Marketing, fashion and a world of opportunity

From a young age, Josephine Svarre was interested in the world of fashion. Whether it was flipping through high fashion magazines, carefully planning outfits or trying on her mom’s shoes, she soon realized fashion was something she loved.

When she moved from New York City to Clemson for the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, she decided marketing was the major for her. It was the perfect balance between having a high fashion application while also still being academically rigorous.

“Marketing is the perfect mix of creativity and strategy. It lets me connect people to brands and ideas while building a strong foundation in business. Truly the best of both worlds for me.”

Through study abroad opportunities, Svarre’s eyes were opened to the international side of fashion. She studied abroad for a semester in Milan, Italy, where she was able to experience Milan Fashion Week. Each day, she would stand outside the designer’s shows to catch a glimpse of the exciting events. Prada’s show was the highlight; celebrities, models and other VIP guests would enter through the doors of the headquarters and ascend in a large white marble elevator—a symbol of artisanship and luxury.

Svarre spent a lot of her time in Milan admiring the craftsmanship of the flagship Prada store. Sales associates began to take notice of her frequent visits, and what started as a few conversations soon turned into a genuine connection between her and an associate, Chiara. One day, her new friend invited Svarre on a private tour of Fondazione Prada, and she was able to ride that iconic marble elevator that few have had access to, a life-changing moment for her.

“It was one of those experiences where I had to stop and remind myself that this was real,” Svarre said. “To be in a space where some of the greatest minds in fashion had walked, to see firsthand how a brand I had admired for so long operated behind the scenes, was beyond anything I had imagined. It was one of my most memorable moments and really solidified to me that working in luxury fashion was my calling. I promised myself that I work tirelessly until I stepped foot in this elevator again as a fashion week invitee.”

Coupled with her love of fashion, traveling is also something Svarre is passionate about. Growing up, she traveled with her family to places all around the world and coming to college, she knew she wanted to create memories of her own, and she has. Since enrolling at the Powers College of Business, Svarre has gone on three study abroad experiences, with still two more left before her August graduation.

In the summer of 2023, with the Dean’s Global Leadership Program, Svarre traveled to South Korea, which she says was an amazing experience. While there, students explored Seoul, the capital city, meeting with global business professionals. They also visited several cultural sites, like the Haedong Yonggung Temple.

This semester, she is excited to visit Costa Rica as part of a class where they partner with Samaritan’s Feet, a nonprofit that provides shoes to children all over the world.

“Every country has something unique to offer in terms of style, craftsmanship, business and negotiation strategies. The more I can learn from global fashion markets, the better equipped I’ll be to make a meaningful impact in the industry.”

To learn more about study abroad opportunities, visit the Office of Career and Global Engagement.

About the Office of Career and Global Engagement

The Office of Career and Global Engagement (OCGE) exists to cultivate and engage students within the college to become effective leaders, successful graduates, and globally competitive professionals. The Office of Career and Global Engagement provides principal resources for undergraduates in the areas of career preparation, employment opportunities, mentoring and international program participation. The office also collaborates with faculty and staff to serve as a conduit for connecting with corporate partners, Clemson alumni and other constituents to enhance the Clemson Experience.