(Mark Agnew/The Daily Campus)

Fashionistas invaded Georges Auditorium in Cox Wednesday as SMU Fashion Week held its Business in Fashion panel.

Panelists shared advice on getting into the fashion business, being resilient and staying competitive in an ever-changing global industry.

The goal of the event was to show business-minded people they can still pursue their passion.

They don’t necessarily have to go into finance or accounting, explained Grace Davis, SMU Fashion Week executive director.

The committee started planning the inaugural fashion week in September 2011.

They selected panelists at different stages in their careers to provide well-rounded commentary.

Panelists included jewelry designer Amanda Sterett, online director of Stanley Korshak Joanna Lewis and John Piermarini of Piermarini Boutique.

“It’s been a long time coming but well worth it,” Davis said.

“All the panelists had great things to say.”

Amanda Sterett, 35, graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in fashion merchandising.

When asked what is the most important advice she would give college students, she replied: “Networking, networking, networking!”

That’s exactly how Sterett landed her first job at Ralph Lauren corporate, where she gained real-world fashion experience before branching out to start her jewelry business.

Joanna Lewis, SMU MBA ’10, worked for Neiman Marcus in the marketing department before being recruited by Stanley Korshak to head up their online division.

She advocated getting internship experience and said her company would not hire anyone without an internship.

“You’re not necessarily going to get your dream job,” Lewis said. “Don’t get discouraged.”

John Piermarini, 19, owner of Piermarini Boutique, encouraged individuals interested in fashion to gain a holistic understanding of the industry and start with the very basics by studying textiles.

He also noted how he makes a point to educate his customers on the garments in his Uptown boutique.

His favorite part of the business is interacting with all his customers, he said.

Even when consumers aren’t in the store, he utilizes social media to maintain an ongoing conversation.

Kevin Willoughby, commercial photographer and fashion marketing professor at El Centro College, attended the event along with several of his students.

He will be teaching fashion history and culture this fall at SMU as a part of the new fashion media minor curriculum.

“As educators, especially in the fashion business, it’s really important to remain relevant to the industry and the issues it’s dealing with every day,” Willoughby said.