Helena Wang shares her journey from graduating from the ARAD masters program at Teachers College-Columbia University to launching her fashion brand for New York Fashion Week! Read the interview article below to learn more about Helena and what drew her to her current career.
- What background and experiences have shaped your career path, particularly your journey into arts administration?
Because I studied fashion design in undergrad, my journey into ARAD was unconventional. At Parsons, I was trained to think of fashion within a systems context. For my own brand, I wanted to approach fashion from an arts business perspective, which led me to pursue arts administration. I’m incredibly grateful that all of my professors in ARAD fully supported the “fashion as art” perspective I carried into every project.
2. What steps did you take after graduating from the ARAD program that led you to your current role?
After the program, I continued to nurture existing friendships and sought out mentors within the Columbia community who supported my vision and were experts in the fields of luxury and retail. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to launch my brand without their guidance.
3. Were there any specific courses, projects, or experiences during your time in the ARAD program that you found especially helpful in building the skills needed for your career?
Learning the fundamentals of business through Accounting, as well as access to business school electives, was especially helpful for my entrepreneurial path. The skills and concepts I gained continue to influence my work every day. In ARAD, our thesis was heavily focused on research and literature. I remember Dr. Gregory-Kameka explaining that this foundation would become the backbone of my business. Conducting this extensive research in school and understanding the “why” behind my brand has been incredibly useful whenever I’m asked deeper, challenging questions on the spot by clients, business partners, or interviewers.
4. What advice would you offer to current ARAD students as they prepare for their careers in arts administration or related fields?
Success in arts administration is deeply tied to the genuine relationships you
build. While coursework is rigorous, I encourage students to place equal
importance on cultivating true friendships with professors, classmates, and the Columbia community both inside and outside of your program. These
relationships will carry you far beyond graduation.
HELENA WANG is a fashion designer born and raised in New York City.
Helena received her BFA in Fashion Design from Parsons School of Design and her MA in Arts Administration from Columbia University. She was named a Fashion Future Graduate by the CFDA, and previously held positions at brands including Vera Wang, Jason Wu, and Ulla Johnson. She studied abroad at Parsons Paris and Central Saint Martins, which shaped her multicultural design methodology. Helena’s mission is to create fashion that heals, redefining everyday luxury as art designed with genuine care.
Follow on Instagram @helenawangofficial to support the journey!
Arts Administration 
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