Need somewhere to be this Thursday night? Check out sorority, Delta Gamma’s charity fashion show at Havana Central, 8pm! The show combines incredible dresses from Rent the Runway, professional Lancôme make-up and some “Gaga” fashion–while raising money for their philanthrophy, Service for Sight. We interviewed DG sister and RTR intern, Megan Carley who has made this all happen. See you there!
How did you get an internship at Rent the Runway (RTR)?
I was actually referred to RTR by a friend who was doing operations work for them before the company launched in November 2009. I promoted the site before the launch and helped to get the Columbia community to sign up. I was so intrigued by the concept and the site that I reached out to one of the co-founders that following December to see if they wanted any extra help around the office since I was spending my winter break in NYC. I have been interning for them on and off ever since.
What is your internship with RTR like? What are the most exciting aspects of the job?
When I interned for RTR right after the site launched it was the epitome of a start-up; we rented cubicle space from another firm, and jammed 20 people in there. And now it is amazing to see how far RTR has come! The company now has its own warehouse and in-house dry cleaning system, not to mention a great team running the show.
This summer I was lucky enough to intern for co-founder and CEO of Rent the Runway, Jenn Hyman, and being that she has her hands in every aspect of the company, so did I. I worked with the marketing team to come up with a summer marketing plan, sat in on fashion and merchandising meetings about the next trends, interviewed customers about their RTR experiences and tried to determine who the ideal “RTR girl” is. I ended the summer by running around New York City with the other interns in RTR dresses everywhere—we even got camera time on the Today Show! But my favorite experience this summer was going to the Zac Posen studio after the Z Spoke resort collection was released. Getting to see the interactions between buyers and designers and of course getting to stare in awe at the Zac Posen Collection gowns all over the studio was unforgettable.
How did you come up with the idea for “Eye For Fashion”?
I have been a Runway Rep at Columbia since RTR launched and something that we are encouraged to do is put on a fashion show with RTR dresses to give college girls a chance to see all the amazing dresses in person. “An Eye for Fashion” was born when my two passions, philanthropy and fashion, combined for my sorority’s event Delta Gamma hosted a benefit for their national philanthropy Service for Sight, which helps those with visual impairments.
What are some of your ideas for this year’s show?
Last year our theme was “Get Glam with Delta Gam”, but since our chapter wants to make “An Eye for Fashion” an annual event, we’re going to change up the themes. This year’s theme is “Go Gaga for Delta Gamma” so all the models will have intense (but not quite Lady Gaga intense) make-up, and will strut down the catwalk to Lady Gaga jams. What’s really exciting this year is that we’re co-sponsored with Lancôme.
Columbia’s fashion show is the first of these events and Lancôme corporate will not only be attending the show, but from 6:00-8:00pm beforehand we are hosting a pre-party in which Lancôme is bringing their skilled and talented hair and make-up artists to not only style the models, but to also style any girl who attends for FREE (although Delta Gamma is suggesting a donation from girls who get their hair and makeup done). Also, RTR will be having a small trunk show for girls to try on dresses and possibly rent for the evening. Girls can even get paparazzi style pictures taken before the event as if they were walking the red carpet!
What should attendees look forward to?
A dynamic fashion show! We are also having a raffle with donations from Rent the Runway, Lancôme, The Heights, Strokos, Mel’s Burger Bar and drinks from Red Bull and Westside. And there’s more- Rent the Runway will be giving every attendee a 30% off promo code to be used towards their next rental! Tickets are $5 at the door and the party continues on after the show. So be there at 8 pm for a truly unforgettable night!