Every year fashion enthusiasts flock to Fashion Week in cities such as New York, Paris and London to check out the latest clothing trends. But Fashion Week at TCU is a little different.

From Feb. 18-22, fashion merchandising students along with any students interested in the fashion industry were able to attend three events designed to give them insight into the fashion industry and what it takes to get a job.

Sally Fortenberry, associate professor for the department of interior design and merchandising, said Fashion Week at the university started in 2009, but 2013 was the first year all of the events were held in one week following the actual Fashion Week.

She added that the idea to bring in different fashion panelists for a week came from Fashion and Beyond, a student group for fashion merchandising majors and students of other majors who are interested in fashion.

The university's Fashion Week featured two panel discussions focusing on luxury brands, auxiliary aspects of fashion such as fashion writing, social media and fashion show production.

The panelists spoke about their experiences in the industry, how to get a job and how to deal with clients and customers in fashion.

Fortenberry said the panel discussions were focused on all levels of fashion because sometimes students choose to major in fashion with the assumption that they are going to become a designer or work in retail. Learning that there are more opportunities open to students in the industry help broaden their horizons, she said.

Junior fashion merchandising major Brittany Henderson said the panel discussions gave her the opportunity to learn more about the industry and gave her an idea of what she may want to do in fashion.

“It really fuels my energy to continue sending in the applications into certain places for internships and jobs after school, and it really gets me excited hearing about the little details of their jobs,” Henderson said.

On the final night of Fashion Week, students were able to network with TCU alumni who work in the fashion industry.

Senior strategic communication major Taylor Jackson said networking and talking with people who are successful in the industry can be a confidence booster.

“I think it helps everybody relax to know that they have been able to talk to somebody who has some real life experience,” Jackson said.

Fortenberry said it is important for students to hear firsthand from professionals in the fashion industry because it helps them understand the realities of the industry.

“I think most students learn better from individuals who are actually practicing their trade,” she said.

Fortenberry said despite a downturn in hiring when the recession hit in 2009, the job market for students looking to work in the fashion industry is excellent, especially students who have experience through an internship.

“Those students who are interested in fashion, they should consider it a viable career,” Fortenberry said.