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LIM College continued to live up to its mission of immersive, learn-by-doing education during the 2024 – 2025 academic year, welcoming an impressive roster of guest speakers from across the fashion industry. Through multiple speaker series and in-class presentations, students had the opportunity to connect with top-tier professionals, gaining firsthand insights into the dynamic world of fashion, retail, and creative leadership.

The Marcuse School of Graduate Studies kicked off its Graduate Speaker Series in September with acclaimed fashion podcaster Avery Trufelman, creator and host of “Articles of Interest.” Known for exploring the stories behind what we wear, Trufelman shared how her work with “99% Invisible” led to the spinoff podcast, which has since earned praise from The New Yorker as one of the best podcasts of the year.

In October, students had the rare chance to hear from fashion industry icon Millard “Mickey” Drexler. Currently Chairman of Alex Mill, Drexler is renowned for his visionary leadership at J.Crew, Gap Inc., and as the founder of Madewell. Dubbed “the man who dressed America,” Drexler offered students a deep dive into brand-building, growth strategy and the evolution of American fashion retail.

On Nov. 6, Jen Foyle, President and Executive Creative Director for American Eagle and Aerie, visited to speak to students in Merchandising Concepts & Practices and Fashion Marketing & Communications classes. Foyle discussed topics ranging from the influence of fashion content creators to the increasing role of AI in merchandising.

The next day, students in the master’s program engaged with Raymond Croft, Senior Art Director at Tommy Hilfiger. Croft shared his professional journey and the critical role of internships in building a creative career, recounting his early days cold-emailing companies in search of opportunities. His work, which has been featured in Vogue, WWD and Refinery29, offered a masterclass in creative branding and design.

The conversation continued on Nov. 13, as Sam Edelman, founder of his namesake brand, spoke to students in the Introduction to the Fashion Business course. Edelman encouraged students to define their dream careers and provided practical steps for achieving them.

In the spring semester, Jim Moore, Creative Director at Large for GQ, and Ivan Shaw, Corporate Photography Director for Condé Nast, led a joint masterclass. The duo — whose careers span decades at iconic publications including GQ, Vanity Fair and Vogue — shared behind-the-scenes stories and career lessons, with a focus on the power of internships.

On April 3, Tony Spring, CEO of Macy’s Inc., brought leadership insights directly to campus. With a focus on adaptability in retail, Spring left students with a powerful message about navigating change and staying customer-centric in an ever-evolving industry.

These were just a few of many thought-provoking sessions where LIM reaffirmed its commitment to industry immersion and professional preparation. As students continue their journey toward dream careers in fashion and lifestyle, the real-world insights shared by such illustrious guest speakers serve as both inspiration and a practical guide.

Interested in starting or advancing your own career in the business of fashion? Learn more about LIM College.

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