Today I had the opportunity to sit in the audience taking in some wise words from Carson Kressley- well-know fashion expert, who was the motivational host of the TV show, How To Look Good Naked and he was also on Dancing with the Stars for season 13. Now, he’s on the board of trustees at Philadelphia University! For a fashion school, it’s such an amazing opportunity to be able to have a fashion expert join Philadelphia University to give us the motivation and inspiration to succeed in the fashion industry. Two students interviewed Carson Kressley during the Q&A today. Fashion design student Emily Ray and fashion merchandising student Sylvia Chun, who is also the Editor-in-chief for StyleLine, which I am also a part of.
Carson Kressley was very fun and entertaining to watch. He has a great sense of style and an even better sense of humor! He told us about his experience being in the fashion industry and gave us some really good advice. Carson Kressley started off being an assistant for Ralph Lauren’s brother and he worked his way up in the fashion industry. “I was always interested in design, like every young boy, I wanted to shop for my sister’s prom dress,” Kressley joked. He always say “yes,” he takes risks and he always take every opportunity that is given to him. Kressley is inspired by beauty and the television shows in the 70s like The Brady Brunch.”I saw the power that fashion had to transform” and that “it’s amazing how you can go from one persona to another through changing your clothes,” says Kressley. In order to succeed in the fashion industry, Kressley stated that you have to be passionate about what you do and you need to know how to collaborate. “In the design business it’s about what’s new, whats now and whats next,” says Kressley.
Carson Kressley loves coming back to Philadelphia University for “chicken finger thursdays,” he joked. “Philadelphia University always embrace me,” says Kressley. “It’s like coming back to my hometown,” and “What really impress me at Philadelphia University is innovation.” and “being in those classroom setting is so invigorating,” says Kressley.
It was such a great opportunity for me and every other student to be able to be there at the event today. Carson Kressley is truly a huge inspiration for me now and I can’t wait to see him again at the Style Summit on March 27th! Mark your calendar everyone!