. She spoke of the trials and tribulations she had encountered on her journey to where she is now, the CEO of Capsule Collective International, a shoe brand.
Vogue Forces of Fashion Conference
"Vogue's Forces of Fashion conference was the first event of its kind: On October 12th in New York City, the world’s most talented designers engaged in a series of intimate and informative dialogues with our editors. These were no holds barred conversations and nothing was off the table; everything about what it means to be designing and working in 2017 was up for discussion." - vogueforcesoffashion.com
