photo by: Victoria Mcginty
MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY FALL 2020
CONTENTS 03 07 09 13 17
01.
COVID-19 IS MAKING RETAILERS SICK TOO
THE SHOW MUST GO ON: HOW NY FASHION WEEK CONTINUES THE FOUR BEST PLACES TO BUY FASHIONABLE MASKS FOUR WAYS TO FIGHT AGAINST “MASKNE” MEET MAMTA: THE NEWEST EDITION TO THE FASHION DEPARTMENT
LETTERS FROM THE EDITORS I
t seemed only obvious that this fall issue of STATEMENT should tackle the coronavirus as its theme. The pandemic has impacted the world around us, with the fashion industry being no exception. The publication presents some more serious conversations regarding the financial impact of the industry. It also discusses students’ feelings on face masks—the latest essential accessory—and where to purchase them. Overall, I was thrilled with everyone’s unique take on how the pandemic has impacted the fashion industry and us as consumers. As always, I would like to thank my co-editor, Emma, for all of her assistance and hard work. As well as, Jen for her guidance and support throughout this process. This issue we collaborated with fellow Mercyhurst student, Victoria Mcginty, who took our beautiful cover model photos. I am so grateful for everyone’s contributions, and with all their help, I am confident this issue will make a real STATEMENT.
- MacKenzie Lewis
T
his semester has been stressful for so many reasons, especially with the added stress of the ongoing pandemic. Despite the uneasiness of the pandemic, it served as an excellent subject for the fall issue! With so many changes that are beginning to feel like a new normal, I’m glad to be able to help produce an issue that helped address some aspects of the pandemic while still keeping up with the most important topic in our department: fashion! I had such a fun time working on this issue and I hope that everyone enjoys it as much as we do!-
- Emma Thomas
02.
COVID-19 IS MAKING RETAILERS SICK TOO A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS
Fevers, chills, headaches—Covid-19 is making fashion retailers sick. We likely have not felt or even understood the full impact this virus has had on the global fashion industry. However, recently reported sales figures and statistics from various fashion retailers gives us some idea of the future ramifications this world-wide pandemic has had on the industry. The numbers indicate things are changing, and not often for the better. Let’s start with department stores, which were already struggling before the pandemic. It appears things will only get worse for these big box retailers. Let’s start with the United States’ largest retailer: Macy’s. According
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to the retail giant, there was an overall loss of $630 million because of a 45 percent drop in sales during the first quarter of this year. The largest U.S. department store operator is prepared to post a loss of somewhere between $905 million to $1.11 billion by the end of this fiscal year. First quarter sales were severely affected. The projected first quarter sales were down 45 percent from last year. Another big department posting declining sales this past quarter was Nordstrom Inc. The Seattle-based retailer reported a 40 percent dip in quarterly sales. On the bright side, Nordstrom did report an increase in online sales of 5 percent, which equaled about $1.1 billion for the first quarter. Because of the effects of Covid-19 on sales, Nordstrom announced 16 of its 116 stores will be closing in order to save money.
Department stores were not the only retailers to suffer from Covid-19. The conglomerate, Tapestry—owner of Kate Spade, Coach, and Stuart Weitzman brands—also reported plunging sales due to the world health crisis. In the fiscal third quarter results (ending March 28, 2020), Coach reported a revenue of $1.07 billion, slightly down from a year ago. This year shows a decrease of 19.55 percent compared to last year. The brand Abercrombie and Fitch, a company popular in many malls across America, also experienced a decrease in sales due to Covid-19. Net sales fell 34 percent to $485.4 million in the first quarter of 2020. That was the largest drop in sales the company experienced in over a decade. The net profit loss this quarter was $244.2 million which is much higher than the $19.2 million total net loss last year. There was a positive aspect to Abercrombie and Fitch’s quarterly report; a 25 percent increase on e-commerce sales. Online shoppers were buying lounge wear, knits and joggers while staying at home. Another store that was affected enormously by Covid-19 was TJ Maxx. This retailer acted differently from its competitors by shutting down all online sales and closing all of its brick and mortar stores during the initial stay at home orders, to prevent its employees from getting Covid-19. The company’s net sales suffered as a result. The company’s net profit loss totaled to $887.5 million. TJ Maxx reported strong sales in the few stores that it has since opened. Chief Executive Officer Ernie Herrman said in a recent interview “Although it’s still early and the retail environment remains uncertain, we have been encouraged with the very strong sales we have seen with our initial reopening.” That being said, not all companies saw losses during the pandemic. In its first quarter earnings report, Lululemon reported its online sales rose 35 percent. As business analyst Adrienne Yin stated, “with core customers working from home we believe ‘work-at-home wear’ consists of comfortable and casual apparel and Lulu fits the bill.”
