WindowsWear hosted Penn State University’s Mel Jacobs Luxury Retail Program as students embarked on an exclusive industry immersion experience with faculty members Johanna Slot and Rashmi Sharma, gaining firsthand insight into the world of high-end fashion and retail management. This year’s itinerary featured visits to ISAIA, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Arsenal New York, providing students with an unparalleled opportunity to explore merchandising, branding, and operational strategies from some of the most prestigious names in the business.
Among the week’s most anticipated visits was ISAIA, where students explored the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Italian menswear brand, known for its impeccable tailoring and commitment to quality with members of the executive team, including retail, wholesale, e-commerce, and more.
James Shay, President, ISAIA.
Jay Chen, Director Of Ecommerce, ISAIA.
Jennie O’Keefe, Wholesale Coordinator, ISAIA.
Alessandra Vitale Cugliari, Director of Customer Service, ISAIA.
Lisa Glasser, Director of Merchandise Planning, ISAIA.
Another highlight of the trip was the Saks Fifth Avenue, where students explored consumer behavior, retail buying, and luxury shopping trends.
Paola Colon, Visual Manager, Saks Fifth Avenue.
Jim La Du, General Manager, Jasper Schriber, Operations Manager, and Mohamed Abdelrahman, Style Advisor, ISAIA at Saks Fifth Avenue.
At Arsenal New York, a creative agency specializing in experiential retail, students gained insights into innovative brand storytelling, creative production, and insights into luxury marketing.
Leanna Gersten, Senior Vice President, Arsenal New York.
Eric Lester, Senior Account Director, Arsenal New York.
Hadley Smith, Director of Sales, Arsenal New York.
Danielle Giannetti, Visual Account Executive, and Lexi Hunn, Creative Sales Assistant, Arsenal New York.
Participating students included Grace Maryanna Brinton, Alice Rose Crandall, Alyssa Marie Formisano, Kaitlynn Marie Heck, Luddy Hiraldo, Angela Lam-Li, Aiden Michael Murtha, Paige Nicole Rafalski, Nishi Ganpatsingh Rajput, and John Robert Slone. Each of them had the chance to interact with executives, designers, and retail strategists, gaining an insider’s perspective on the evolving luxury retail landscape.
