One of the many things that FIT prides itself on is the real world work experience that it offers to its students, and some of this experience comes from running clubs. Out of many clubs here at FIT, there is one that truly stands out by offering students an experience that exemplifies running a real retail business. Members of the Merchandising Society run Style Shop, an on-campus boutique that carries up-and-coming designer pieces, must-have industry pieces, vintage apparel and a product development line consisting of FIT merchandise and home goods. Just like any other retailer, it is made of planners, buyers, human resources, social media, public relations, marketing, visual merchandisers and store operations teams.
Names: Cathleen Cataldo and Nicole Gabriel
Role: Co-managers
CollegeFashionista: What inspired this year’s theme, Fashion Around the Globe?
Cathleen Cataldo: We both studied abroad last year. I studied in beautiful Florence, Italy. Since, the experience was still fresh in our minds, what better way to create and offer FIT students the experience that we had? FIT is such a diverse school consisting of many different cultured people. It seemed to be a great way to celebrate this aspect and create an experience for those who have and have not traveled abroad.
Nicole Gabriel: This past summer I took a course called International Buying and Marketing, which was a three-week program in London, Paris and Florence. Studying abroad for such a short time has opened my eyes to so many different cultures. Plus, seeing the Eiffel Tower up close was a dream come true. The Fashion Around The Globe theme is like an extension of our journey.
CF: What are your favorite Style Shop pieces for the fall season?
CC: It’s hard to choose; we have so much of great merchandise. I would have to say that my favorite are the vintage pieces that our vintage buyers brought in. It consists of a wide variety of wearable and unique apparel that is very stylish and trendy.
NG: My absolute favorite pieces are the FIT burgundy spirit jerseys developed by our product development team. It sold out the first day!
CF: Why should one shop at Style Shop?
CC: We have new product every day. Our buyers do a very good job replenishing our stock with trendy and up-to-date products that are one of a kind. A trip to Style Shop feels like a treasure hunt where everybody who comes in will find something that they like. As one of our professors would put it, “It’s the hidden jewel of FIT.”
NG: The best aspect of Style Shop is that the store itself is not overwhelming. We are not like those one stop shops. We create a very unique shopping experience along with offering feasibly priced merchandise, considering that some of the merchandise is handcrafted by our students and alumni.
Learn More: Since the holiday season is coming up, make sure to visit the Style Shop, located on 27th Street at Seventh Avenue in the Dubinsky building lobby, to get your loved ones one-of-a-kind gifts. Also, make sure to follow Style Shop on Instagram and Tumblr to get the latest dose on fashion.
