​Farrel Rafkin is a TXA alum, who currently works at DVF in New York City.
1) What opportunities lead you to your current job at DVF?
While in college, I interned for Shaesby, an Austin based jewelry designer and manufacturer, and worked within their wholesale department. This peaked my interest in wholesale and was lucky to receive an internship at Lela Rose during the summer after my junior year. After graduating, I moved to NYC and worked as a sales assistant at Elie Tahari. I have since moved up managing major department store accounts and now manage a multi million dollar business at DVF.
2) What was the most beneficial thing you learned as a student in the TXA program at UT?
All of the classes I took specific to the TXA program helped me build a strong foundation in the fashion industry.
3) What is your advice for students trying to get their foot in the door of the fashion industry?
Be persistent and never give up!
4) What is your favorite aspect of your current position at DVF?
My team! Without my team, I wouldn't love going to work as much everyday. I also love the accounts I work with (major department store accounts) and the relationships I have made.
5) How do you stay up to date with the fashion industry?
I read WWD. It is the best source for news and current business trends.
6) What is your favorite resource when you are doing research for projects?
My friends. I constantly turn to them to understand their buying habits and talking to people in the market.
7) How do you prepare for meetings and events?
Depending on what it is for, I pull the historical data and make sure I have a broad understanding. Selling events are really fun, I always try to ensure we are engaging the associates and customers in the store in order to have a successful event.
8) What is your go-to work outfit?
I am VERY casual! Jeans and a grey shirt or sweater unless I am customer facing, then I wear items from the latest DVF collection!
9) What is the biggest risk you have taken in your career?
I am not much of a risk taker!
10) What was the biggest challenge in your career?
Leaving my first job out of college at Elie Tahari. It was difficult to leave the team, but was necessary in order to grow and advance in my career.
