New York Luxury Program

Exploring Luxury in New York City

During my freshman year of college, I participated in a Luxury program based in New York through the VCU fashion department. Through this program, I earned 6 credits in Fashion Branding and Merchandising Luxury Fashion. We had two weeks of classes and two weeks of appointments in New York City.

One of the most valuable aspects of the program was meeting directly with luxury fashion companies and learning from the professionals who work within the industry. We met with teams from brands such as Verdura, Burberry, Hermès, Saks Off 5th, and Swarovski. Hearing from these companies gave me insight into how luxury brands maintain their identity, communicate their heritage, and position their products within the global fashion market.

Each visit provided a deeper understanding of the luxury sector. We learned about the history behind these brands, how they market their products, and how they maintain exclusivity while still adapting to modern consumer behavior. Being able to ask questions and see the inner workings of these companies made the experience incredibly valuable and helped me better understand the strategic thinking behind luxury branding.

Beyond the professional experiences, spending time in New York City also allowed me to explore one of the fashion capitals of the world. Walking through different neighborhoods, visiting flagship stores, and observing how luxury brands present themselves in retail spaces further deepened my appreciation for the industry.

Overall, the program strengthened my passion for fashion and luxury branding. It gave me real-world exposure to the industry and confirmed my interest in pursuing a career within the luxury fashion space.