During my time interning at the KMW Textiles showroom, I had the opportunity to see the inner workings of the fashion industry through product development in a very niche area of the industry, specifically lace. I attended meetings with fashion brands and met many knowledgeable professionals who gave me valuable insight into how the industry operates and the responsibilities that come with their roles giving me a clearer perspective on what I can expect as I continue pursuing a career in the industry.
Final Project Outcome
I created a presentation on upcoming color trends for the Fall/Winter 2027–2028 season for my company's mills in China. I researched and documented emerging colors from Première Vision and organized them into a presentation that could be used to guide the development of new collections. The goal was to provide the mills with insight into upcoming color trends so they could incorporate these colors into future fabric collections for KMW Textiles' clients.
What I did
I attended a textile trade show called Première Vision to gain insight into upcoming trends in colors, lace patterns, and textile development. The show featured booths from mills across Asia and Europe, where they presented their latest products for buyers and industry professionals to explore. There were also guest speakers who discussed topics such as upcoming seasonal colors and the impact of A.I. on textile production. While walking around the show and attending one of the guest presentations, I documented new seasonal colors and trends that I later used to create my own presentation.
What I learned
From this experience, I learned how important trend forecasting, networking, and industry research are in the fashion and textile industry. I also gained a better understanding of how textile mills present their products to buyers and how emerging trends in color, lace, technology, and production can influence future fashion collections.
What’s next for me
I plan to continue expanding on the skills I gained during this internship, especially networking, as I enter my sophomore year and build upon the foundation I started this summer. Studying abroad and gaining experience with the fashion industry internationally will give me an even greater advantage as I continue my journey. This experience will prepare me for when I return home to New York City, where I can apply the skills and knowledge I have gained while continuing to pursue what I love.
