Fashion heavyweights pose at Milk Studios in New York City. Photo: Jeff Gentner, Getty Images
Emceed by Estée Lauder's Group President John Demsey and moderated by Suzy Menkes of the International Herald Tribune, the event was an intimate and candid conversation that included topics like the design process, the power of technology, and high-priced clothing.
While the effects of the economic crisis are ever present, panelists offered inspiring messages to students on the importance of having passion and understanding that designers are brands themselves.
"In my eyes, it isn't just always about being creative - getting involved in all aspects of the business I see as being just as important as designing the collection," said Alexander Wang. "The thing that most excite me is seeing someone I have no idea who they are or where they come from, but they're holding my handbag or have on my top...there's that certain kind of unspoken connection you feel that you've done your job - creating something that actually has legs and is walking into the real world."