From entertainment dreams to fashion aspirations
Growing up in California, Carly Witteman was captivated by the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. She imagined herself working behind the scenes of major film productions or contributing to the storytelling magic of television. Her early ambitions were shaped by a love for performance and media, and she entered Northwestern University with a clear focus on pursuing a career in entertainment reporting.
However, as she immersed herself in the Medill School of Journalism’s rigorous curriculum, Witteman began to explore other facets of media. A course on fashion writing sparked a new curiosity, and what began as a passing interest soon evolved into a genuine passion. She found herself drawn to the way fashion intersected with culture, identity and storytelling—elements that had always fascinated her in entertainment, but now took on a new form through the lens of style and design.
Witteman started to notice the parallels between the two industries. Both were driven by creativity, visual expression and the power of narrative. But fashion offered her a more personal and dynamic outlet. She began following designers, analysing runway trends and writing about the cultural significance of clothing choices. The more she engaged with the fashion world, the more she realised it aligned with her evolving interests and values.
By her second year at Northwestern, Witteman had shifted her focus. While she still appreciated the storytelling of film and television, fashion journalism offered her a unique space to combine her writing skills with a growing appreciation for aesthetics and innovation. This pivot marked a turning point in her academic and professional journey, setting the stage for the career she would soon build after graduation.
Finding a voice in fashion journalism at Northwestern
At Northwestern, Witteman found the perfect environment to cultivate her emerging interest in fashion journalism. The Medill School’s emphasis on experiential learning gave her the opportunity to dive into real-world reporting, and she quickly sought out assignments that allowed her to explore fashion from multiple angles. Whether covering student-run fashion shows or profiling local designers in Chicago, she began to develop a distinct voice—one that blended sharp observation with a deep curiosity about the cultural forces shaping style.
She joined the staff of North by Northwestern, the university’s student-run magazine, where she pitched and wrote features that examined fashion not just as a trend cycle, but as a reflection of identity and social change. One of her early pieces explored the rise of sustainable fashion among Gen Z consumers, highlighting how young people were using clothing as a form of activism. The article gained attention on campus and affirmed her belief that fashion journalism could be both stylish and substantive.
Witteman also took advantage of Medill’s global journalism program, spending a quarter in London where she interned with a boutique fashion publication. Immersed in one of the world’s fashion capitals, she attended press previews, interviewed emerging designers, and learned the fast-paced rhythm of editorial deadlines. The experience broadened her perspective and gave her a taste of the international fashion scene, reinforcing her desire to pursue this path professionally.
Back on campus, she continued to refine her skills through coursework and mentorship. Professors encouraged her to push beyond surface-level reporting and dig into the stories behind the clothes—what they meant, who they represented, and how they connected to broader societal shifts. She began to see fashion journalism as a form of cultural commentary, and her writing reflected a growing confidence in her ability to contribute meaningfully to the conversation.
By the time she reached her final year, Witteman had built a portfolio that showcased her versatility and voice. From trend analyses to designer profiles and op-eds on fashion’s role in gender expression, her work demonstrated a keen understanding of the industry’s complexities. More importantly, it revealed a journalist who had found her niche—one where creativity, critical thinking and a love for storytelling could thrive.
Turning passion into a post-graduation career
After graduating from Northwestern in 2024, Carly Witteman wasted no time turning her passion for fashion journalism into a full-fledged career. Armed with a strong portfolio and a network of industry contacts cultivated during her time at Medill, she moved to New York City—a global hub for fashion media. Within months, she landed a position as an editorial assistant at a leading digital fashion publication, where she quickly made her mark with her sharp writing and nuanced takes on emerging trends.
Her early assignments ranged from writing quick-turnaround pieces on red carpet looks to contributing to long-form features on fashion’s response to climate change. Editors praised her ability to balance style with substance, and her knack for identifying the cultural undercurrents behind what people wear. One of her first major bylines—a profile on an up-and-coming Australian designer making waves in the sustainable fashion space—earned her recognition from both readers and industry insiders.
