What You Missed at the 2025 Business of Fashion Symposium
By: Finley Triano
Interested in entrepreneurship or a career in the fashion and beauty industry? Villanova's Business of Fashion Symposium, hosted by the Business of Fashion Society, was the perfect event to attend.
After a short break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this annual event has finally returned. If you missed it, don't worry—I’ve got you covered with everything you need to know."
This year's theme, Fashion Frontiers: Pioneering the Business of Fashion, gave students the opportunity to establish themselves in the fashion industry by networking with notable industry leaders. Professionals in attendance included Breanne Bautel, Eleni McCready, Nina Farren, Beth Buccini, Juliette Caspi, Marguerite Adzick, Paula Belatti, Tierney Schiff, Danuta Mieloch, Isabelle Scarchilli, and Danielle Smith.
Approximately five tables were set up, each with a mix of students and professionals. During multiple rounds, a question was posed, and the professionals had about 10 minutes to respond and engage with the students. After each round, the professionals rotated to a new table, ensuring every student had the opportunity to meet each expert. Once the discussion rounds concluded, students had the chance to network one-on-one with the professionals while enjoying an assortment of snacks and beverages provided for the event.
I found this to be an incredibly effective way for every student to engage with each professional. The speakers were all very welcoming and eager to share honest insights about their careers.
During the event, Eleni McCready, the Senior Director of Brand Marketing & Community at Lilly Pulitzer, announced her resignation and her transition to a new consulting company in partnership with a former mentor. McCready will serve as a partner and Chief Marketing Officer for PWRHouse Collective, which officially launches on April 2.
“It’s in our blood,” McCready said. “Since Lilly Pulitzer herself led with her heart when starting her brand, most people who leave Lilly go on to start their own business.”
For those who don’t know, Lilly Pulitzer originally started by selling juice at a juice stand. Known for her charismatic personality and love of bright, unique colors and patterns, she quickly caught the attention of customers who frequently complimented her style. In response, she began selling her printed dresses alongside the juice. The dresses sold out immediately, and with growing customer demand, she officially launched the Lilly Pulitzer brand in 1959. McCready also shared that, despite never taking a marketing course in college, she still secured the role of Senior Director of Brand Marketing & Community at Lilly Pulitzer.
As a Communication major with a Business minor, I learned that you don’t need to strictly study business to be successful. Where you end up professionally depends on your motivation and dedication to the field. The fashion and beauty industries are clearly competitive, driven by the many passionate individuals striving to succeed. This is why having conversations with industry professionals is crucial—it helps you determine if a career in fashion and beauty is the right path for you.
Since fashion is considered a niche industry, not many schools offer specific majors dedicated to this field. Organizations like BoF provide students with opportunities to explore these fields further, taking what they’ve learned in academic classes to the next level—or sometimes, even applying knowledge outside of what was taught in college!
Paula Belatti, the Co-Founder and COO of Clove, graduated from Villanova in 2014 with a degree in Finance, yet she found herself hardly using her major for what she does today.
“I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur and work in fashion, but I didn’t know how to start,” Belatti mentions. For context, Clove is a shoe brand that offers stylish, comfortable, and easy-to-clean sneakers designed specifically for people working in the healthcare industry.
Most companies faced significant financial losses during the lockdown, as many people had unstable incomes. However, Clove experienced the opposite effect. Belatti mentions, 'We brought a lot of peace of mind to healthcare workers since our shoes were easy to wipe down with a bleach wipe after long shifts.
I found it fascinating that, despite all being part of the fashion and beauty industry, so many companies have such unique stories. Attending Villanova's 2025 Fashion Symposium not only allowed me to network with knowledgeable fashion leaders, but also gave me a deeper perspective on the fashion industry.