Although it’s still early and the retail environment remains uncertain, we have been encouraged with the very strong sales we have seen with our initial reopening.
-Ernie Herman, TJ Maxx CEO
The pandemic has deeply affected fashion retailers. The increase in online sales, however, points the fashion business toward a new reality—online sales and online shopping are going to be a strong element of any fashion business moving forward.
OLIVIA HEASLEY
04.
THE FOUR BEST PLACES TO BUY FASHIONABLE MASKS If 2020 has taught us anything, it is definitely to go with the flow. Not only does this mean being safe during a global pandemic, but it also shows a brand new side of the fashion industry. Now, we are provided with no choice but to wear a mask. If we have to have one on, why not make it stand out from the rest? Here are my top four places to buy a mask that makes a real statement.
BAGGU
(baggu.com) Baggu has a fantastic selection of 100% organic cotton masks to choose from. Not only are the styles great, it also has a deal of 3 masks for $32. These masks have a variety of different prints, adjustable nose wiring, and adjustable ear loops. Not much can go wrong with Baggu if you’re looking for fashion fast.
NXTSTOP
(thenxtstop.com) NxTSTOP masks are 100% eco-friendly and are actually made from biodegradable bamboo. Like Baggu, these masks have adjustable nose wiring and adjustable ear loops. These masks seem to be very lightweight and well made, coming in at $14 per mask. They are not offered in any prints, but do come in a variety of neutral color schemes that are nice for a more formal mask.
VISTAPRINT (vistaprint.com)
First and foremost, Vistaprint is an ecommerce company that specializes in marketing digital products for smaller businesses. With that being said, it saw this pandemic as an opportunity to make money and delivered beautifully. Vista has a plethora of different designs made by creators all over the world to pick from. Each mask usually rings in at the range of $13-$20, and they even have a customizable option featured on their website. These masks are very breathable and lightweight, making them one of my top selections when mask shopping.
KI COLLECTION (shopkicollection.com)
The KI Collection bandana masks are one of the most stylish masks out right now, mostly because bandana print has always been a big deal. KI saw this and truly capitalized on it. Its masks come in black, dark pink, light pink, and beige bandana prints. The mask is two pieces, the front being cotton bandana and the inside being tight knit cotton. These masks come in at around $17, a median price for masks today.
05.
JERRAD FLECK
MERCYHURST FASHION TAKES ON FACE MASK FASHION This school year has been impacted like none other before. College campuses all over the country look completely different than they did only several months ago. Campus athletics have been postponed, if not canceled. On-campus activities have diminished and when they are offered, they are very limited. Students are participating in vital classes via video chatting services, and when they are lucky enough to have in person classes they must be spaced apart and masks are, of course, required at all times. Though this is not news to anyone, Mercyhurst University has also been following these regulations, and masks have to be worn constantly on campus by every student and every faculty member, no exceptions. Seeing as Mercyhurst is known for its Fashion Merchandising department, many of the school’s fashion students have taken it upon themselves to make masks their accessories, rather than a burden. Sophomore fashion student, Gabriella Matre, states that “I Carissa Budday shows off do like to make sure that the mask I wear matches the outfit her handmade masks. that I’m wearing”, despite the fact that she finds them to be restricting overall. Another sophomore fashion student, Emma Phillips, went out of her way to buy masks that would match all of her everyday outfits. She recommended an online website called Reuse Masks LA for its neutrals, stating “I like to do it to make the mask more of an accessory rather than just a necessity.” After talking with the girls, I switched gears and talked to one of the few boys in the program, Jerrad Fleck. I asked him if he ever felt pressured to make a statement with his masks and he responded by stating that he does not necessarily feel pressure, but he would not want to be seen wearing a paper mask or a gaiter. He went as far as to say that he does prefer to match his masks with his outfits when he can. He did even reluctantly state that “I would say that I have better masks than a lot of guys though.”This conversation confirmed my suspicion that Jerrad secretly enjoys the extra accessory. Another fashion student, Carissa Budday, has gone as far as to make her own masks and when I asked her why she decided to start making them she stated that “[she] could never find any cute masks, let alone that fit [her] properly.”This inspired her to try many different patterns until she found the best option. Carissa even made a business out of her efforts. She made this decision after her family and co-workers encouraged her to stop giving them away and that her work was worth some money. She has since been selling to students all over campus, helping them to spice up their wardrobes and show some Laker spirit with certain prints and patterns. She said, “I definitely have been making a lot of shamrock masks, and they seem to be a hit!” Though face masks have been deemed a necessity, these students among many others have decided to look on the bright side. They see that masks can be much more than just a burden and they can even add to their everyday style.