Witteman’s Australian connections, formed during a study abroad program and through collaborations with international students at Northwestern, proved invaluable. She began pitching stories that highlighted the unique voices and aesthetics coming out of Australia’s fashion scene, from Indigenous designers reclaiming traditional motifs to Melbourne’s underground streetwear collectives. Her work helped bring greater visibility to these creatives in the American market, and she became known for her global perspective and inclusive storytelling.
Outside of her editorial role, Witteman also embraced the freelance world, contributing to independent zines and fashion blogs that aligned with her values. She covered topics like body positivity in fashion advertising and the resurgence of vintage clothing among Gen Z consumers. Her writing resonated with younger audiences who were looking for fashion content that felt authentic and socially aware.
As her reputation grew, so did her responsibilities. Within a year, she was promoted to associate editor, overseeing a small team of writers and helping shape the publication’s editorial direction. She continued to champion underrepresented voices and pushed for more coverage of ethical fashion practices, often drawing on her academic background to provide context and depth.
Witteman’s journey from student journalist to rising industry voice has been marked by a clear sense of purpose and a willingness to evolve. Her ability to merge journalistic integrity with a genuine love for fashion has set her apart in a competitive field. And while her path may have started with dreams of Hollywood, it’s the world of fashion—dynamic, diverse and ever-changing—that has become her true stage.
From entertainment dreams to fashion ambitions
Originally drawn to the glitz of the entertainment world, Carly Witteman’s creative instincts found a new muse during her time at Northwestern University. While studying at the Medill School of Journalism, she began gravitating toward the editorial side of fashion—a shift that felt both natural and exhilarating. Her coursework, combined with hands-on experience in student publications, allowed her to explore the intersection of storytelling and style, where she discovered a deeper resonance than she had anticipated.
Witteman’s early fascination with red carpet glamour and celebrity culture evolved into a more nuanced appreciation for fashion as a form of cultural commentary. She immersed herself in trend analysis, designer profiles, and the business of fashion media, sharpening her voice as a writer and curator of style. Her time at Medill became a runway of sorts—each assignment a step closer to defining her aesthetic and professional identity.
“I realised fashion wasn’t just about what people wore—it was about how they expressed themselves, how they moved through the world,” Witteman shared in a recent interview.
By her final year, she had already contributed to several fashion-focused platforms, building a portfolio that reflected both her journalistic rigour and her eye for detail. Her shift from entertainment to fashion wasn’t a detour—it was a redirection toward a space where her voice could flourish and her vision could take shape.
Building a career in the fashion industry
After graduating in 2024, Carly Witteman wasted no time immersing herself in the fast-paced world of fashion media. She landed a coveted editorial assistant role at a New York-based digital fashion publication, where she quickly made her mark with sharp trend forecasting and a keen understanding of Gen Z style sensibilities. Her ability to translate runway moments into relatable, wearable narratives resonated with readers and editors alike.
Witteman’s work ethic and editorial instincts didn’t go unnoticed. Within months, she was promoted to junior fashion editor, contributing to seasonal lookbooks, styling shoots, and interviewing emerging designers. Her pieces often spotlighted sustainable labels and inclusive sizing—topics that aligned with her values and struck a chord with a global audience increasingly conscious of fashion’s impact.
“I’m drawn to brands that are doing more than just selling clothes—they’re telling stories, building communities, and challenging the status quo,” she explained during a panel at a recent industry event.
She’s also built a strong digital presence, using platforms like Instagram and TikTok to share behind-the-scenes content, styling tips, and fashion commentary. Her social media following has grown steadily, particularly among young women seeking authentic voices in fashion journalism. Her aesthetic—clean lines, bold colour palettes, and a mix of high-low styling—has become instantly recognisable.
- Featured in three digital fashion campaigns within her first year post-grad
- Contributed to over 40 published articles, including trend reports and designer interviews
- Named one of “10 Emerging Voices in Fashion Media” by a leading industry outlet
Though based in the US, Witteman’s influence has reached Australian shores, with local stylists and editors citing her work as a fresh perspective in global fashion discourse. Her journey reflects a new generation of fashion journalists—digitally fluent, socially aware, and unafraid to blur the lines between editorial and personal branding.