These are 3 insights that will help you thrive as a student in the fashion industry:

1. Resilience and adaptability are crucial for success in fashion.
2. Networking is essential for building relationships in the industry.
3. Adaptability is key during high-pressure situations in fashion.

The fashion education area is becoming more saturated with programs by the day. As a student searching for valuable should seek hands-on experiences over lectures

Get a copy of Ilyssa’s personal favorite books that changed her life:

• The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness by Morgan Housel
• The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries

Follow Ilyssa Wexler on LinkedIn here.

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With over two decades of entrepreneurial success and a strong background in Wall Street as a top sales leader, Ilyssa Wexler brings a rare combination of business expertise and creative passion to the fashion industry. Since founding Fashion for Futures in 2016, she has empowered countless students by providing them with the essential tools to build professional portfolios, develop business strategies, and launch their own fashion careers or brands.

Ilyssa is a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in Florence and has taught at prestigious institutions like Columbia University's pre-college program.

Under her guidance, students gain real-world insights, preparing them for success at top fashion houses or as independent designers. Ilyssa’s focus on entrepreneurship and portfolio development ensures her students are not only talented but business-savvy, ready to make their mark in the competitive fashion landscape.

Connect with Sonia:

• ⁠Instagram⁠
• ⁠Website⁠
• ⁠Links⁠

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ilyssa Wexler

00:45 Key Lessons for Thriving in Fashion

02:57 The Role of Networking in Fashion

04:47 Values of Fashion for Futures

07:14 Founding Fashion for Futures

09:40 Daily Operations and Student Engagement

10:53 Highlights from Paris Fashion Week

13:10 Characteristics of Successful Students

15:44 Impact of Immersive Learning

17:48 Business Expertise in Fashion Education

21:43 Crafting a Standout Fashion Portfolio

23:30 Evolution of Fashion Education

26:48 Choosing the Right Summer Programs

31:37 Building Meaningful Connections

37:12 Book Recommendations for Aspiring Fashion Leaders

40:46 Advice for Leaders in the Fashion Industry

43:17 Final Thoughts on Persistence