For some Fordham students, the path to dream jobs at iconic fashion brands begins with a scholarship competition—and culminates at an annual New York City gala where they connect with CEOs, celebrities, and luminaries across the wide world of fashion.
Fordham students are often among the winners of the annual Fashion Scholarship Fund Case Study Competition, a career launchpad run by the premier nonprofit in the U.S. dedicated to supporting the next generation of fashion industry professionals.
Every year, Fordham marketing professors and career advisors at the Personal and Professional Development Center coach students as they develop proposals and compete for scholarships.
We caught up with three recent winners to see where these grads are now and how Fordham—with its fashion studies minor, Fashion Law Institute, and top-ranked marketing program—helped them along the way.
Molly Chamberlain
Public relations intern at Brunello Cucinelli
Major: Communication and Culture
Minor: Fashion Studies
Winning Project: Re-Ulta: Leveraging AI and Digital Technology to Reduce Waste and Secure Ulta as a Sustainability Leader
Molly Chamberlain prepares for a live event with Brunello Cucinelli. Photo courtesy of Chamberlain
What was your research project?
It was about using UVC light to disinfect products that could then be resold at a cheaper price, which would reduce waste and be better for the environment.
How did the competition help you land your job?
So, through the Fashion Scholarship Fund, I was given a mentor. She had some friends at Brunello Cucinelli that she was able to connect me with, because she knew they were looking for an intern.
Why do you think Fordham was the right place to launch a career in fashion?
I am such a huge fan of the fashion studies program, its connections and events. If I went to school somewhere else, I wouldn’t have been able to volunteer for New York Fashion Week so easily. I emailed people and they were like, “Sure, come in on Tuesday and help with the show.” And it was like, okay, I can get on a Ram Van now and be there in a half hour. That that was such an opportunity for me.
Kate Lu
Merchandising, Fine Jewelry and Timepieces at Dior
Majors: Marketing and Global Business
Concentration: Marketing with Consumer Insights
Winning Project: L’Oeil de Givenchy: Where Exclusivity Meets Accessibility
Kate Lu with Anna Wintour at the Fashion Fund Scholarship Fund Gala. Photo courtesy of Lu
What was your research project?
I did a merchandising case on Givenchy and their shoes assortment, using generative AI and big data to help people create a customizable collection.
You did an internship just about every semester while at Fordham, with huge names like Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and Co. How did you pull that off?
Being in the Gabelli School really helped me build my LinkedIn page and taught me how to network. I reached out to this Fordham alum that worked at Tiffany at the time, and from there I was able to get my foot in the door. I networked within the space and was able to just get a snowball effect.
Was it always your goal to work in fashion?
Yes, it’s definitely a dream come true.
What do you think set you apart in the industry so early?
Fordham is so unique because we have a really strong and robust business program. And a lot of times on the corporate side of fashion, they really look at that business background, as opposed to the art or design side of a traditional fashion school. Fordham is really strong in that regard. It’s also in such a strategic location for fashion—you have a leg up compared to people from other schools.
Erica Lubomirsky
Assistant Manager, Brand Media at Coach
Major: Global Business
Concentration: Marketing with Consumer Insights
Winning Project: Revolve Around You
Erica Lubomirsky works out of the Coach offices in Manhattan. Photo courtesy of Lubomirsky.
What was your research project?
An integrated AI tool that allows shoppers to virtually “try on” clothes before buying them.
You tried a few other things before settling on fashion—what made you interested?
I had internships at startup digital marketing agencies and then I worked as a research intern at NBCUniversal, but I realized I didn’t like entertainment so much.
My marketing advisor just sent out an email [about the FSF case competition], and it looked interesting. I always had an interest in fashion, so I just kind of signed up for it. The monetary prize is a big incentive, but I think it was more the network and the opportunities that come out of it that really enticed me.
Erica Lubomirsky and New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns at the FSF Gala. Photo courtesy of Lubomirsky
What connections were you able to make by participating?
Through the competition, I landed an internship at Kate Spade, which is also owned by the same parent company as Coach. If it wasn't for Fordham and the Fashion Scholarship Fund, I probably would have never gotten into that network.