In the heart of New York City, Kendall Crotty, a fashion student at Kent State University, is turning her dreams into a reality–a dream many aspiring designers hope to achieve. 

This semester, she is not just studying at one of the nation’s leading fashion schools; she’s interning with high-end couture designer Victor dE Souza, gaining invaluable firsthand experience behind the scenes of Fashion Week and immersing herself in the fast-paced world of New York’s fashion scene.

A dream come true

Crotty’s journey to New York has been years in the making. 

“Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always wanted to be here,” Crotty said. When the opportunity arose to spend a semester in the city, she jumped at it, knowing it would offer unique experiences she couldn’t find elsewhere.

Living in a studio apartment in Murray Hill, a vibrant neighborhood in Manhattan, Crotty is fully immersed in the hustle and bustle of the fashion world. Though her apartment is small, it serves as a quiet retreat after long work days, where she finds time to study and unwind. 

“I have this couch right next to my bed, and I like to move there after I wake up to do homework,” Crotty said. “That way, it feels like I’m getting up and doing something.”

Hands-on experience with Couture

The heart of Crotty’s New York experience lies in her internship with Victor dE Souza, a high-end couture designer known for his intricate craftsmanship. Unlike many internships where students are assigned administrative tasks, Crotty’s role is highly hands-on, allowing her to engage in the creative process from start to finish. 

“Usually, [fashion] internships just involve sourcing materials or running errands, but with Victor, I’ve been doing a lot of actual sewing and patterning,” Crotty explains.

Her work spans various aspects of garment creation, from constructing pieces to adding delicate finishing touches. One memorable moment involved a close call with a couture dress worth thousands of dollars.

“I almost ruined a $4,000 dress by cutting the wrong side of the pattern. Luckily, it still worked out in the end, but it was definitely a learning experience,” she recalls, noting that Victor’s response was supportive and encouraging, pushing her to keep going despite the mistake.

Despite the challenges, Crotty is excelling under Victor’s mentorship. She has learned a great deal from him and appreciates the opportunity to witness how his work comes together, particularly the pieces he’s creating for the “Sex and the City” reboot.

Chaos and coordination: Behind the scenes at Fashion Week

As Fashion Week approached, Crotty witnessed firsthand the chaos and intensity surrounding such a major event. 

“Nothing was finished until the day of the show,” Crotty said. “We were running around organizing models, making sure everything from makeup to nails was in place. Suddenly, we were these 20-year-olds telling professionals what to do. It felt surreal.”

In the final hours before the runway show, the team worked tirelessly to make last-minute adjustments. 

“We were there until the very last minute, finishing zippers and adding trims,” Crotty says. “At one point, I had to hand-sew a zipper into a dress on the day of the show because there was no time to go back to the studio.” Despite the frenzy, Crotty relished the experience of being part of such a massive event.

Pushing creative boundaries

For Crotty, one of the biggest challenges has been pushing herself creatively. 

“At Kent State, I played it safe with my designs,” Crotty admits. “But being here, working with Victor’s team, has pushed me to think outside the box.” 

Early in her internship, Crotty struggled with feedback and revisions, but the process has helped her grow as a designer. 

“It was hard at first, hearing that my designs weren’t good enough and had to be re-done,” Crotty said. “But it’s been so worth it because it’s making me a better designer.”

A unique workspace

One of the most distinctive aspects of Crotty’s internship is the workspace itself. Unlike larger fashion houses, Victor dE Souza operates out of his apartment in Harlem, where Crotty and three other interns work side by side with him. 

“It’s a small space, but we’re involved in every step of the process,” Crotty explains. “We’re sewing while Victor is casting models or handling the press. It’s all hands-on, and it’s fun to be part of everything.”

Living and working in close quarters can be challenging, particularly when models are changing in cramped spaces while the team continues to work. 

“It’s not always glamorous, but it’s real,” Crotty reflects. “And it’s something you just don’t get to experience back home.”

Balancing school and work

While her internship takes up most of her time, Crotty still manages to balance her academic responsibilities at Kent State’s New York City campus. 

“Most of my weekends are spent working in the studio,” Crotty said. “But I did make time to visit the Natural History Museum, which was my first big ‘New York’ experience.” 

In addition to her work with Victor, Crotty attends classes ranging from six-hour studio sessions to a New York City Study Tour, where she explores the city’s rich culture.

Growth as a designer and person

Reflecting on her semester in New York, Crotty acknowledges how much the experience has shaped her both as a designer and an individual. 

“New York is tough. It’s hard being away from home, and the pace is relentless,” Crotty said. “But the experience is so worth it. I’ve already changed so much in just one month, and I know this is something I couldn’t have gotten in Ohio.”

As she continues to navigate the world of fashion, Crotty is more confident than ever in her career path. 

“I’ve already had the chance to make garments that will walk down the runway, which is something I never thought I would do at this point in my career,” Crotty shares. “It’s just an amazing experience, and I’m so grateful to be here.”

For Crotty, New York City is not just the culmination of her dreams—it’s only the beginning.

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Hi! I’m Kayla Friedman, A Magazine’s editor-in-chief. My staff and I are committed to bringing you the most important and entertaining news from the realms of fashion, beauty and culture. We are full-time students and hard-working journalists. While we get support from the student media fee and earned revenue such as advertising, both of those continue to decline. Your generous gift of any amount will help enhance our student experience as we grow into working professionals. Please go here to donate to A Magazine.