Carly Witteman (Medill ’24) always knew that she wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
However, as she was going through her undergraduate experience at Northwestern, her love and passion for fashion journalism grew and eventually solidified. Now, a year after graduating, Witteman has paved her path in the fashion industry as a journalist.
“I originally really wanted to go to NU because I loved the theater scene and how you could do theater and not necessarily be a theater major,” Witteman said. “But, I always wanted to do journalism.”
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Witteman has always enjoyed and appreciated the arts. From being a screenwriter and actress during high school to walking down the runway as a teenage model, Witteman did it all and took these experiences to NU under a special circumstance: the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the time, the global pandemic caused many universities, including NU, to move to online schooling. Social interactions were cut down significantly. Witteman’s freshman year roommate decided to apply to STITCH Magazine, NU’s premier fashion magazine, to bond and socialize with other students. Inspired by her roommate, Witteman also decided to apply and got into the editorial team.
“When I was on editorial, I really think it strengthened my pitching and writing skills about fashion because it’s very hard to find a class that’s more aimed at fashion reporting,” Witteman said. “STITCH gave me an option to do that when I was associate editor and editor in chief.”
Leah Ryzenman (SESP ’24) first met Witteman behind a Zoom screen while she was rushing NU’s chapter of Alpha Chi Omega. She recalls Witteman’s presence and energy as a “ray of sunshine” that made her feel welcome.
After students were able to return to campus during Fall 2021, Ryzenman was fascinated by Witteman’s personality, style and dedication to showcasing the best parts of a person. With each moment spent together, Ryzenman said she became a kinder person under Witteman’s influence.
“She’s the kind of person where she’ll walk into a room and instantly make it better,” Ryzenman said. “Spending time with her makes you feel like you want to be a better person and spread that positive energy and kindness to others as well.”
During her junior year at NU, Witteman interned at CR Fashion Book, fashion’s “Bible of inspiration,” and she went to New York Fashion Week in her senior year. Since graduating, she has interviewed greats such as Kristin Chenoweth, gotten her makeup done by Pat McGrath and just recently held Princess Diana’s Black Lady Dior bag.
Now, Witteman resides in the Manhattan area while she attends press events across the city, edits stories for CR’s website and promotes the latest fashion news on social media platforms such as Instagram. Just this past weekend, she attended the Indianapolis 500 with Swiss luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer and is preparing for CR’s next print issue.
Caitlin Carr-Smith (Communication ’24) met Witteman when she was rushing AXO during their sophomore year through the COB process. With a first impression at AXO’s dining area, Carr-Smith recalls Witteman’s style and distinct aesthetic.
The pair became close friends while at NU, went on a couple of trips together and now live in the same apartment in New York City. Carr-Smith says that Witteman woke up at 6 a.m. to get tickets to “The Outsiders” on Broadway for her birthday, a core memory that defined her relationship with Witteman.
“I don’t think she gives herself enough credit for her kindness and her work ethic,” said Carr-Smith. “Everything she touches, she makes better.”
Witteman says that her career is heavily influenced by Medill Prof. Karen Springen and STITCH alums such as Samuel Maude and Yola Mzizi. With their support and guidance, Witteman believed that she could have a career in fashion journalism.
As Witteman prepares for a summer full of exciting pop culture opportunities, she wants those who are interested in a career in the fashion industry to keep three things in mind: intern, be involved and get your foot in the door in any way you can.
“It can all seem very glamorous on social media and whatnot, but like any job, it has its ups and downs,” said Witteman. “But I’m very grateful to be where I am.”
Email: [email protected]
Related Stories:
— 2025 Met Gala celebrates Black style and superb tailoring
— Hernandez Gonzalez: Fashion is the perfect form of self expression
— UNITY Charity Fashion Show celebrates diversity, culture and philanthropy
