Nellie Hasley ’25 Lands Tory Burch Internship in New York City

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Fashion merchandising student Nellie Halsey at the Tory Burch office in New York City.

Nellie Hasley ’25 is the ready-to-wear (RTW) merchandising intern.

Department of Fashion Merchandising senior Nellie Hasley is spending her summer interning at the New York City office of Tory Burch, a renowned luxury lifestyle brand. 

Hasley is working as the ready-to-wear (RTW) merchandising intern, where she is gaining valuable insights into the selling perspectives of both internal and external buyers for the company’s RTW collections.

“Within my first week at Tory Burch, I have seen our merchandising team present the RTW pieces to both internal buyers for our global retail locations and global wholesale retail buyers,” said Hasley. “It has been such a treat to experience this with my team and jump right into my new role!”  

Hasley’s interest in Tory Burch began during a visit to the store in downtown Chicago with her father when she was seven years old. Since that moment, she has maintained a keen interest in the brand and has been intrigued by its achievements. 

“As junior year approached and the time came to secure an internship, Tory Burch naturally became my top choice, aligning perfectly with what I was seeking.”  

Securing an interview, Hasley’s first day of her internship proved momentous as she met the founder, Tory Burch, alongside her husband Pierre-Yves Roussel and brother-in-law Robert Isen.   

“Since that day, witnessing Tory’s presence in the office daily has been truly inspiring, fueling my determination to pursue my dreams.” 

Q&A with Hasley  

Nellie Hasley taking a selfie in front of a mirror at the Tory Burch office.

Hasley at the Tory Burch office in New York City.

What made you want to pursue your area of study?
I’ve always had a passion for design and fashion. Initially, I aimed for a career in interior design. However, the pandemic shifted my path. In 2020, I landed a summer job as a sales associate at a new luxury retail shop. My boss, an icon and role model, inspired me with her hard work and well-roundedness. Over four years, I witnessed the store’s growth, igniting my love for fashion. As a first-year student in 2021, I switched my major and haven’t looked back! 

How have your studies and time in the Department of Fashion Merchandising prepared you for this role?
The fashion merchandising program is so well-rounded that it has prepared me perfectly for my role. I feel confident every day at work. Additionally, within the first week of my internship, I didn’t feel like I was heading into it blind. The vocabulary and knowledge I gained through my courses have provided me with the tools to succeed and thrive in my work environment and as an intern. 

What are your career goals?
Since I’m minoring in business, I aim to leverage that aspect of my degree in my career. I believe the merchandising side of the fashion industry aligns perfectly with my skills and personality. As a balanced left- and right-brain worker, I sense that merchandising may be my lifelong career path. Tory Burch herself is a genuine icon and role model for me. If I could envision my dream career, it would be to emulate her and become the founder of a purpose-driven fashion company. So, if you ever come across a clothing label named “Nellie,” you’ll know it’s me.