Fashion, Friendship, and NYC: Inside LIM's 2026 Summer Fashion Academy

What does a week in the life of an LIM student look like?

For high school students from across the country, LIM College's 2026 Summer Fashion Academy offered the chance to find out. This July, aspiring fashion students traveled to New York City for an immersive pre-college experience where they explored the world of fashion through hands-on classes, creative projects, industry visits, and the excitement of experiencing college life in the heart of Manhattan.

2 girls in front of 545 5th ave building

From Seattle, Washington, to St. Petersburg, Florida; Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, to Raleigh, North Carolina, students traveled to NYC with one thing in common: a passion for fashion and a desire to preview a fashion education in New York City. For one week, they stepped into the shoes of an LIM student—learning from faculty, exploring the city, collaborating with classmates, and discovering what life at LIM could look like. Learning by Doing

Fashion Academy gives students the opportunity to explore different areas of fashion through immersive workshops led by LIM faculty and industry professionals. Throughout the week, students learned about fashion merchandising, marketing, branding, styling, and design. They created hands-on projects and developed their own fashion concepts, in a creative, collaborative learning environment that mimics an LIM classroom.

"The fashion marketing class has really shown me what it would be like to study it in college," said Adeline Davis.

Helena Frazer enjoyed seeing how creativity and strategy come together through the program’s coursework. 

"In the merchandising and marketing class, I learned so much about the ins and outs of the industry. We worked on applying the concepts we learned by making our own brand pitches. It was a great experience to bridge the gap between being creative and looking at the logistics of what would appeal to a certain market. I would 100% recommend the Summer Academy for anyone who is interested in being immersed in the fashion industry!" 

For Pietra Arruda, creating her own brand helped make the experience especially memorable.

"I learned so much while creating my own brand, and Professor Logan made every class engaging and inspiring. As an upcoming high school senior, this experience made me even more excited to pursue my dream of attending LIM College."

New York City as the Classroom

One of the most exciting parts of Summer Fashion Academy is that New York City becomes an extension of the classroom. Throughout the week, students experienced the city that LIM students explore every day—visiting Tommy Hilfiger headquarters, shopping along Fifth Avenue, and seeing firsthand why New York is one of the world's fashion capitals.

During their visit to Tommy Hilfiger headquarters, students received a behind-the-scenes look at a global fashion brand and learned more about the many people and ideas that bring fashion concepts to life. Students also explored Fifth Avenue as part of their Design Studio course, gathering inspiration and materials while taking in one of the world's most iconic shopping destinations.

In Fashion Styling, students collaborated on editorial-inspired looks and participated in a professional photoshoot, giving them the opportunity to see how creative ideas come together from concept to final image.

Charlotte DeLorenzo shared how these experiences helped bring classroom lessons to life.

"Having the opportunity to be a part of Fashion Academy has been an amazing experience, expanding my knowledge of marketing, merchandising, what it takes to be a stylist, and the business of fashion. The industry outings taught me so much about how the things we’d learned are actually put into action. As someone hoping to pursue a career in fashion marketing, these courses have amplified my passion for being in fashion!"


Marianna Economou enjoyed experiencing both the classroom and the city alongside her classmates.

"I took a fashion merchandising, marketing, and branding class, a fashion design studio class, and a fashion styling class! I met incredible people from professors to friends! LIM is truly an amazing school and I’m so grateful for an experience I’ll remember for life!"

More Than a Summer Program

While the classes and industry experiences were unforgettable, many students said the friendships they built, and the welcoming LIM community were what made the week truly special. Living, learning, and exploring New York City together gave participants a glimpse of what college life at LIM is all about.

Emma Abrescia, who attended Fashion Academy for a second summer, reflected on what made the experience so meaningful. 

"The LIM pre-college program is something I will always be so grateful for. This year was my second time attending and it was just as amazing as I remembered it. Not only did we get to work with professors from the school, but we were able to go out into the city and truly get the full experience. Besides learning so many amazing things, I have also made so many amazing friendships at LIM. That’s why I will always look forward to summer in NYC with LIM College!"

Mia Pittman said the welcoming environment helped make her experience even better.

"I had such an amazing experience at LIM and am so happy I decided to come. Before I came, I was nervous about making friends, but I met so many amazing people and professors and I think it is something everyone wanting to go into fashion should experience!"

For incoming first-year student Maggie Brage, spending time at LIM during Fashion Academy helped her picture herself as part of the College community.

“I originally planned to go elsewhere, but when I came to Manhattan to tour my possible colleges, LIM truly felt like home. The community here has felt so welcoming, from the faculty and staff who welcomed us with open arms to the prospective students eager to get their foot in the door.

I’m beyond excited and eternally grateful for the opportunity to study in the city that never sleeps. While I know these next four years will come with their ups and downs, there’s nowhere else I’d rather experience it than LIM."

Alexis Kopp shared how the program helped her learn more about the industry and her own interests.

"My experience at the LIM Fashion Academy has been such an informative insight into the fashion industry and potential career options. It has truly taught me so much about the fashion industry and about the career I hope to have."

After spending the week learning, creating, and exploring New York City together, this year's Summer Fashion Academy participants left with new friendships, unforgettable memories, and a firsthand look at what it means to study fashion at LIM.

Whether students are just beginning to explore their interest in fashion or already have a vision for their future, Summer Fashion Academy offers a chance to experience what life at LIM could look like—from learning alongside faculty and creating hands-on projects to exploring the city that inspires the fashion world.

Interested in 'trying on' a fashion education in NYC? Learn more about LIM College's Summer Fashion Academy and start planning your own NYC experience.