The document details a trip to Miami Fashion Week (MIFW) by University of Wisconsin-Stout students, highlighting their experiences in hands-on fashion show production and the valuable skills they gained. Students formed lasting friendships and learned the importance of proactivity, teamwork, and networking in the fashion industry. The trip provided unique learning opportunities that complemented their classroom education.

1. University of Wisconsin – Stout National Study Tour

2. TRAVELING View from the plane Many students had never traveled alone. This trip allowed us to learn the in’s and out’s of traveling by air so that in the future, we can be more competent and confident while traveling for business.

3. ACCOMMODATIONS We stayed at the Miami Beach Resort and Spa. With four people to a room, we quickly made new friends and were able to experience the trip through different perspectives.

4. FIRST IMPRESSIONS Working with other schools to finish the projects on time for the fashion show Receiving instructions from Dr. Murray before the day started.

5. PROGRESSION Attention to detail is key Breaking down of rolling racks Rack for each model Fittings/Styling Choreography rehearsal Hair & Make-up Dressing the models Final “OK” by designer Collection is shown on the runway Changed model into their multiple looks if necessary Breaking down of the garments then took place for next designer

6. CHOREOGRAPHY

7. NOTES THE FROM THE DESIGERS FINISHED BOARDES READY TO HANG BY THE RUNWAY.

8. Before that night's show, one of the students was selected to help prep the models on their placements, poses, and expressions before they hit the runway.

9. DESIGNER/VOLUNTEER RELATIONSHIPS Working with the Designers Backstage Getting instruction from the Runway Choreographer about the Model Walks

10. CLOSING CEREMONIES Designer sample sale The Miami Moda & Music Awards Live performance by Surprise international recording star Runway collection featuring Silvia Tcherassi

11. After each day, Students would order food and talk about all of the great learning experiences they encountered. Lasting friendships were formed.

12. Some of Our Favorite Experiences Working with Deepak Perwani Stepping up Outfit order Casting models Personally asked to help with his showcase!

13. 1.5 MILLION DOLLAR DRESS! Jad Ghandour presented a dress spun with 24 karat gold with a diamond encrusted drape covering the neck, shoulders, and back.

14. What Other Students Had to Say About MIFW… Behind the scene of fashion show production is so much more than just putting a model into an outfit and having him/her strut their stuff down the catwalk. It is intense, invigorating, and at the end of the day behind the scenes is exhausting. Working fashion week showed me that it takes more than beautiful garments and gorgeous models to put on a show. MIFW inspired and challenged me to look for something more as far as my career aspirations are concerned. In order to experience the most and learn a great deal, you need to be proactive in finding things to do and asking what you can do next.

15. Talking to the right people and making yourself not only available to do any task, but willing and eager, will provide you with the greatest rewards. All of the designs were so eclectic and really broadened my horizons to new types of fashions that I had never seen or experienced before. Putting my leadership skills to use, effectively working together in a team, and better enhancing my understanding of the fashion industry, have and will continue to benefit me in the near future, as well as in my career. I left Miami Fashion Week with new friends, a great experience and great memories.

16. What Couldn’t be Learned in the Classroom So much of what we used at MIFW we had learned in the classroom. However, the experience we gained while at the events could never be equally attainable in a classroom setting. While sitting in class, you can only experience and prepare for so much. There are so many other career outlets related to this industry that class work cannot prepare you for. There was so much hands-on work experience at MIFW!

17. 5 Reasons Why We Would Recommend this to EVERY Retail Student 5. It gets you out of your comfort zone and immerses you in a completely different culture. 4. It is hard to find experiences like this once you leave college!

18. 3. We made so many new friends and made lasting memories. 2. There were so many networking opportunities!

19. 1. Working at MIFW combined learning the industry with hands-on experience. Opportunities to do both can only be obtained by attending and working hard at events such as this!

20. Thank You for your time and support!