Drexel Spotlight: Alison Novak

            During my 5 years at Drexel University I have had my share of professors, some with whom I have taken multiple classes, while others I haven’t seen once the classes ended. The Communications Department at Drexel is an insular community, so I have had a class with most of the professors at least once. However Alison Novak, part time professor/part time student, was a new name for me. I’d heard through a fellow communications student that there was a professor who had worked in the fashion industry prior to coming to Drexel. So in light of this fashion blog, I wanted to sit down and talk with her about her experiences in the fashion arena. After playing email tag for a few days, we finally agreed upon a time to meet.  She was very kind and was open to answering all of questions about her career in fashion.

Alison worked in the branding and licensing office at renowned designer Marc Jacobs from 2007 to 2009. She started as a summer intern, but was hired back for the next two years. Since high school Alison dreamed of working in the fashion industry. She attended Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where she majored in public relations, art history and fashion merchandising. It was in college when she started her internship at Marc Jacobs and got her first real taste of the fashion world, not the glamorized version that is often shown in television and movies.

“The fashion industry is much different than what people make it out to be,” Alison shared with me, “There is no consistency in your schedule. Some weeks it’s 9 to 5 while during fashion week it’s a 24-hour thing.”

            Working at Marc Jacobs Alison realized that she was more interested in the research portion of her job, like the licensing rather than the branding. So instead of continuing at Marc Jacobs or another fashion house, Alison decided to continue her education. She is now in her fourth and final year of Drexel’s Ph.D program where she is studying communication with a concentration in media, audience analysis, and generational identity.

Right: Alison Novak (Google); Left: Marc Jacobs (Pinterest)

Has being in the fashion industry changed the way you shop?

“I took a textiles class in college where part of the test was to close your eyes, feel a fabric and be able to name it. Now when I go into stores I can feel a fabric and tell what’s quality and what isn’t” Alison claims to not have a discriminatory wardrobe, she shops fast fashion for her tops, but will spend more on boots because she explained that they’re an investment.

Do you go to thrift or consignment stores?

“I shop at Plato’s Closet, [a consignment store], and buy mostly sweaters and pants. I also sell back a lot of my clothes there.”  She explained that Marist has a close relationship with the TJX Companies, which own TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Home Goods. As a result Alison sat through many buying demonstrations for TJ Maxx. “I know what items are good to buy at TJ Maxx, like handbags. They do a great job of incorporating fast fashion and designer items and their prices aren’t too high.”

Favorite items in your closet?

“I really like my formal dresses because I don’t get to wear them that often. Also my heels collection.” [She admitted to owning over 50 pairs of high heels.]

What was the best part of working in fashion?

“Dressing the models at fashion week.” Alison helped dress the models at the L.A.M.B show and afterward, singer Gwen Stefani personally thanked everyone who helped, including Alison. “Many people have the wrong stereotypes about fashion industry,” Alison revealed.

            Talking to Alison showed me a whole new side of the fashion industry that I have never known before. While there are perks, like any job there are also hard parts as well. I know I, and probably many others, look at the industry through rose-colored glasses. We expect a mix of “Sex and the City” and “The Devil Wears Prada” and often that is just not the case.

             Good luck with all your work Alison, and thank you for sitting down with Off the Rack! Enjoy this inside perspective on the fashion world.