Glitz and Recognition at the Fashion Media Awards

The evening of the awards, I and my fellow Fashion Media peers got ready together at Maxwell Hall and then shared an Uber to the Park Hyatt. Since LIM co-sponsored the event, we received exclusive access to the VIP cocktail hour. Celebrities, designers and influencers mingled about as camera flashes lit up the lavish room. The award ceremony’s host, Darren Criss, personally introduced himself and snapped a photo with us. High profile designers were too swarmed to approach, but some of us got to meet model Ashely Graham and We Wore What blogger Danielle Bernstein.

Seated for the ceremony, we heard speeches from Gigi Hadid, Nicki Minaj, Tommy Hilfiger, Ashley Graham and Paris Jackson. Even though the event honored specific individuals, everyone had inspirational messages. Yes, the main subject was fashion, but politics, education and female empowerment all impact fashion media. As a college student involved in media and the fashion industry, hearing encouraging words from the professionals themselves was incredibly fulfilling.

Towards the end of the ceremony, Darren Criss asked all the LIM students to stand. We were recognized as “the future of fashion media.” As the audience applauded, a wave of support washed over me. Pursuing an education and career in the fashion industry is often not accepted as mainstream, nor is it easy. However, in that moment, people's expressions said it all: “You are allowed to have this dream, so chase it.”

Attending college in New York City is also not your “typical” college experience. Not only am I immersed in a cultural melting pot, but the fashion industry is right at my fingertips. The proximity to opportunities, whether for internships or events like this, is why I chose to further my education at LIM. The FMAs was an enlightening experience and one of the most sophisticated events I’ve gotten to attend.

Read more on the winners of the night here.