MAGGIE GONAS
06.
How NY Fashion Week Continues
With the ongoing pandemic, the idea of fashion week happening seemed almost impossible. How could they possibly run an upscale runway show with desirable new clothing items and host seating for famous potential clients while keeping up with the CDC’s guidelines for health and safety? With a few tweaks, the Fall 2020 fashion week was able to still happen. With the elimination of the infamous large-scale, inperson seating, many designers instead opted for new, mutated formats to display their new lines by using live streams, virtual look books, and other various adaptations. Additionally, New York Fashion week was not a week-long escapade like past years. Instead it only lasted for a four-day period, from September 13-16. Starting off with designer Jason Wu, who revealed his line to a limited audience in a live stream showing. He hosted a socially-distant show, with only thirty people in the crowd. Closing out the week was Tom Ford, who instead of using live footage, opted to just release photos of his collection at his designated time. Despite a mostly virtual, shortened week, some of the classic New York Fashion Week brands such as Marc
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Jacobs, Michael Kors, and Ralph Lauren (and a few other, smaller labels) declined creating a Spring 2021 line to show. Stuck with a traditional runway show. However, there were still some tweaks to the show such as facemasked models and attendees and a socially distanced runway. While the prospect of fashion week seemed almost impossible and almost pointless, how were designers able to create a sense of need and want for their new lines? Who wants to buy professional and designer clothes to wear around their house in the midst of an ongoing pandemic? The designers hope that the new fashion trends they are presenting will help give their devoted viewers and community a sense of normalcy and excitement, with the new clothes providing something to look forward to when the pandemic comes to an end. Most of the collections shown had an old-Hollywood and colorful sense of nostalgia to them. With bright, fun colors and recycled styles from past generations, the designers showing at New York gave us the light at the end of the tunnel— something to look forward to in Spring 2021.
EMMA THOMAS
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08.
SWEATPANTS MAY HAVE SAVED QUARANTINE Quarantine meant different things for different people. A lot of soul searching, a lot of binge watching TV shows, a lot of alone time. Wat it also meant was all of your fun going out clothes, cute sweaters, dresses, skirts and jeans sat in your closet collecting dust. No one was going anywhere except to the fridge and back. What quarantine did mean was a lot of wearing sweatpants, sweatshirts, leggings, cozy socks and t-shirts. Celebrities were posing on their social media page in their favorite sweatpants, with their hair undone and no make-up, which came as a shock to many. Celebrities you typically see in elegant outfits with a whole team’s work of hair and makeup are now posting themselves naturally. Those celebrities were just like everyone else going from dressing up and wearing normal clothes to being stuck in their house in their coziest sweats. Let’s just all admit it, we were not wearing anything expect for pajamas and sweatpants. Even Anna Wintour, editor-and-chief of Vogue claimed she would never wear sweatpants in her life but was seen during quarantine posing for the magazine’s Instagram in red track pants. The big joke during quarantine for people still working from home was “business on top casual on the bottom.” People working from home were wearing dress shirts and their favorite pair of sweatpants on the bottoms but still calling into their business meetings looking professional. Not only were people working from home, but gyms were closed too which meant people had to do there workouts at home making stretch pants a necessity. The rise in demand for leisurewear was not something small, everyone noticed it. Fashion magazines everywhere were covering the increase in sweatpants due to the isolation caused by coronavirus. According to Refinery29 looking up “sweats” in the search bar was increased by 50 percent during the months of quarantine. Women’s Wear Daily reported that websites saw a 40 percent increase in their sales of sweatpants during only the first week of lock down. They discussed how they haven’t seen such a demand for sweatpants since the early 2000’s craze for a Juicy Couture tracksuit. There was no need to dress up, everyone’s commute was from their bed to the living room to the kitchen and then back to bed. This trend of sweatpants did not just fade away after isolation ended. Of course, as business professionals headed back to work, they had to say goodbye to their sweatpants and put their dress pants back. But, for everyday fashion and today’s trendsetters sweatpants are their new normal. Influencers are seen styling them with a cute tank top, fashionable sneakers and some fun jewelry to dress them up. CRFashionbook even put out an article titled “How to Wear Sweatpants” showing some of Kim Kardashians and Billie Eilish’s outfits and giving examples from Marc Jacobs’ Spring/Summer 2020 line and Burberry’s Fall/Winter 2019 collection. Sweatpants are a new style, making dressing casual and comfortable the “new normal” and we have quarantine to thank for that.
