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

Click here to see CFIN members featured/quoted in Vogue and Business of Fashion.