Hometown: Kennesaw, Georgia 
Major: Fashion Merchandising

What made you choose LIM, and what was it like first coming here?
Picking out a school that fit me was a challenge. I knew I didn’t want to stay in the South for college, and a cousin had informed me about LIM. I looked up the school, and what stuck out to me was its Career and Internship Services office. It's so important in the fashion industry to "get in the game" as early as possible, and I could tell that LIM had both the connections and the staff to aid students in accomplishing their dreams.

I came to New York for Accepted Students Day, where I got to attend the launch event for the Spring/Summer issue of The Lexington Line as well as LIM’s first in-person fashion show since COVID. It was amazing to see this show and watch LIM students be so creative and hands-on in the whole production process. Plus while I was there, I was treated like I was already attending the college. All the current students were so friendly, and a ton of staff and faculty introduced themselves to me. At my other college tours, I had felt like one student in a million, but LIM made me feel really special. All this confirmed for me that this was the school for me.

What sort of experiences have you had since starting at LIM?
In just my first week, I learned I’d have the opportunity to attend the Fendi show at New York Fashion week, as well as being a NYFW volunteer. At the Fendi show, I and a couple of my peers got to dressed to the nines and watch super models like Bella Hadid and Jordan Daniels walk the show in amazing Fendi designs.

The following week, I worked in the Indonesia Now NYFW show and was the dresser for two models that walked the show. I’ll be telling the story of both these experiences for the rest of my life.

Soon after that—again, still my first semester!—I was asked to be part of the modeling call for the next edition of The Lexington Line model call. I was chosen to be in the shoot, and a group of LIM students worked together to do my makeup, hair, and come up with a concept for my scene. I got to be part of a group of LIM students that made a really amazing magazine.

Claire Tallman Lexington Line

What are your classes like and what are you learning?
My classes are the perfect balance of creative thinking and real-world learning. I get to learn skills I’ll be able to use directly out of college and for the rest of my life.

One class that I found so helpful was Internship Prep. My professor aided me in perfecting both my resume and cover letter, which I used to acquire my first retail job.

My Introduction to Fashion Business Course went on a bunch of field trips, and we learned what it is like to run a real fashion business. We took a personalized tour at the flagship location of Nordstrom Rack, went to SOORTY to understand sustainable denim making, got introduced to Kate Spade’s visual merchandising team. (We were even asked our opinion on the new logo.) The list goes on. 

What is your career goal, and how is LIM helping you work toward that?
I ultimately want to be able to work in a sustainable sector of the fashion industry. LIM has aided me so much in this process, from setting up career fair appointments to other career appointments to help me find internships around the city. It is only my second semester and I am already in contact with future employers. 

What is it like going to school in New York City?
Moving to NYC was a huge deal for me. I was super nervous to come to such a large city and was worried I’d feel alone. After moving into the FOUND Study – Midtown East residence hall, I found that the RCA’s set up community events to push you to meet and develop relationships with fellow LIM students. Attending these, I found a great group of people.

My friends and I love the city and are so grateful to be living here. There’s nothing like waking up and being able to walk 500 feet to cute coffee shop with your friends, then going shopping at all the unique spots the city has to offer.

What advice do you have for other students considering coming to LIM?
Take every opportunity that LIM offers! Every week when I open my email, there’s a new event LIM is holding, whether it’s a chance to meet Victoria’s Secret Recruiters or a fun drag show at Maxwell Hall. No matter what it is, events like this are full of networking chances. 

Anything else you'd like to add?
Being at a small, well-connected school has made me feel like I really matter both to the school and in this huge city. I am so glad that I ended up here.