“Meeting Cora Rose was like finding a mirror of myself,” says Gracie. “We clicked instantly and shared the exact same drive and vision.”

Cora Rose and Gracie enrolled in the Fashion Business course at Vogue Summer School to explore how creative and analytical thinking synthesize to create some of the leading brands in the world. Along with their classmates, they explored the industry firsthand—gaining insight into top fashion brands and building an invaluable skill set through hands-on projects.

Each Vogue Summer School student brings unique experiences and perspectives to the program, contributing to a global fashion community rooted in shared passion. Cora Rose joined the program as founder of the Fashion Business and Media Club, an organization she and a classmate created at her high school.

Cora Rose, Vogue Summer School student (left)

“I felt inspired to create this club because at my school, and many others, fashion was often disregarded as a real career,” explains Cora Rose. “I wanted to flip that narrative and cultivate a meaningful community of peers which shared a similar passion.”

After meeting Gracie at Vogue Summer School, the two were inspired to open a new chapter of the Club, and it’s only grown since. “Since opening a chapter at Gracie’s high school, the Fashion Business and Media Club has expanded nationally to five chapters at schools around the country,” says Cora Rose.

“Managing this expansion is a total labor of love, and we’re so proud to prove that fashion is a vibrant, serious career path,” says Gracie.

The Club’s mission is to establish fashion communities in cities across the U.S. that might not typically have them. Club members develop their professional skills through industry exercises and projects including mood boarding workshops, photoshoots, creative briefs and crash courses. The Club’s newest addition to its roster of projects is developing its own magazine.

Gracie, Vogue Summer School student (left)

In addition to skill building, the Club also hosts events like clothing swaps and runway watch parties with the intention of creating a space where students can form relationships with peers who have similar interests.

“Creativity is what unifies us, and I love that our club creates a space for that connection to happen,” says Gracie. “We are so energized watching this community grow and seeing just how far we can take this vision together.”

A Future in Fashion

When asked about their favorite day of the program, Cora Rose and Gracie think back to touring the Condé Nast headquarters and presenting their final project to a panel of industry professionals.

“My favorite day of the program was when we went to the Condé Nast Headquarters at One World Trade Center,” says Cora Rose. “We got to take a tour of multiple floors in the building and see everyone at work. We had coffee in the cafe and even saw Anna Wintour in a meeting! It was exciting to observe the inner workings of Vogue and Condé Nast.”

Gracie explains why the final presentation stands out in her memory of the program: “I have always thrived in collaborative environments and love the process of presenting innovative ideas to a forward-thinking audience,” she says.

“Successfully pitching our team’s project was incredibly rewarding. It wasn’t just about the work, but about proving to myself that I can lead and contribute meaningfully to the growing fashion landscape. I walked away from that day feeling proud and capable.”

Cora Rose and Gracie left the program not only with a new business initiative, but with a new understanding of their strengths and the many options for career paths that lay ahead.

“Vogue Summer School has shown me that I can combine my creative passions and analytical skills into a future that I am really excited about,” says Cora Rose.

“My dream is to work as a fashion marketer and strategist, hopefully at Vogue! This program has allowed me to finally consider fashion as a serious profession and understand the various aspects of this powerful industry.”

Gracie also speaks to her excitement at pursuing a career at the intersection of business and creative expression. “My time at Vogue Summer School was a turning point,” says Gracie.

“After experiencing the industry firsthand, I no longer see a fashion career as just a dream, but as a tangible goal. I’ve gained the confidence to move toward a future that truly excites me.

“The program introduced me to so many individuals who transformed their passion into world-class success, and I hope to one day follow in their footsteps.”

The future looks bright for Cora Rose and Gracie —from building and expanding their successful Fashion Business and Media Club to pursuing their individual goals, both students are demonstrating how empowering fashion can be.

“I’m walking away with a best friend and a growing business, and we’re just getting started. Cora Rose and I have many plans in the works and we are so excited to learn and grow together.”