Today@Sam Article
SHSU Student Immersed in Fashion Industry During New York Fashion Week
March 4, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd
The University of New York Fashion week, better known as U of NYFW, is an educational experience where 30 fashion merchandising students from 17 universities can attend February’s New York Fashion Week (NYFW). It gives the students an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the industry from runway shows, panels and the chance to network with industry leaders.
This year's experience is the 14th installment offered by CLC, the nation’s leading collegiate licensing company, and IMG, the operator of NYFW. Sam Houston State University fashion merchandising student Giselle Ramirez talked about her experience with U of NYFW.
“Fashion has always been my passion, and the chance to immerse myself in the industry, learn from top professionals and see the behind-the-scenes magic of NYFW was too good to pass up,” Ramirez said.
When it comes to the application process for U of NYFW, Ramirez mentioned that after answering a set of questions about her future goals and what the experience would mean to her, the selection committee narrowed down the applicants, with only three students moving forward to the interview stage.
“I remember the exact moment I got the news,” said Ramirez. “I was at the gym when the email came in. That same day, I hit a personal record lifting weight, purely fueled by the happiness and motivation I felt. Finding out I was selected for U of NYFW felt like a turning point, not just for my education, but for myself.”
Upon receiving the good news, Ramirez began her prep for the big trip.
“I wanted to make sure my look reflected both my personal style and the significance of attending such a prestigious event,” said Ramirez. “I spent hours researching trends, putting together outfits and even checking the weather forecast to make sure I was both stylish and practical.”
Outside of preparing her outfits, Ramirez wanted to make sure she was as prepared as possible. She began watching videos of Fashion Week, reading articles and researching past NYFW events to get a better understanding of what she should expect.
Ramirez went on to talk about what it was like when she arrived in New York City for NYFW, excited for the fast-paced excitement and the energy of the city.
“I was incredibly proud to represent my university, knowing they believed in me enough to give me this experience,” said Ramirez. “Meeting other recipients from different universities was inspiring, being surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared my passion for fashion made it even more special.”
Ramirez even talked about already missing New York during fashion week. She loved the feeling of being submerged in an environment where industry leaders, designers and fashion-forward people were immersed in all things fashion.
Ramirez dove into some of the biggest highlights of her experience including learning about the brand owner of Klein Designs’ journey and challenges in this industry. Another unforgettable moment for Ramirez was participating in a backstage Q&A with representatives from WME Fashion, an exclusive talent agency representing some of the biggest names in fashion and entertainment.
“Being in that space, surrounded by professionals who shape the industry, gave me a deeper understanding of the business side of fashion,” said Ramirez. “It reinforced the idea that success in fashion isn’t just about creativity, it’s about networking, strategy and making the most of every opportunity.”
Ramirez also talked about getting the opportunity to learn from employees at Aviator Nation, a brand known for its vintage-inspired, laid-back aesthetic. Hearing about their different roles allowed Ramirez to think about all the numerous career opportunities within the fashion industry.
“One of the most memorable moments for me was speaking with the visual merchandiser at Aviator Nation in SoHo,” said Ramirez. “Since visual merchandising is the career path I aspire to pursue, gaining firsthand insights from someone already in the role was incredibly valuable.”
U of NYFW provides a lot of opportunities for students to attend workshops, seminars and networking events that give them the chance to learn about the industry from fashion leaders.
“What surprised me the most was just how much precision and collaboration happens behind the scenes. Every detail, from the timing of a runway show to the way teams work under pressure, is carefully orchestrated,” said Ramirez. “Seeing that level of coordination made me appreciate fashion in a whole new way, not just as an art form, but as a powerhouse of creativity, logistics and businesses coming together.”
The program also allows students to connect with other fashion majors from other universities. Ramirez enjoyed being able to connect with her fellow students who shared a common interest.
“Experiencing the program together created a unique connection between us. We weren’t just attendees; we were all stepping into a dream opportunity, and sharing that excitement made everything even more special,” said Ramirez.
A key part of this journey for the students is capturing photos and creating content to document their time spent in New York City.
“One of my favorite pieces of content I created during NYFW was the live stories I posted throughout the experience. From designing custom tote bags to visiting WME Headquarters, I loved being able to capture and share those moments in real-time,” said Ramirez.
Looking back on her experience overall, Ramirez recalled how her perspective on the fashion industry shifted after going to NYFW. The once-intimidating space now feels more welcoming, and she’s more than excited to start working.
“This experience made me feel more confident in my aspiration. Being part of U of NYFW reinforced that I belong in this industry and that my goals aren’t just dreams – they’re within reach,” said Ramirez. “I left New York feeling more inspired than ever, knowing that with dedication and the right mindset, I can carve out my own place in the fashion world.” 
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