March 11, 2025
Senior textile and apparel management student Emma Volk was recently selected to represent Mizzou at U of New York Fashion Week.
Through the program, students attend several exclusive, behind-the-scenes events during New York Fashion Week.
Reflect on the experience with Volk as she highlights some of her favorite moments.
A backstage pass
One highlight of the trip was attending a runway show featuring notable designers, Volk said.
“It was such a surreal experience getting to watch the show and know that everything you were seeing was handcrafted,” she said. “The energy at the show was amazing.”
Learning from industry professionals
A key component of the program is networking and meeting with leaders in the fashion industry. Representatives from William Morris Endeavor (WME) Fashion hosted a Q&A, and Volk attended workshops at Aviator Nation and Klein Designs. Meeting these experts helped broaden her horizons and learn more about her future profession.
“They gave us valuable insight on how to get started in the industry,” Volk said. “It was eye opening because a lot of the people we spoke to were very relatable. They came from all parts of the U.S. with different degrees. Experiences like this open your mind to all kinds of possibilities and the many places your career can take you.”
Building a network and sharing the same passion
Volk left New York with more than just the experience of a lifetime, she gained a network in the fashion community. From designers to talent agents and more, Volk met professionals from every corner of the industry.
In addition, she enjoyed meeting students from across the country.
“My favorite part about meeting everyone is that we all shared one common interest and passion,” Volk said. “Being in a room with so many people who all feel so passionately about the same thing was amazing. It brought together all kinds of different perspectives. I met so many amazing people.”
A new outlook
Getting outside her comfort zone and experiencing a new city gave Volk a new view of her chosen profession. She used the once-in-a-lifetime experience to seize opportunities and learn about herself.
“During the program, I learned to say ‘yes’ more,” Volk said. “You definitely want to put yourself out there. You’ll meet so many talented people and you never know where a relationship can take you.”
Anticipating the future
The U of New York Fashion Week program is highly selective. Volk represented Mizzou as one of only 30 students from 17 universities. Being chosen for such an exclusive experience helped Volk gain confidence in herself and her future.
“It showed me that my professors and my peers see a potential in me that I hadn’t seen in myself,” Volk said. “It made me surer of myself and that I’m doing the right thing and taking the right steps to be where I want to be in the future.”
She also gained confidence in her ability to try new things — such as a potential move to New York after graduation to pursue fashion design
“It was scary at first, thinking about moving to New York without a network there,” Volk said. “After this experience, I’m feeling more confident about it. I feel more excited about the future than I ever have before.”
