Today@Sam Article

Commencement Spotlight: Catalina Little

Dec. 8, 2023
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd

By Hunter King

Catalina Little
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Merchandising

In the colorful realm of fashion, Catalina Little discovered her sweet spot where business savvy met her keen eye for style. Growing up, fashion wasn't just a choice for her—it was an expression. However, it wasn't until her college years that she found the perfect fusion of her interests, fashion merchandising.

This summer, when she embarked on an international internship in Milan, the world's fashion hub, Little shared that not only did she gain invaluable experience but also laid the groundwork for future Sam Houston State University students aspiring to make their mark in the global fashion scene.

Little's journey was driven by a desire to connect business with fashion. Realizing the need for a practical approach in a fiercely competitive industry, she saw herself as a facilitator, helping designers bring their visions to life. Her studies at SHSU provided her with a sturdy foundation.

"I've always had a knack for clothes,” Little said. “It's like a calling, a natural sense of style that's been with me from a young age. The fashion merchandising program at Sam Houston was an epiphany. It was the bridge I needed between my business instincts and my creative side."

The spark that ignited Little's international adventure came from an unexpected source—a chance encounter with her chiropractor's wife, herself an alumna of the same fashion merchandising program. Her experiences abroad went beyond the classroom, immersing her in the world of high-end fashion.

“Being in Milan was like living inside a fashion fairytale,” Little said. “The intricacies of the industry, the attention to detail—it was all just like 'The Devil Wears Prada,' which I found surprisingly accurate. It's cutthroat, and every decision must align with the designer's vision.”

As an intern in Milan, Little wore many hats, moving seamlessly between responsibilities in the communications department, from devising social media strategies to working alongside industry giants like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Her tasks ranged from inventory management to ensuring that dresses worn by A-list celebrities found their way back, all while striking a delicate balance between feasibility and the designer's vision.

“It was exhilarating to be part of the process,” Little said. “Seeing how a designer's creation finds its way into the hands of someone like Kim Kardashian or on the pages of Vogue—it's surreal, yet it's a testament to the collaborative effort behind the scenes.”

Milan, often hailed as the global epicenter of fashion, left a mark on Little. She marveled at how trends originating in Europe eventually influenced styles worldwide. The Italian approach to fashion, characterized by a meticulous yet effortless demeanor, stood in stark contrast to the casual norms she was accustomed to in the United States.

“The way they carry themselves through fashion is a reflection of their culture,” Little said. “Italians take pride in their precision, whether it's in fashion, food, or any aspect of life. It's a pace that balances urgency and a zest for life.”

She hopes to take what she learned from Italy and apply it to her life in the States, especially as she looks toward the nexts steps in her career. After graduation, Little hopes to leverage her internship experience in Milan for a position at a fashion firm in New York City. 

"I originally applied to 50 companies of all sizes for internships in New York and I don't think that a lot of them even looked at my resume, but I think it's because I was lacking experience in the fashion industry," Little said. "I think this internship was the foot in the door that i needed to have them consider me. I really don't know where the wind is going to take me but I am certain that I will be in New York in the spring."

Little's groundbreaking internship experience in Milan also holds great significance for SHSU. As the first fashion merchandising student to undertake an international internship in many years, she sets an example for future students.

“If I could offer advice to aspiring fashion merchandisers, it would be this: embrace the program's flexibility and let your creativity flow,” Little said. “Take advantage of the practical skills you gain in courses like Excel and Photoshop. And, most importantly, be open to new experiences. They might just lead you to places you never imagined.”

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