April 21, 2015

For the past two years, Neiman Marcus fashion director and senior vice president Ken Downing has visited Westphal in the spring to share his behind-the-runway forecast of the year’s fashion trends. An internationally recognized fashion expert, Downing interprets, articulates and sets the fashion direction for the Neiman Marcus brand, as well as serving as the brand’s international fashion ambassador. He provides oversight to the company’s merchant and creative divisions, and is responsible for dictating the seasonal trends for Neiman Marcus stores and online businesses. He’ll visit on Thursday, April 30 to shed light on the latest trends, and to meet with students and provide feedback on their original designs. His free-to-the-public presentation will take place at 10:00am in the URBN Annex Screening Room (3401 Filbert Street).

Mr. Downing oversees women’s and men’s trends, manages the company’s New York office, represents Neiman Marcus in the media and at major fashion events, and directs 200 merchants in Dallas on what to buy for each season. In 2013 he received the Westphal Award for his profound understanding of the luxury retail customer and the industry community, and for his efforts to inspire and nurture the next generation of fashion leaders. For more information about his upcoming visit, please contact Lisa Visco at lmv47@drexel.edu.