From Auburn to Bloomingdale’s: Angelique Cabanero’s Journey in Fashion Buying
Hearing from Angelique Cabanero, her energy makes it clear she was destined for the fast paced fashion industry. She graduated from Auburn University in 2022 with a degree in fashion merchandising. Angelique’s career began after winning a Fashion Scholarship Fund case study. This case was a milestone that opened the door to an internship at Bloomingdale’s. That opportunity evolved into her first role as an assistant buyer in the luggage department, and within just two years, she was promoted to senior assistant buyer in women’s ready-to-wear at Bloomingdale’s outlets.
But her path wasn’t without challenges. “Transitioning from luggage to women’s wear in the outlet division was a big adjustment,” Angelique admits. “The outlet business has a completely different rhythm, and I had to learn quickly. Luckily, I had incredible coworkers and a boss who supported me.”
For Angelique, the most rewarding part of the job is seeing her product selections come to life on the sales floor. “There’s nothing like walking into a store and seeing customers excited about something you helped bring in,” she says. Still, the work comes with hurdles. From strategizing through slow business periods to solving problems like late shipments on short notice.
Angelique’s passion for fashion traces back to her multicultural background and her time at Auburn University. She served as the AMDA president and was also involved in SWATCH. “Auburn gave me a close-knit community,” she reflects. “The small class sizes, supportive professors, and experiences through AMDA and campus events really shaped me. Winning the Fashion Scholarship Fund was pivotal, and it connected me to mentors, networking opportunities, and ultimately my first role.”
Angelique grew up in New Jersey before moving to Atlanta during high school. She later chose to pursue her degree at Auburn University, but after graduation, she felt called back to city life. A brief stint in Manhattan gave her a taste of the fashion capital, and today she proudly calls Brooklyn home. She thrives in the city’s energy, diversity, and cultural vibrancy. “There’s no place like it if you want to grow in fashion,” she says.
When asked about the future of retail, Angelique is optimistic. She points to Bloomingdale’s evolution: smaller format stores, outlet expansion, and strategies to meet changing consumer needs. She also acknowledges the growing influence of social media and digital creators in shaping buying decisions.
Her advice for aspiring fashion professionals is to get involved. “Join clubs, apply for programs like the Fashion Scholarship Fund, and lean on your professors and community for support,” she emphasizes. “Fashion is competitive, but the connections and experiences you build now will carry you forward.”
From Auburn’s classrooms to New York’s sales floors, Angelique Cabanero’s journey is proof that with talent, resilience, and the right opportunities, the dream of shaping fashion retail can become reality
