After making a name for herself in the fashion industry, Molly Langenstein, the general business manager of Macy’s Ready to Wear, is returning home to her alma mater. Ms. Langenstein was recently announced as the Kent State University Fashion School’s 2018 Hall of Fame inductee. Ms. Langenstein will join an impressive group of previous inductees, including Estée Lauder, Oscar de la Renta, Leonardo Ferragamo, Dana Buchman, Allen Questrom, Ralph Rucci, Josie Natori and Don Witkowski.
“The Fashion School is truly honored to induct our alumna Molly Langenstein into our Fashion School Hall of Fame this year,” said Fashion School Director J.R. Campbell. “Molly is an exceptional leader in the industry who exemplifies the spirit of our best alumni.”
Ms. Langenstein’s induction will take place Saturday, April 28, at Rockwell Hall as part of FS2 Presented by Macy’s, the school’s annual Fashion Show, subtitled “Alchemy.” The induction ceremony coincides with that evening’s Sponsor/VIP Show. Event tickets are $250 and include a donation to the Fashion School general scholarship fund, one ticket to the Hall of Fame induction and Saturday night show, access to the VIP reception, a show catalog and special recognition in the show program and catalog. For more information and to purchase Sponsor/VIP Show tickets, visit the Annual Fashion Show Sponsor/VIP page.
Ms. Langenstein also will give a free, public lecture at noon on Friday, April 27, in the Rockwell Hall auditorium. The lecture precedes the Annual Fashion Show’s 2 p.m. matinee and 7 p.m. awards show. For Friday ticket information, visit the Fashion School’s Annual Fashion Show page.
Ms. Langenstein, an Ohio native and 1985 Kent State graduate, was named general business manager for Macy’s Ready to Wear, a new role in the organization, in September 2017. Ms. Langenstein is responsible for national brands, private brands, planning and digital integration.
Previously, she served as chief private brands officer of Macy’s from 2015 to 2017, responsible for the organization that concepts, designs, sources and markets Macy’s portfolio of highly successful private brands of apparel, accessories and home goods. Prior to that role, Ms. Langenstein served as executive vice president for men’s and kids at Macy’s Private Brands where she led cross-functional collaborative efforts to execute strategy and drive business.
Previously, she was Macy’s executive vice president for fashion and new business development and general merchandise manager for categories appealing to customers in the millennial generation.
Her 30-year merchandising career has included assignments as general merchandise manager for men’s and kids at Macy’s Florida (Miami), for millennial at Macy’s West (San Francisco) and for ready-to-wear at Macy’s North (Minneapolis) since joining Miami-based Burdines in 1985. She also served briefly as a merchandising executive at May D&F. Ms. Langenstein has co-chaired the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women New York City luncheon since 2010. She was also one of 25 women recognized in Leaders Magazine.
For more information about Kent State’s Fashion School, visit www.kent.edu/fashion.
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Photo Caption:
Molly Langenstein, the general business manager of Macy’s Ready to Wear, will be inducted into Kent State University’s Fashion School Hall of Fame.
Media Contacts:
Brittani Peterson, bpeter12@kent.edu, 330-672-2714
Julie Strider-Fukami, julie.striderfukami@macys.com, 646-429-5213
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595