As part of LIM’s longstanding practice of connecting students with fashion’s preeminent business leaders, industry icon Sam Edelman came to campus on November 13 to speak to students in a section of the College’s undergraduate Introduction to the Fashion Business course. Some master’s degree students were also in attendance for Edelman’s visit.
Edelman discussed how to get started in the fashion industry and talked about the importance of charting a career path going forward. He asked students to identify their dream jobs and then discussed steps they can take to make them a reality.
With a career spanning five decades, Edelman has made an indelible impact on some of the most renowned contemporary footwear brands, including launching the footwear division for Ralph Lauren and Esprit, holding an executive role at Candie's, and co-founding Kenneth Cole. Now, Edelman’s eponymous fashion lifestyle brands, including Sam & Libby, Sam Edelman, and Circus NY by Sam Edelman, are known throughout the world.
Over the years, Sam and his wife and business partner Libby Edelman have been celebrated with some of the fashion industry's highest accolades, including a place in the Accessories Council Hall of Fame. In 2024, Sam was LIM’s Commencement speaker and received the College’s Distinguished Achievement Award and an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degree.
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