09.
GABRIELLA MATRE
Life amidst the pandemic has impacted many of our daily routines. Whether we are quarantining and staying within our homes or venturing out into public places sporting our face mask, our beauty routine has been re-imagined. For instance, during quarantine there were several days where I chose to skip makeup altogether or simplify it by putting just mascara on. On the other hand, if you are traveling outside of your home, only half of your face is showing, once again disrupting your typical makeup routine. The two main makeup trends that have resulted from COVID-19 are either emphasizing the eyes or embracing a more natural look. In the past a full-coverage foundation would be all the rage, but now consumers are less likely to wear foundation on a daily basis in order to avoid staining the insides of their masks, or because the mask covers half of their face and conceals blemishes and uneven skin anyways. Additionally, spending more time indoors and at home has also encouraged consumers to wear less makeup as well. Quarantine has accepted leisurewear and comfort, so if people are dressing more casually it is understandable that their makeup look would follow suit. However, the pandemic has also influenced more exaggerated eye makeup. Once you’ve been inside your home for a few days, it is nice to add some extra flare to your eyes to boost your self-esteem. In addition, when you do leave your home, you are likely to be wearing a mask. Thus, lipstick is out, and eyeshadow is in. In fact, eyeshadow sales have increased, and many people have experimented with more dramatic eye colors. Beauty lovers have also shifted their attention to voluminous mascaras and false eyelashes. Eyelash extensions and eyelash tinting, and lifts have also become quite popular amidst the pandemic. 2020 has introduced a lot of change, but not all of it is so bad. Maybe it was time to shake up beauty trends. Which trend are you loving, all natural or exaggerated eye makeup?
MACKENZIE LEWIS
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HOW TO DECOMPRESS FROM COVID STRESS According to Our Cover Models
photo by: Victoria Mcginty
JILLY Because school is stressful in general, but then add the pandemic onto it, I try to get outside as much as possible—especially with the wonderful weather we’ve been having. I try to run or work out, do something physically active as well as just taking time for myself. I sometimes do a spa day or get my nails done. Something to just get my mind off of school.
photo by: Victoria Mcginty
JANIECE School has been stressing me out a lot lately. But I’ve been making sure I am creative with whatever activities I involve myself in. We can’t hang out in big groups, but you can take a nice walk at night with your roommate around campus. Another way I like to de-stress is by watching TV shows again. Watching sitcoms and all of the old Hannah Montana shows. Just really relaxing and trying to interact with your inner child as things are stressful.
CHLOE School is stressful in general without COVID. Now, having to be on your laptop 24/7, it can make you tired and hurt your eyes. So, I like to make some hot tea, put on my wax melter, and maybe read a good book or watch Bob’s Burgers—my favorite TV show. To decompress I also like to find a movie on Netflix that motivates me. photo by: Victoria Mcginty
photo by: Victoria Mcginty
ALAYNA I like to listen to music to de-stress. I often listen to music when I’m doing homework. Now that a lot of homework is online, it is nice that I can use Apple music on my computer. I also like to watch tik toks in between homework assignments. It’s a good way to make me laugh and think of good times.
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photo by: Victoria Mcginty
photo by: Victoria Mcginty
photo by: Victoria Mcginty
photo by: Victoria Mcginty
photo by: Victoria Mcginty
photo by: Victoria Mcginty
photo by: Victoria Mcginty
photo by: Victoria Mcginty
photo by: Victoria Mcginty
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FOUR WAYS TO FIGHT AGAINST “MASKNE” Amidst the global pandemic, wearing face masks have become the new normal. While you’ve been doing your part in protecting yourself and others from spreading the virus, an unfortunate side effect has arised. It appears the second wave is simply an outbreak of acne. No need to start having flashbacks to middle school—luckily there are some solutions to this epidemic.
