Luciano DiGiorgio was drawn to LIM because of the school’s commitment to putting students first. Growing over the course of holding many leadership positions at the College, as well as completing numerous internships, Luciano now works as a Merchant at Lands’ End, in addition to developing his own brand.
Major: Fashion Merchandising
Hometown: Secaucus, NJ
What made you select LIM for your college education?
While in high school, I realized I wanted to pursue fashion as a career. Then, LIM recruiters came to the college fair at my school. After hearing what the school had to offer, it sounded amazing! The choice was solidified when I talked to a family friend, who was an alum of the school. She told my parents and I how the college always puts the students first, which was very important for me. It was one of the best decisions I made!
What was your experience as a student like?
Going into my time at LIM, I knew was I wanted to be around sneakers and athleticwear—that's what really got me excited. But it was also helpful that the Fashion Merchandising major allowed me to explore different outlets in fashion. Classes were always fun, and the professors gave me opportunities to see cool places and experience new things. I went to many art openings, companies’ headquarters, and the list goes on!
As a commuter student, I stayed involved by joining clubs and working jobs at the College. For example, I was part of the Philanthropy Club, a First Year Experience (FYE) mentor, a Career Peer—helping students review and improve their resumes and prepare for interviews—and an Orientation Leader.
Where did you intern as an LIM student?
I interned at Kenneth Cole, Liberty Fairs, Foot Locker Corporate Offices, and Billionaire Boys Club. I thought of my college experience as a time for me to try different roles and positions, as well as a way to apply my classroom learning to the real world. I can say wholeheartedly I was professionally prepared when I graduated!
What other special projects or experiences helped define your time at LIM?
A few achievements that I am really proud of were my scholarships I won and the industry projects I completed. I am a FSF Scholar (Class of 2020); my case study project for the scholarship focused on a brand partnership between Patagonia and Lowe’s. I earned a "Cotton Speaks" scholarship from Cotton Inc. My classmates and I also received second place in a sustainability contest with Educators for Socially Responsible Apparel Practices (ESRAP).
Please tell us about what you're doing professionally.
I’m a Merchant for Land’s End’s Kid’s and Men’s Outwear Divisions. In my day-to-day, I help develop the line by running selling reports and conducting trend research. The LIM College Career Fair actually put me in contact with a Land’s End recruiter, which ultimately led to me getting this position!
In addition to my job, I own a brand called Apple Pie, which is a multifaced studio focused on developing capsule projects and providing consulting work.
Any advice you’d like to share with current students?
Have fun and be experimental! You don’t know if you really like a given job or field unless you try it; this is your time to test the waters. Also, work with people and brands that you value, and they'll value you back! If you’re passionate about the product or brand, it will never feel like “work,” no matter the task. And definitely stay connected with your peers and professors. Those relationships go a long way.