Podcast Summary: "Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson | Episode 344"
Episode Title: MY PATH: New York Fashion Week [CFDA] Event Lead ➡️ Leigh King
Release Date: May 30, 2025
Host: Jay Schwedelson
Guest: Lee King, Director of Special Projects and Events at the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)
Introduction
In Episode 344 of "Do This, NOT That!" hosted by Jay Schwedelson, marketing enthusiast and event professional Lee King shares her inspiring journey into the high-paced world of fashion events. As the Director of Special Projects and Events at the CFDA, Lee offers invaluable insights into breaking into the competitive fashion industry, the importance of networking, and the realities behind orchestrating glamorous events like New York Fashion Week.
Lee King's Role at CFDA
Overview of Position and Responsibilities
Lee King serves as the Director of Special Projects and Events at the CFDA, a prestigious membership-based organization supporting American fashion designers. She oversees a wide range of events, from intimate board meetings to the highly anticipated CFDA Awards.
Lee King [02:27]: "We really work to support designers throughout their entire designer life cycle. So from a student who's just graduating from fashion school all the way up to an iconic designer like Tom Ford."
The CFDA Awards, CFDA's flagship event, is a major fundraiser held annually at venues like the Museum of Natural History in New York City, attracting around 500 attendees each year.
Navigating a Career in Fashion
Educational Background and Early Aspirations
Lee's passion for fashion led her to pursue studies in fashion merchandising at FIT in California and later at LIM in New York, focusing on the business side of fashion rather than design.
Lee King [03:41]: "Originally, I went to school for fashion merchandising because I thought I'd be a buyer. Very quickly learned I would be a terrible buyer."
Initial Forays into the Industry
Understanding the necessity of hands-on experience, Lee began by creating a fashion blog centered around the burgeoning Etsy marketplace. Her proactive approach led to unexpected opportunities:
Lee King [05:10]: "I did one time post about, like, Tory Burch. And randomly enough, I think it her role probably at the time was like, marketing director at Tory Burch. And she found my blog and emailed me."
This connection resulted in an internship at Teen Vogue's newly launched website, marking her first substantial entry into the fashion world.
Breaking Into the Competitive Fashion Industry
Leveraging Connections and Seizing Opportunities
After her stint at Teen Vogue, Lee capitalized on her network by securing an internship in Tory Burch's visual merchandising department. Her hands-on experience included assisting in opening the Tory Burch store on Madison Avenue.
Lee King [10:00]: "I helped them open the Tory Burch store in Madison Avenue, which was incredible and just a great experience."
Transition to CFDA
Despite a brief tenure at J. Crew exploring merchandising and planning, Lee's persistent efforts and networking skills eventually led her back to the CFDA. A pivotal moment occurred when Stephen Kolb, CFDA's CEO, chose to hire her based on a strong recommendation, bypassing the traditional interview process.
Lee King [12:15]: "I didn't have an official interview. I talked to Stephen Kolb on the phone, and he kind of said, well, you know, Sophie said she'll only do this department if she can hire you."
Over a decade at CFDA has seen Lee rise from a coordinator to the director, demonstrating her dedication and adaptability within the organization.
The Importance of Networking and Self-Starter Attitude
Creating Your Own Opportunities
Jay commends Lee for her proactive approach, emphasizing the necessity of self-initiative in breaking into competitive fields.
Jay Schwedelson [12:15]: "You were a self-starter and you're creating this blog and you are connecting with people and networking and you're manufacturing, you know, your own luck."
Advice for Aspiring Professionals
Lee echoes the sentiment, highlighting the challenges of entering the fashion industry and the critical role of assertive networking.
Lee King [13:00]: "You have to be super assertive and network and meet people and DM people on Instagram. I always tell people to DM on Instagram because I've met so many people just by literally messaging them."
The Reality Behind Glamorous Events
Balancing Glamour with Groundwork
While the fashion industry exudes glamour, Lee emphasizes that event management is predominantly about meticulous planning and detail-oriented tasks.
Lee King [15:04]: "It's 95% like Excel sheets and table charts and colors of linen or flowers, and 5% glamorous."
Expectations vs. Reality
She maintains a professional stance, ensuring that her team understands the importance of hard work behind the scenes.
Lee King [15:51]: "I am not a guest. I am there to work. And I expect everyone on my team to sort of operate in that same way."
Professional Boundaries and Managing Requests
Handling Inquiries and Requests
Lee addresses the frequent requests for backstage access or exclusive opportunities, stressing the importance of prioritizing industry professionals over general consumers.
Lee King [16:20]: "There's limited seats at a fashion show. Like, why are you taking... What makes you want, like, ownership of one of those seats?"
Maintaining Integrity
She is cautious not to displace industry insiders who could better serve the designers and the CFDA's mission.
Lee King [17:21]: "Am I taking the seat from somebody else? Someone else that could maybe do something other than what I can do for the designer?"
Personal Anecdotes and Light-Hearted Moments
Fashion Icons and Pop Culture
The conversation shifts to lighter topics, with Jay inquiring about Lee's personal interests, such as her admiration for Jenna Lyons from "Real Housewives of New York."
Lee King [17:47]: "I love Jenna Lyons. Jenna, if you're watching this, you know how much I love you. Every time I see her, I tell her I love her."
Industry Updates
Jay shares recent news about the revival of "Real Housewives of New York," adding a humorous touch to the discussion.
Jay Schwedelson [18:18]: "As of yesterday, they said no New York Housewives is coming back, but at least almost a whole new cast."
Connecting and Staying in Touch
Social Media Presence
Lee encourages listeners to connect with her on Instagram, emphasizing its importance for networking and professional opportunities.
Lee King [18:58]: "Find me on Instagram, because apparently I don't LinkedIn or update my LinkedIn very well, but on Instagram, I'm Lee Elise."
Conclusion
Jay wraps up the episode by highlighting the key takeaways from Lee King's journey: the significance of proactive networking, the blend of glamour and hard work in event management, and the importance of maintaining professional integrity. Listeners are encouraged to follow Lee on Instagram for further insights and networking opportunities.
Jay Schwedelson [19:12]: "Be brave. We're gonna put it all in the show notes. This was amazing. I loved every second of it. Thanks for being here, Lee."
Key Insights and Takeaways
- Proactive Networking is Crucial: Lee King's success underscores the importance of creating your own opportunities through networking and self-initiative.
- Balance Glamour with Detail-Oriented Work: Event management, especially in high-profile industries like fashion, requires a meticulous and organized approach behind the scenes.
- Maintain Professional Boundaries: It's essential to prioritize industry insiders and maintain the integrity of professional events over personal requests.
- Leverage Social Media: Platforms like Instagram can be powerful tools for networking and advancing your career in competitive fields.
- Persistence Pays Off: Lee's decade-long journey at CFDA illustrates that sustained effort and adaptability are key to career growth.
Connect with Lee King:
Instagram: @LeeElise
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