COTTON MASKS FOR THE WIN Cotton masks are the way to go. They are comfortable, breathable, and reusable. Thus, not only are they more sensitive on one’s skin, they are more environmentally friendly as well. Since cotton is a natural fiber it is less likely to irritate one’s skin as much as a mask made of synthetic materials such as, nylon, polyester, and rayon. In addition, ensuring that your mask fits correctly will also decrease irritation.
MOISTURIZE A lightweight moisturizer is key to keeping your skin maskne free. Keeping your skin hydrated creates an extra barrier between your skin and the mask’s material. As a result, the skin is less likely to get irritated. Fortunately, there is a moisturizer for everyone regardless of skin type. For instance, gel moisturizer is recommended for oily skin, lotion moisturizer for normal or combination skin, and a cream for dry skin.
CLEAN YOUR MASK AND FACE REGULARLY Keeping your mask clean is crucial in keeping your skin clean and healthy. Remember to wash your mask prior to first use and to continue to clean it regularly. A washing machine or hand washing with warm water and regular laundry detergent both properly cleanse the face mask. In addition to keeping your face mask clean, there are ways to quickly cleanse your face before and after face mask use. Using cleansing wipes are an easy way to gently remove bacteria, dirt, and makeup.
SKIP WEARING MAKEUP Feel free to skip your full faced makeup routine. No need to apply concealer or foundation where nobody will see it. Additionally, the increased humidity around the skin beneath the mask, combined with makeup, could lead to clogged pores and more breakouts. Instead, spend more time on your eyes and let that be your focal point. Giving your skin a chance to breathe will not only prevent additional breakouts but will also help keep pores clear and allow time for your skin to rejuvenate. Although it is unfortunate wearing masks has caused an increase in acne, quarantine has at least provided me the time to consider my skincare routine. Learning and understanding your skin type and the good and bad materials in skincare products is a great step in having healthier skin. First, follow along to these tips and no longer fall victim to maskne.
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MACKENZIE LEWIS
MODERN MODERN AGE AGE MARKETING MARKETING Another social media app has taken the world by storm—TikTok. TikTok is a social media app that gives creators the opportunity to share videos that can include dancing, singing, or even just talking to their followers. It also has been a great opportunity for local businesses to market their products. MB Bride and Special Occasion located in Greensburg, PA took this outlet and ran with it. The account has accumulated 118.2K followers and 1.6 million likes in its first year. I have been lucky enough to work at MB Prom for three years now and featured in one of its first viral videos. Prom manager, Kaitlyn Nesbit and I took hours switching between different gowns to create the perfect video. Learning more about the app and the algorithm to create a “viral” video, MB’s account is recognized by many people around the world. Nesbit believes the reason that the account has gone viral is due to the creation of the account was when TikTok was on the rise itself. Now, MB Prom utilizes their “GlaMBassadors” to create a majority of the content. GlaMBassadors are senior girls from high schools in the surrounding area. It markets for other girls to come and shop at MB. The girls come in for multiple photoshoots that will be displayed on all of MB’s social media accounts. Recently, many of the girls have learned trending TikTok dances to post. Although not every video that is posted goes “viral,” thousands of people view the videos which is great exposure for a small business. Showcasing MB Prom’s large selection of gowns and the efforts put into making the videos create a fun environment that entices customers to come shop. Also, receiving reposts from multiple designers expands the exposure of who sees MB’s content. These designers include Sherri Hill, Vienna Prom, Ellie Wilde, and Primavera Couture. Utilizing the idea of free online marketing has only boosted MB Prom’s sales. You can find MB Prom on TikTok with the handle, @mbprom.
