Merchandising Degree? MINE!

The comfort of Manila was left behind five years ago now to rejoin family, pursue FIT and try for a career in the industry that makes me hyper excited. For awhile I thought I'd never get to study fashion merchandising.  I got the official diploma last December so the excitement from capping this thing off has pretty much worn off. Attending commencement exercises felt a bit silly and not having a job yet made it seem like a mockery. My family would have none of it so we went. Thank goodness for that! I would have regretted it if I hadn't gone. How often does one get the chance to graduate from famed Radio City Music Hall with the degree that feels right???

Watch the following speeches.

Marie Claire Fashion Director, Project Runway judge, FIT alumna and author, Nina Garcia.

Norma Kamali, '64 alumna and creator of the sleeping bag coat which has been reincarnated by many, many brands. Can you imagine winters without puffer coats???!?!

Allen Hasselfeld of Hasbro Industries, toy industry leader and maker of Mr. Potato Head. 

I'm bullet pointing my takeaways: 

• All you need to know is who you are
• Words matter, civility matters 
• Be citizens of the world
• Compassionate imagination
• Sensitive awareness
• Rebel in you, be your own rebel
• Hone it the right way
• Be your boldest
• Make some noise
• No doubts
• Create something new for the world
• Harness technology
• Wish of the love of what you do
• Never stop playing no matter the age

Many, many thanks to friends who were with me via live streaming and for encouraging me to be patient, proud and to simply own it. It took me some time to go ahead with this goal. Now it feels amazing to finally look back, I have done it all on my own!!!

Now, on to the next thing.... Picking the job and being good at it. I can't wait!!!!

FIT 2010 Commencement Live Streaming

It really is mine tomorrow!!

Michelle The Intern

It was my first day today and I enjoyed it a whole lot. I saw and sent samples for F/W 09 to fashion magazines, introduced myself to the Celine Madison Ave. boutique staff, was sent on a research mission and did sell through reports.

The mission was to scope out stores for markdown signages, discount percentages and foot traffic and report what I observed to the buyer. I walked a total of 5miles up and down Madison and 5th Avenue. It's only now that I feel the pain in my legs. When you're so into what you're seeing, you don't give a damn. I was asked by some store staff members what I was doing with my note taking. I told them I was a student yada yada yada and was just observing and applying what I'm learning. They were pretty helpful. Of course I didn't mention I was a Celine intern and was really looking at competition. It's fascinating how luxury brands try their bestest to be discreet about having sales to uphold and protect brand image. The signs were microscopic and the merchandise were not even labeled with the markdown prices. To me, this is done so that the customer gets curious, asks about pricing and therefore engages with the sales associate. Sales pitch time. Since Madison Ave is more for the locals versus touristy 5th Avenue, there were definitely more sale signages on 5th. Specialty Department Stores Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys skipped visible signs on their windows and opted for sale racks. By the way, footwear's on sale! A few women were going bananas.

Will markdowns continue? for now YES! Will they be as deep as last season? Sorry but NO! It seems like consumers will have to be re-trained to shop full price. Everyone's just waiting for markdowns these days regardless of brand level. It's a changing fashion world out there. As Kenneth Cole said on WWD last week, “these are not only the toughest times, but they are also the best, because it’s only in tough times that people look for creative alternatives,” “If one is inclined to truly make a difference and make an impact, there is more of an appetite today maybe than ever before,” Cole added. “There is more that’s broken; there’s more that needs to be fixed. There is more of an opportunity to significantly impact a very sustainable and transformative voice. It’s a great challenge and a great opportunity, and we are all very excited about it.” Exciting times I must say. I'm glad I'm in!

Celine has just tapped ex Chloe designer genius Phoebe Philo. There's quite a buzz about her first collection and I can't wait to be in the middle of the transition period. Aaaah!!!! I'm a mere intern but I choose to learn!! I choose to learn!!!! Grabe, kadaldalan na to. Excited lang talaga. Market week in June will be something to talk about again. Daldal!!! Daldal!!!