New York is one of the world’s most important meeting points for fashion, media, creativity, and culture. For five days, the city became the setting for an international academic experience for students from the Vogue College of Fashion Spain master’s programs, who traveled alongside students from the BA program at Vogue College of Fashion London to gain first-hand insight into how the global fashion industry truly operates.
The trip was designed as an immersive experience: a chance to observe, ask questions, and connect with industry professionals while accessing spaces and dynamics that define the luxury and media landscape from the inside.
A Day at Condé Nast Headquarters and Its Historic Archive
One of the defining moments of the trip was a visit to Condé Nast’s global headquarters at One World Trade Center. The day began with a tour of the Fashion Closet, one of the most iconic spaces within the company, guided by Virginia Smith, Global Fashion Director of Vogue, and Naomi Elizée, Fashion Market Director.
It was during this visit that the group unexpectedly encountered Anna Wintour, who stepped into the Fashion Closet on the very day her cover with Meryl Streep was released. A rare and memorable moment that underscored just how closely this experience was connected to the real-time rhythm of the industry.
Ph: Terrence Wilburg
Following the tour, students had the opportunity to interview key figures from Condé Nast, actively engaging in conversations about what it truly takes to deliver some of Vogue’s most high-profile moments. Among these, two interviews led by students from the Spain-based master’s programs stood out: Patricia Pastor and Fiona Gusmano spoke with Rose Carlisle, Special Events Manager at Vogue, while Isabel Mees Ransanz interviewed Sache Taylor, Special Events Director at Vogue. The discussions touched on large-scale event production, decision-making under pressure, and the cultural responsibility behind events that shape the global perception of fashion.
The visit continued with access to the Condé Nast Archive, guided by Ivan Shaw, Director of Archive Strategy and Engagement, offering a deeper understanding of the visual and editorial legacy of some of the most influential magazines in the world. The day concluded at the Sky Lobby with an informal gathering that marked one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.
Inside an Iconic Fashion House: Oscar de la Renta
The journey continued with a visit to the headquarters of Oscar de la Renta, located across from Bryant Park, where students gained insight into the work of the brand’s Communications, Marketing, and Design teams.
During the visit, the group explored the stories behind four iconic gowns from the house’s recent history: the design worn by Catherine O’Hara at the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice premiere during the Venice Film Festival; the black gown worn by Kaia Gerber at the Met Gala; the look Ariana Grande wore while promoting Wicked at CinemaCon; and the signature floral dress worn by Taylor Swift at the 2021 Grammy Awards.
The visit was led by Isabella Muir, Global Marketing and Communications Manager at Oscar de la Renta and a Vogue College of Fashion London alumna, who shared her professional journey and spoke candidly about having always dreamed of living and working in New York. Her story—of turning that ambition into reality—proved especially inspiring, offering a real-world perspective on building an international career within a legendary fashion house.
Art, Portraiture, and Fashion at The Frick Collection
That same day, the group visited The Frick Collection, where they explored the exhibition Gainsborough: The Fashion of Portraiture. The visit offered an opportunity to reflect on the historical dialogue between art, fashion, and image-making, and on how visual representation has long shaped identity and style.
Branding and Creative Vision from the Inside: Baron & Baron
The creative side of the industry came into focus with a visit to Baron & Baron, the agency founded by Fabien Baron and a global reference in luxury branding and fashion communication.
During a private talk led by Alicia Shreders, Creative Ops and Executive Team, students learned about some of the agency’s most notable projects—including Zara’s 50th anniversary campaign—and gained insight into the creative processes and working dynamics behind one of the most influential agencies in the industry.
Luxury as an Experience: Bergdorf Goodman
The experience continued at Bergdorf Goodman, one of New York’s most iconic luxury department stores. Students accessed the space before opening hours, received an introduction to its history and cultural significance, and toured the store floor by floor, concluding with an in-depth look at its legendary window displays—true exercises in visual storytelling and retail creativity.
Photography and Visual Culture at Gladstone Gallery
The trip concluded with a visit to Gladstone Gallery, where students explored an exhibition dedicated to Robert Mapplethorpe, focusing on his work in fashion, portraiture, and still life. The visit included an introductory talk by Frederik Schampers, the gallery’s director, who contextualized Mapplethorpe’s influence on contemporary visual culture.
A Distinctive Approach to Fashion Education
This New York trip reflects the philosophy behind the Vogue College of Fashion Spain master’s programs: an educational model grounded in direct industry access, exposure to working professionals, and an international outlook.
Experiences of this level are made possible thanks to Vogue College of Fashion’s role as the official school of Vogue and its close relationship with Condé Nast, opening doors to opportunities that connect students directly with the people shaping the industry today.
Because studying fashion today means being close to where it all happens. And for five days, New York was exactly that place.
Study Fashion from the Inside
Discover the master’s programs at Vogue College of Fashion Spain and access an education shaped by direct industry connections, through Vogue and Condé Nast.
