"Work it, Girl!" 

For Kell Cholko, that's the way she made it in the fashion industry

Kelly Cholko, Central Catholic Class of 2010, has always had an imaginative mindset. Her mother is an artist, she enjoyed acting, and she excelled in creativity both in writing, art, and design (she designed a few of her MORP dresses!) She says now that fashion is really a combination of all those ideas, so it was natural for her to choose FIT (Fashion Instititute of Technology) in New York City as her college. 

She knew she was taking a risk (FIT has the same acceptance rate as Harvard), but for her there was no other place that could satiate her creative aspirations. At FIT there are 2 different sections, design or business. For one to apply to the design section, he or she must submit a 3 piece collection as well as a 10 piece sketch collection. These are reviewed by a board. 

The other section of FIT focuses on the business side of the fashion industry, and that was Kell's area of interest, knowing she could incorporate her skills and also be a part of the "behind the scenes" segment of this world. She wrote 2 essays for her application (she only needed one) and was accepted.

Her degree: a BA in Advertising Marketing Communication. This , of course, is as applied to fashion.

What was it like to live in New York and attend school? First off, Kell thought it was important for those who are thinking of attending FIT to know that there is no college campus or typical college experience. It really is a one -block campus, and there is no team to cheer on!

And what did she do for those 4 years?

"I wanted to work."

And work she did. During her time as a student, Kell experienced 6 different internships, which even she realizes now, is an exceptional amount. The industry can be very cut-throat, so besides wanting to see many aspects of the fashion world, she knew it was important to get ahead. Her strategy was to see the various departments in the fashion industry.

I'll list her internships, just to give an example of the variety of opportunities.

1.  She worked wholesale for designer Zoe Twitt. Working wholesale means enticing stores and boutiques to buy the designer's merchandise.

2. She was an editorial assistant for Surface magazine, which is an architecture, art, design and travel magazine. Her greatest achievement there was seeing her name in print for a project she had worked on.

3. She was assistant to a stylist, Gregory Wein. There she helped with wardrobes for red carpets, album covers, and MTV shoots, creating a "look." The clothing, accessories, and props are obtained by calling and getting them on loan from the designers, and when they are returned they have to be inspected to assure their condition is acceptable. Every piece must get proper accreditation in whatever print media it appears.

4. Kell worked in public relations with Zac Posen of "Project Runway" fame. She did celebrity dressings and worked with magazines. She was with Zac as he was finalizing his contracts with "Project Runway" and David's Bridal. (Side note--Kell says Zac is not only a dedicated, hard-working
designer, but also a very nice man.)

5. As a sample intern for Marchesa  Bridal, Kell was responsible for sample management with spreadsheets, but also built up her muscles carrying 10 pound dresses around!

6. She was an intern for Bottega Veneta, a super luxurious Lifestyle brand. Kell helped with visual merchandising, making sure it matched the designer's specs on how to display both on the sales floor and the windows. While this is often pre-decided, she did have some opportunities for her personal flair.

THESE WERE INTERNSHIPS... While the industry now regulates the internship programs more stringently, assuring some pay for these positions, Kell's experience came before these regula
tions.)


 Kell worked HARD before she began to work!
 And it payed off.
Her first paying job while she was still in college was for Addias
 doing visual merchandising.

Her first job AFTER college was with Alice and Olivia as a public relations assistant. Here she "ran the closet." In talking with Kell, I have learned the importance of these closets! (And how I would like to see some.) All the clothing and accessories must not only be properly inventoried, but also maintained. She did reporting and credit checks, making sure that her designers get proper credit when they appear in print.

Kell currently works for Etienne Aigner as a Public Relations Marketing and Social Media Manager.

In the 80's Aigner was an extremely popular brand. After the designer passed away, the company changed, but it is not gone, and it is Kell's job to let everyone know that!

 She works with anything press-related. She must maintain a relationship with stylists, getting Aigner products in magazines (Aigner is currently seen in Glamour, In Style, and People Style Watch)
and on celebrities. She must be "in the know.'" It's important to be in the loop of which celebrity is a member of PETA (ethical treatment of animals) so she won't wear fur. What length dress will she wear? Is the celebrity under contract with another designer? Does the celebrity like CATS? (Taylor Swift comes to mind, so show her anything with a cat name or print!)

Yes, that's Taylor Swift with an Etienne Aigner bag--way to go, Kell!

Kell regularly talks with editors and fashion bloggers. She might pitch a "story,"  like suggesting Aigner's floral embroidery pieces for festival season. Fashion surrounding music festivals has become a huge thing in the industry lately.

Kells' rewards from this job? Seeing the product she worked with on celebrities and in print. The perks. FREE CLOTHES!!! She has also met famous people and gets to attend events and parties---she in living in NYC, after all!

Some advice which I think is important: this industry can be brutal since it's about appearance and what "looks good." Everyone is constantly critiqued (think "Project Runway" and "America's Next Top Model") --even behind the scenes people. Kell says you have to have a good support system (friends and family) and to do  what is best for what YOU want--not others. On the job, know that for every 10 ideas that you present only one may stick. (Better wear leather a lot to maintain that thick skin!)

The world of fashion and the way it's presented has changed even since Kell started. Instagram is IT .
Staying relevant has become both easier and at the same time more challenging because of easier competition.

So when the models are posing and the photographers are yelling, "Work it!" we now know that there were a whole lot more peopele who "worked it " before those clothes came on the scene. Kell Cholko
has proven that her hard work...6 internships...come ON!... can lead to a fulfilling job where the work is constant, but rewarding and FUN!

Thank you to Kell for my fun visit to 320 Fifth Ave where I got to see where it all happens:)