Students get front-row seats to New York Fashion Week

Two Virginia Tech students swapped classrooms for catwalks, going behind the scenes of one of the most prestigious events in the fashion world — New York Fashion Week. From Feb. 6-8, these Hokies had the opportunity to attend University of New York Fashion Week, an exclusive program designed to give students an insider’s look at the fashion industry.

Seniors Naomi Stenerson-Torres and Alexis Traubel also both work at Virginia Tech, Stenerson-Torres as director of the Hokie Effect program and Traubel as a digital marketing intern in Advancement. Their jobs include interacting with Virginia Tech’s Licensing and Trademarks, which is what made this all-expense paid trip to New York City possible through the department’s partnership with the Collegiate Licensing Company.

“A once-in-a-lifetime experience”

New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is more than just a showcase of cutting-edge designs, it’s a masterclass in strategic marketing, influencer partnerships, and brand storytelling. The students attended runway shows, spoke with industry professionals, and soaked up the evolving landscape of style trends.

“So many of the people I met at NYFW weren’t fashion majors, yet they’re thriving in the industry, said Stenerson-Torres, who is studying economics. It “was a unique way to immerse yourself fully in the fashion world for a few days to see if it might be for you, and it was such a memorable experience – truly once in a lifetime."

The students witnessed firsthand how top fashion brands use strategies including digital media, celebrity endorsements, and compelling experiences to captivate audiences, both in-person and online.

"I didn’t realize how much my job as Hokie Effect director had already prepared me for the fashion world until I was there, talking to designers and professionals,” said Stenerson-Torres. “I knew that there’s so much that goes into a design before it’s approved. It was eye-opening to see that process mirrored on such a large scale."

“It wasn’t just about fashion,” said Traubel, who is majoring in marketing management. “It was about learning how an entire industry operates, from the creative side to the business operation.”

Beyond marketing strategies, the trip provided valuable networking opportunities. The students connected with industry leaders, fellow aspiring professionals, and alums working in fashion-related careers.

“My favorite day was Saturday; we went to a panel in the morning for IMG [Models and WME Fashion]. They were talking about their jobs, doing all the back-end work that is needed to pull off a big event like New York Fashion Week. People are coming to you with all kinds of problems, and you figure out how to fix them. It’s the kind of exciting chaos I thrive in,” Traubel said.

The experience is just one example of Virginia Tech Advantage, a universitywide initiative designed to provide Virginia students with transformational learning experiences by eliminating financial barriers. Study abroad, internships, and academic-related conferences are part of those learning experiences.

Unforgettable memories

For these students, New York Fashion Week was more than just a glamorous event — it was a hands-on learning experience that reinforced the importance of branding, innovation, and digital strategy.

"Attending made me see fashion in a new way," said Stenerson-Torres. “It’s not just about the final product — it’s an art form, a business, and a logistical masterpiece."

"When you show up, you’re given very little detail,” said Traubel. “They just said, ‘Get on the flight and we’ll let you know from there.’ Go in excited, open-minded, and ready for every new opportunity. Some of the best connections happen naturally."

They returned to Blacksburg with not just unforgettable memories but also a deeper understanding of how marketing fuels the fashion industry.

“I felt like my eyes were the size of dinner plates the entire time,” said Stenerson-Torres. “Watch how people interact, listen to the language they use, and understand the culture of the industry. And don’t be afraid to ask questions – you’ll find that people love sharing their experiences."

“The fashion show itself is unreal. The excitement is incredible,” said Traubel. “You’re seeing things you cannot believe you’re seeing. I came back and I felt changed somehow – I'm a senior in college and I’m experiencing something so electric.”