The Vault UW Madison

Over 40 members of The Vault traveled to Chicago on Friday for a day dedicated to exploring the overlap of fashion, history, and business. Our first stop was Neiman Marcus Group on Michigan Avenue, where we received an exclusive tour led by Brand Experience Manager Tina Koegel and Store Director Jeanette Aubry. Through their stories, we gained a deeper understanding of the inner workings of luxury retail, from operational strategies and the importance of client and brand relationships to behind-the-scenes preparations for the bustling holiday season. Tina and Jeanette also shared thoughtful advice for aspiring fashion professionals, leaving us inspired by their career journeys and expertise. In the afternoon, we visited the Chicago History Museum to experience the Dressed in History: A Costume Collection Retrospective exhibition, showcasing 70 rarely seen pieces that reflect cultural and social values over time. The exhibit celebrates 100 years of the museum's exceptional collection. Members also explored other exhibits before enjoying free time and shopping in the streets of Chicago.

The Vault traveled to Chicago on Friday for a day spent exploring the intersection of fashion, history, and business. Our first stop was Neiman Marcus Group on Michigan Avenue, where we were given an exclusive tour by Brand Experience Manager Tina Koegel and Store Director Jeanette Aubry. They provided valuable insights into managing a luxury retail store, including operations, the brand's history, and the importance of building strong relationships with both clients and brands. We then visited the Chicago History Museum to experience the Dressed in History: A Costume Collection Retrospective exhibition. Featuring 70 rarely seen pieces, the exhibition highlighted how clothing reflects cultural and social values over time, celebrating 100 years of the museum's exceptional collection. It was an honor to organize these experiences for over 40 Vault members, and I couldn’t have asked for a more engaging and inspiring day!

This past week, we wrapped up our semester with an inspiring event featuring alumna Nicole Rodríguez Woods, former Global Head of Copyright and Brand Heritage at RIMOWA. From studying Art History at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to crafting the brand story for one of the most iconic luxury luggage companies, Nicole's career journey took us from Madison to Paris and Berlin—and beyond. Our members had the privilege of viewing her award-winning work and learning about the creative process that brought her projects to life. Nicole’s candid reflections on navigating challenges, embracing authenticity, and staying true to her voice in an evolving industry left us all feeling motivated and empowered. Thank you to Kayla Hoang and Devika P. for moderating this insightful conversation. Thank you, Nicole, for sharing your incredible journey and wisdom with The Vault UW Madison! ?? by Cherry Zhang

Last night, I had the incredible opportunity of moderating a conversation with Nicole Rodríguez Woods, the former Global Head of Copy & Brand Heritage at RIMOWA. Nicole’s ability to stay true to herself while masterfully conveying a brand’s narrative is truly inspiring. Her global career journey, shaped by experiences from different corners of the world, allows her to bring authentic emotion and storytelling to her work. It was fascinating to hear her insights on using personal experiences to craft compelling brand stories. A heartfelt thank you to The Vault UW Madison for organizing this event and to Nicole for generously sharing her wisdom and career advice with our organization. Her words left us all motivated and ready to approach our own creative journeys with intention and authenticity.

The Vault is proud to announce our Fall Semester Fashion Show:?Once Upon a Time with The Vault. This year's show will bring Grimm's Fairytales to life, showcasing the incredible hard work and talent that has gone into each outfit. The show will take place on December 8th at Tripp Commons in Memorial Union, with performances at 6 PM and 8 PM. Don't wait—get your tickets before they sell out! https://lnkd.in/g-xWrtwq

This past weekend, The Vault hosted its second flea market. The event first debuted last spring and was such a resounding success that we decided to bring it back this year. Vault members and the broader campus community were all invited to shop! Selected vendors included Vault members and local small businesses, who showcased a variety of items, from thrifted finds and handmade jewelry to custom alterations. No one left empty-handed, and we were thrilled to offer such a diverse range of pieces and artwork. We love providing our members with a platform to showcase their entrepreneurial spirit while also encouraging sustainability through second-hand fashion. This event was held in collaboration with The oLiv Madison Apartments, a brand-new hub for student living. We can’t thank them enough for hosting us! We’d also like to express our gratitude to Vault leads Ilana Goldklang and Kimberly Harvey for all their hard work in planning this event-it was a resounding success thanks to them!

We want to highlight the people who make this club possible. There is a place for everyone and their unique talents, which are showcased through our 12 different committees. The Web + Archives Committee is a dynamic team that combines videography, photography, creative direction, graphic design, editing, and interviewing across a variety of projects. Their work is vital in archiving and showcasing The Vault’s talented members and events, while also highlighting influential industry leaders within and beyond the fashion world. Additionally, this team manages our website, ensuring that content is up-to-date and engaging, while also promoting our initiatives through compelling visuals and storytelling. Thank you to the Web + Archives Committee for your hard work in documenting our journey and enhancing our online presence! Thank you to our leads: Brett Byers, Khatib David Gandjui, Mia Chen, and Tudor Popa!

We want to highlight the people who make this club possible. There is a place for everyone and their unique talents, which are showcased through our 12 different committees. The Membership Committee is essential in promoting a vibrant and inclusive community within The Vault. They are dedicated to ensuring that every member has a positive experience, from onboarding new members to fostering engagement among all. This team actively runs the participation system to encourage involvement and teamwork. They promote attendance at events, assist behind the scenes, and encourage members to contribute their unique talents. Through their efforts, the Membership Committee helps strengthen the sense of community within The Vault. Thank you for your commitment to creating a welcoming and engaging environment for everyone! Thank you to our leads: Chloe Jureller, Cade Heinemann, and Lindsey Larson!

Last night, The Vault was honored to host Ellen Sorensen, the Brand President of ZENITH Watches at LVMH. She generously shared her extensive expertise and insights into the luxury industry. Ellen guided us through the history of watchmaking and the rich legacy of LVMH and the Zenith brand, emphasizing their commitment to precision and excellent craftsmanship. She even brought and showcased a selection of iconic Zenith watches. Our members had the opportunity to examine these exquisite pieces up close to learn about the unique features and innovations that set Zenith apart. Additionally, Ellen shared her personal journey through the luxury market and offered valuable advice for students interested in pursuing careers in retail and luxury. We are immensely grateful for her time and insights, and our members are truly fortunate to learn from someone like Ellen!

We want to highlight the people who make this club possible. There is a place for everyone and their unique talents, which are showcased through our 12 different committees. Our Journalism Committee is dedicated to capturing the pulse of the fashion world and our club. This spring, they have written over 40 articles, covering everything from the latest fashion trends and fads to events hosted by Vault members, sustainability topics, personal profiles, and much more. Their passion for storytelling and commitment to showcasing diverse perspectives enriches our community and keeps everyone informed about the latest happenings. The team is always open to welcoming new voices, so if you're interested in joining, please connect with us in the committee groupme after the meeting. Thank you to our journalists for your hard work and creativity! Thank you to our leads: Hana Razvi, Adele Hoinacki, and Bella Matias!