ALAYNA MOORHEAD
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target intern 2020
MY TARGET INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
During the past summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to be an Executive Team Lead Intern at a Target store in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. After a lengthy interview process, I had been offered the paid position and was very excited to accept. It was supposed to be a ten-week program but had to be postponed slightly due to the pandemic, resulting in only six weeks at my store. Although the time had been cut, the learning experiences were not. Every week I had the opportunity to shadow and work with a different executive. This included asset protection, human resources, general merchandise, customer experience, and specialty sales. However, as a Fashion Merchandising major, my favorite area was naturally specialty sales. With this executive, I learned how the style, beauty, and tech areas function at Target. During my time in this area, I reset visual planograms, learned about Target private label brands, organized beauty sampling events, investigated new technology, and learned daily routines for each area. I was also able to learn leadership skills, such as using metrics to influence business decisions, analyzing opportunities and trends, delegating to team leads, having performance conversations, and writing each area’s schedule. I also had many other life-changing experiences during my internship. After my human resource training, I was able to screen, interview, hire, and then train employees who I thought would be an excellent fit. I also completed a walk with a health and food safety inspector. During my time in the front of the store, I managed a team of about 20 during peak store hours. I had the opportunity to zoom with the company’s CEO, Brian Cornell, and meet the region’s vice president of Human Resources in person when he visited my store. Towards the end of my six weeks, I prepared for a final walk with my store director, district director, and human resource business partner. I was expected to discuss business acumen regarding any area of the store as we walked together. However, this also gave me the opportunity to discuss any interests or questions I had with the team before I finished my internship. After my final walk, I received the news from my director that I would be offered a full-time position as an executive after I graduate this May. After I received my salary and benefits information, I accepted the offer. I truly had the experience of a lifetime this summer, and I am so excited for what my future holds with Target.
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SARAH FERTAL
MY SUMMER AS A STYLIST This summer I received an internship working for celebrity stylist, Tyler Lambert. At 23 years old Lambert has styled everyone from Tana Mongeau, Daisy Marquez, Lauren Giraldo, and many more! I have been following Tyler on social media for years now and have always looked up to him in regard to how he styles his clients. Getting this internship was huge for me, and since Tyler is based in Los Angeles, I found an apartment, rented a car and bought a plane ticket and moved out there. My first day in LA I started working right away. Tyler got scheduled to style a campaign video for a new makeup line created by YouTuber and CEO, Angel Merino. Being thrown right into the scene and experiencing the behind the scenes of what goes into being a stylist was stressful, but so incredible. When being styled, people schedule and plan months in advance, so it gives the stylist enough time to reach out to brands and showrooms to plan however many outfits are needed. A couple weeks in, I was working when we got a call from one of his most famous clients, YouTuber, Tana Mongeau. She needed an outfit for that night, so I saw all of the steps that went into something so last minute. Right away he texted everyone he possibly knew and reached out to PR firms. We started driving to showrooms and picked out items that we thought would fit Tana’s vibe. It was very stressful. I ended up working from ten in the morning to eleven at night that day. It shows that every day is going to be different and you never know what your day is going to turn out to be. I have learned so much throughout this internship and
MARISA RIPEPI
was so blessed to be able to get hands on experience planning such exciting things. From styling Charli D’amelio, Nessa Barrett for her new album cover, and James Charles for a secret project that has not come out yet. Lastly, Tyler giving me my own client, Rachel Levin. I planned five looks with her and had to reach out to brands and go to showrooms. The last day I was in Los Angeles I went to Rachel’s house and styled her all by myself. Later on, Tyler came by. I was warned before that this was my final test to see if I had what it takes to become a stylist. It has been one month since I left LA and was invited back. I am now working my dream job with Tyler in Los Angeles as a style assistant. Ever since then I have been working with three clients of my own, like rapper Lil Mosey and others. I am so thankful for Tyler and for him to believe in me and give me this opportunity of a lifetime, allowing me to achieve my dream job in the matter of one summer.
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MEET MAMTA
The Newest Edition to the Fashion Department With the newest addition to the fashion department’s family joining us this semester, it only seemed right that we helped to introduce the new Professor to our department with a Q and A. With a mix of some fun, random, and more serious questions, I hope to help introduce and welcome Dr. Mamta Saharan properly to the fashion family! Question: Where are you from? Answer: I grew up mostly in a small town in Northern India. Q: What is your favorite thing about your career? A: The best part of being a professor is the interaction with the students. So often, they do not see their talent or don’t know how to direct it. It takes just a few suggestions to see your students bloom into professionals. I really enjoy the mentorship aspect of teaching. It’s very rewarding and fulfilling at the university level. Q: What are your hobbies? A: My hobbies are all creative. I enjoy painting, drawing, and card making. I also love international traveling, which drove me to visit several national and international museums. Q: What is one thing you couldn’t live without? Why? A: I cannot live without my baby girl because she is innocent and one of the greatest gifts God gave me. Q: Do you have a favorite color? A: Yes, my favorite color is white. Q: What is your favorite fashion trend (past or present)? A: Chanel’s little black dress. Q: Who inspires you? Why? A: Nature inspires me through its million colors, which have a calming effect. I have many of my work realize through inspiration from Mother Nature. It is full of hope.
