New Orleans Fashion Week 2018 Career Day
FASHION. CONNECT. INSPIRE.
Over 75 students with a passion for fashion participated in New Orleans Fashion Career Day event. The event, now in it’s fifth year is a product of New Orleans Fashion Week. NOFW’s objective is to give students who have expressed an interest and talent in pursuing a career in the fashion industry an opportunity to hear from and learn about a variety of career options from fashion industry professionals. Both college and high school students from across the Southern Region gathered at New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) to observe firsthand stories of celebrity wardrobe stylists, consultants, designers, boutique owners, and more. “The purpose is to give students a tangible and realistic look of the journey of building a successful career in the fashion industry. It helps students to connect the dots and understand that there may be bumps along the way while working towards their dream job,” said NOFW Executive Director Tracee Dundas.
The day began with Tracee Dundas sharing an inspirational journey of her career path & the foundation that sparked the establishment of New Orleans Fashion Week. Not holding back, Dundas shared the peaks and valleys she experienced as she built her career in fashion, which included leaving a corporate 500 company to pursue her passion.
On a budding rise to becoming a new fashionable household name, Law Roach was definitely a highpoint to the day’s impressive list of guest speaker. The celebrity stylist and America’s Next Top Model judge is making his mark by dressing clients including: Celine Dion, Ariana Grande, Ruby Rose, and Willow Shields and receiving attention for the controversial look worn by Zendaya at the 87th Academy Awards. Law shared his educational background of receiving a B.S. in Psychology, M.B.A, and elucidates his career path from mental health to fashion to the audience. Beginning his career in fashion as a vintage broker based in Chicago, Law established his groundwork with trunk show parties hosted in hotel suites embodying “where there’s a will, there’s a way,” proclaim Roach. Inspiring students to think outside of the box and forge ahead in pursuing their goals.
Other guest speakers included fashion aficionados and influencers Dr. Courtney Hammonds, Fashion Educator and Consultant, Aimee Gowland , ALG Styles, Kay Charbonnet, Designer and Owner of Kay’s Boutique and Jessica Osborn, Designer and founder of Privy Label.
Following the conclusion of speakers, students were provided a curated tour of NOMA’s exhibit, A Queen Within: Adorned Archetypes. The exhibit features fashion as art in a spectacular setting and was filled with glamour, theatricals, and diversity.
Additionally, students enjoyed complimentary coffee and beignets from Morning Call and a tasty lunch sponsored by Ma Mammie’s House of Cornbread, Chicken, and Waffles. The day concluded with the students attended NOFW’s runway shows that evening at The Monastery.
- Charmia Elam