A Glimpse into the Business of Fashion

Lobby area outside the Guess showroom.

In February 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to accompany my aunt to her workplace in New York City. She works for G-III Apparel Group on Fifth Avenue, a company that licenses, manufactures, and owns a diverse portfolio of brands, including Karl Lagerfeld and Calvin Klein. During this one-day visit, I was able to experience many different aspects of the fashion industry, such as the buying and selling processes, to product development, and even the final presentation of collections in the showrooms. It was an unforgettable experience that gave me valuable insight into the world of fashion, and one I will always be grateful for, and has taught me valuable things that I will take into my future career in the industry. 

Karl Lagerfeld showroom.

G-III Apparel Group is a company that not only owns several brands but also licenses and manufactures a wide range of others. The company distributes its products through wholesale, selling them directly to other businesses. My aunt, Krista Clancy, is a Director of Sales at G-III, where she focuses on sales, account management, and cross-functional collaboration to drive revenue and growth. Watching her work gave me the opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes process of wholesale selling, which taught me how much strategy, communication, and relationship-building go into making successful business deals. I also gained an appreciation for the importance of teamwork within G-III’s environment, where every person plays a vital role in the company’s success. Additionally, I learned how essential showrooms are for brands, as they allow buyers to experience products firsthand, understand how each collection comes to life, and see how it fits into their own brand identity.

Getting to join my aunt in the city and spend the day at such a big company was such an inspiring experience for me as a fashion merchandising student. I’ve always known I wanted to focus on the business side of fashion, but seeing everything in action helped me realize how many different roles and paths exist beyond just sales. It really opened my eyes to the possibilities within the industry and made me even more excited about my future. The experience also made me dream about working in New York City after I graduate, right in the center of one of the fashion capitals of the world.

A look at one of G-III’s showrooms.

One of the most memorable moments was stepping into the showroom and seeing how each piece told its own story through color, texture, and design, while also contributing to the overall vision of the collection. The floor I visited focused on jackets and coats, and each piece displayed a level of attention to detail far beyond what I had ever imagined. Experiencing the business side of these collections showed me that fashion isn’t just about creating individual garments, but instead it’s about crafting a cohesive vision that reflects a brand’s identity and connects with buyers. Being in that space gave me a deeper appreciation for the creativity, strategy, and meticulous planning that go into every collection, and it was inspiring to see how design and business come together so seamlessly.

This experience completely changed the way I think about fashion and the industry, showing me that it’s not just about the designing of garments, but how the business side of the industry is just as important. This opportunity of joining my aunt at work taught me about the careful planning, collaboration, and strategy that goes into each collection and piece to create relationships with brands, consumers, and factories, to drive sales. It made me realize how much creativity is needed not only in the garments themselves but in every aspect of the business, from sales and showrooms to marketing and brand identity. Seeing how all the pieces fit together inspired me to approach my future career in the industry with both a creative mindset, as well as a strong appreciation for the hard work and collaboration that goes on behind the scenes.

Guess showroom at G-III.

Overall, this experience was absolutely unforgettable, and I am incredibly grateful to my aunt and everyone I met at G-III for giving me the chance to see the business side of the fashion industry up close. Witnessing the creativity, collaboration, and strategic planning that go into every upcoming collection showed me just how intricate, dynamic, and thoughtfully executed the fashion business truly is. The day was not only inspiring but also deeply motivating, and it has left me more excited than ever to pursue a career in the business side of this ever-evolving industry