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Q: : Do you enjoy traveling, and if so, where would you love to travel? A: Yes, I love to travel, and I wish to travel to Paris, a fashion capital. Q: What is something you are proud of? A: My family because they have shaped and molded me into the person I am today. When I feel down, they cheer me up and motivate me to jump over the hurdle troubling me. They always encouraged me to try my best and to always get up when times are difficult. Q: What’s your favorite holiday? A: Thanksgiving. Q: What traits do you admire most in others? A: Generosity. Q: Do you have a favorite quote, if so, what is it? A: Yes, I am keen on Chanel’s quotes and my favorite is “Elegance is refusal.” It means elegance isn’t defined by abundance. I can relate to this statement with my interest in sustainability. Q: Do you have a favorite television show or movie? A: The Devil wears Prada is my favorite movie. Also, I love to watch Shark Tank. Q: What’s your best piece of advice? A: Stay happy and be kind.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Jennifer Pisula, 2010
WHAT IS YOUR POSITION AT QVC AND WHAT DOES IT ENTAIL? I am the Fabric Sourcing, Research and Development Associate Manager for both QVC and HSN (we call it QxH). I work with Designers & Apparel/ Accessories Sourcing Specialists to identify any new fabric developments they would like to pursue for upcoming seasons. I take those concepts and work with overseas fabric mills to source and develop for the team. It involves a significant amount of textile knowledge and we follow product development calendar like it’s our Bible.
HAS COVID-19 IMPACTED YOUR JOB, AND IF SO WHAT SORT OF CHANGES HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED?
Photographed on the right, Jennifer Pisula is shown working as QVC and HSN’s Fabric Sourcing, Research and Development Associate Manager.
Oh, COVID-19 has affected my job greatly. Oftentimes the designers need to touch and feel the fabric in order to get inspired and start sketching. If I can get options to them sooner, the easier my life is. I also find it challenging to coach designers on giving feedback on fabric submits they receive because I’m not there with them and can not see or touch what they are trying to describe. We also can’t travel. Typically, I would be traveling to Asia and fabric shows in the States, but that’s been put on hold indefinitely for now. Generally, the wins in the process come from leading with humility and empathy because we are all feeling the frustration.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE COLLEGE GRADUATES SEEKING JOBS AMIDST COVID-19? Well, the good news about this time is that people are incredibly more open to meeting virtually, AND the good thing about being virtual is that you don’t have to be local. I would encourage students to reach out to people on LinkedIn and ask to pick their brain. When you can meet with them BE PRESENT—ask engaging questions. First impressions matter, and this is a great way to make one without even having to interview. Seek out virtual internships and don’t be afraid to fail. When it’s time for you to start applying for jobs, the best advice I ever heard was to allow yourself to be mobile. Move to California if you can, take that job in NYC, or Florida, or wherever.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB? I've had a love affair with fabric since I took the textiles course almost 12 years ago at Mercyhurst. Since Mercyhurst I went to graduate school for textiles & textile conservation, and I also teach Textiles at a local University. The two greatest things that I absolutely love are 1) I'm respected as a source of knowledge about fabric production and 2) the fact that I'm learning every day. For instance, just today, I was researching fabric created from the stems of rose plants (still have no idea what the heck it's all about—stay tuned because I've ordered a sample). I'm also at the forefront of trend forecasting—in order to design, you have to know your fabric direction! I am on WGSN constantly, and each quarter I give a fabric trend presentation that essentially narrows down the WGSN/great conceptual focus to the QxH customers.
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A special thank you to Jen, Victoria and our lovely cover models for making this issue of STATEMENT possible
photo by: Victoria Mcginty
photo by: Victoria Mcginty
Jilly photo by: Victoria Mcginty
Chloe
Janiece photo by: Victoria Mcginty
Alayna
STATEMENT SPRING 2020 MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY FASHION MERCHANDISING DEPARTMENT