Visualizing the Future -- Grace Silverthorn

For many fashion students, landing an internship at a globally recognized luxury brand is a dream come true. For Gracie Silverthorn, that dream became reality when she joined the Visual Merchandising Department at Giorgio Armani, specifically with Armani Exchange, in the heart of New York City

From showroom styling to store visits across Manhattan, Gracie’s experience offered her a firsthand look at how one of fashion’s most iconic houses brings its elegant, modern aesthetic to life.

“My role allowed me to work closely with multiple team members across different projects,” she shared. “I gained hands-on experience in showroom preparation, store visits, and corporate-level luxury visual merchandising.”

Like many students searching for internships, Gracie’s journey began online. “I actually found my internship on LinkedIn,” she said. “I had been applying to everything I came across and stumbled upon the Armani posting late one night. I applied immediately, and thankfully, it turned into the opportunity of a lifetime.”

Drawn to Giorgio Armani’s timeless sophistication, she knew this role aligned perfectly with her passion for luxury fashion and her long-term career goals.

Each week, Gracie supported different members of the visual merchandising team, balancing daily tasks with ongoing projects. From organizing and resetting showroom displays to assisting at flagship store locations like SoHo and Madison Avenue, every day brought new creative challenges.

She even had the chance to take part in creating ADV slide decks for upcoming campaigns and worked with the Project Manager on a presentation for the Fall 1B launch.

“One of the best parts was seeing my ideas come to life,” she said. “I got to lead the showroom reset and style mannequins based on our appointments. My team encouraged me to share my creative vision, and we would refine it together. It became an amazing learning experience.”

Her success didn’t come without preparation. Gracie credits her time at Auburn University for equipping her with the professionalism, work ethic, and skills needed to excel in a fast-paced corporate environment.

“Auburn taught me how to present myself professionally and maintain a strong work ethic in any environment,” she said. “My supervisor even mentioned that I carried myself with dependability and initiative throughout my internship.”

She highlighted CADS 1740: Aesthetics for Fashion as a class that shaped her understanding of balance and proportion, skills that proved invaluable in visual merchandising. Courses like COMP 2000: Personal Computer Applications also helped her master Excel and PowerPoint, which she used daily at Armani.

Adjusting to Armani’s meticulous attention to detail was one of her biggest challenges. “The level of precision Armani expects is next-level,” she admitted. “I had to perfect every slide deck and layout. But with time and feedback, I learned how to meet that standard, and it completely changed how I approach design.”

The fast-paced, collaborative environment also gave her a deeper appreciation for teamwork. “Everyone was so kind and supportive,” she added. “You always hear stories about tough fashion internships, but my experience was the complete opposite.”

After this transformative summer, Gracie feels more certain than ever about her future in the fashion industry.

“This internship solidified my passion for visual merchandising,” she said. “It combines my love for styling with the structure of corporate fashion. I can see myself growing into a creative or visual direction in the luxury space.”

As she looks ahead, her advice for fellow Auburn students is simple but powerful:

“Apply to everything you see and don’t give up. I sent out nearly 175 applications before getting this position. Persistence pays off. Be confident, take initiative, and make the most of every opportunity.”

From the Auburn campus to Armani, Gracie’s journey is proof that dedication, curiosity, and hard work can open doors to extraordinary experiences, one perfectly styled mannequin at a time.