Exclusive access to fashion events

As a fashion merchandising major, Santis was granted rare access to some of the most prestigious fashion events in the industry. From the front rows of runway shows in Sydney and Melbourne to exclusive previews of seasonal collections, these experiences offered an insider’s view into the fast-paced world of fashion. Attending these events not only allowed Santis to observe emerging trends firsthand but also provided a deeper understanding of how designers, stylists, and production teams bring a collection to life.

One standout experience included an invitation to Australian Fashion Week, where Santis had the opportunity to witness the debut of cutting-edge designs from both established and up-and-coming local designers. The immersive environment of these events, complete with backstage access and press previews, gave Santis a comprehensive look at the coordination and creativity involved in staging a successful show.

These exclusive opportunities also served as a live classroom, where Santis could apply theoretical knowledge from university studies to real-world scenarios. Observing the logistics of event planning, the strategic placement of brand messaging, and the interaction between media and designers enriched Santis’s understanding of the fashion industry’s inner workings.

Networking with industry leaders

Beyond the glitz of the runway, Santis’s journey into the fashion world was marked by meaningful interactions with some of the industry’s most influential figures. Through university-sponsored networking events and internships, Santis was introduced to a diverse range of professionals — from creative directors and buyers to marketing executives and trend forecasters. These encounters provided invaluable insights into the multifaceted nature of the fashion business and helped shape a clearer vision of potential career paths.

One particularly impactful moment came during a panel discussion hosted by a leading Australian fashion retailer, where Santis engaged in a one-on-one conversation with the company’s head of merchandising. The exchange offered practical advice on navigating the competitive landscape of fashion retail and highlighted the importance of adaptability and innovation in a rapidly evolving market.

Networking also extended beyond formal events. While assisting backstage at a Melbourne fashion showcase, Santis struck up a conversation with a senior stylist who later became a mentor. This relationship opened doors to freelance styling opportunities and provided ongoing guidance on portfolio development and client management. These organic connections proved just as valuable as structured networking sessions, reinforcing the importance of being proactive and approachable in professional settings.

Through these experiences, Santis learned how to present ideas confidently, ask thoughtful questions, and build rapport with professionals across various sectors of the industry. The ability to connect with leaders not only expanded Santis’s professional network but also instilled a deeper appreciation for the collaborative spirit that drives the fashion community in Australia and beyond.

Collaborating with top fashion brands

Working alongside top fashion brands offered Santis a unique opportunity to translate classroom theory into tangible, real-world experience. Through a competitive internship program facilitated by the university, Santis joined the merchandising team at a leading Australian fashion label known for its sustainable practices and contemporary designs. This hands-on role involved assisting with product planning, analysing sales data, and contributing to seasonal trend reports — all while gaining insight into the brand’s strategic direction and consumer engagement tactics.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the collaboration was participating in the development of a capsule collection aimed at Gen Z consumers. Santis was invited to contribute ideas during the early concept phase, drawing on market research and trend forecasting skills honed during coursework. The team valued Santis’s fresh perspective, and several of the proposed concepts were incorporated into the final designs. Seeing these ideas come to life in-store and online was a powerful affirmation of the impact students can have when given the chance to contribute meaningfully.

In addition to design and merchandising tasks, Santis also worked closely with the brand’s marketing department to help coordinate a social media campaign for the collection’s launch. This involved collaborating with influencers, drafting content calendars, and monitoring engagement metrics. The experience highlighted the importance of cross-functional teamwork and the growing role of digital platforms in shaping brand identity and consumer loyalty.

Beyond the internship, Santis was invited to participate in a collaborative project with another iconic Australian fashion house, where students were challenged to reimagine the brand’s visual merchandising strategy for its flagship store in Brisbane. Working in a small team, Santis helped develop a concept that blended traditional retail aesthetics with interactive digital elements. The proposal was well received by the brand’s creative director and led to a short-term consultancy role, further cementing Santis’s reputation as a rising talent in the industry.

These collaborations not only enhanced Santis’s technical skills but also fostered a deeper understanding of brand positioning, consumer psychology, and the importance of innovation in a competitive retail landscape. By working directly with established labels, Santis gained a clearer sense of how fashion brands operate from the inside out — knowledge that will undoubtedly shape future career decisions and aspirations.

Exclusive industry experiences

From the front row of New York Fashion Week to behind-the-scenes access at exclusive designer previews, Santis immersed herself in the pulse of the global fashion scene. Her role as a fashion merchandising major opened doors to elite industry events typically reserved for seasoned professionals. These experiences weren’t just glamorous—they were formative, offering her a firsthand look at the fast-paced rhythm of international fashion capitals.

At Paris Fashion Week, Santis observed the intricate choreography of runway production, from model fittings to last-minute styling decisions. She noted how emerging designers balanced innovation with commercial viability—an insight crucial for anyone navigating the business side of fashion. In Milan, she attended trend forecasting panels where industry leaders dissected upcoming seasonal palettes, fabric innovations and consumer behaviour shifts.

“Being in those rooms, surrounded by editors, buyers and creative directors, gave me a deeper understanding of how fashion is shaped before it hits the retail floor,”

she shared. These experiences also sharpened her eye for detail and elevated her understanding of how storytelling, branding and visual merchandising intersect on a global scale.

For Australian fashion students and professionals, Santis’ journey underscores the value of international exposure. It’s not just about attending shows—it’s about absorbing the culture, the craftsmanship and the commerce that drive the industry forward.

Building brand connections

Leveraging her access to high-profile events, Santis strategically cultivated relationships with key players across the fashion ecosystem—from luxury houses to emerging labels. Her ability to engage authentically with brand representatives and creative directors positioned her as more than just a student observer; she became a trusted voice with a keen eye for market trends and consumer engagement.

During her time in London, Santis connected with the PR team at a leading British heritage brand, where she contributed insights on Gen Z buying behaviours and digital storytelling. Her input helped shape a capsule campaign aimed at younger audiences, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. This hands-on collaboration not only enriched her portfolio but also demonstrated her commercial acumen in a real-world setting.

Back in New York, she was invited to a closed-door strategy session with a global streetwear label. There, she discussed the rise of conscious consumerism and the importance of sustainability in brand narratives—topics that resonate strongly with Australian fashion consumers. Her perspective, grounded in both academic research and lived experience, sparked conversations around ethical sourcing and transparent supply chains.

“It’s about more than just clothes—it’s about values, identity and how brands communicate that to their audience,”

she explained. Her ability to articulate these ideas made her a valuable collaborator, particularly for brands looking to expand into the Asia-Pacific market.

• She secured a mentorship with a senior merchandiser at a Parisian fashion house, gaining insights into global retail strategies.
• She co-developed a visual merchandising concept for an Australian label’s flagship store relaunch, blending European minimalism with local design sensibilities.
• She contributed to a digital campaign for a sustainable denim brand, aligning messaging with eco-conscious Australian consumers.

These brand connections weren’t just networking wins—they were stepping stones that allowed Santis to bridge the gap between global fashion narratives and the unique tastes of the Australian market. Her journey illustrates how meaningful engagement with brands can shape not only a career, but also the future direction of fashion retail and storytelling.