A Review of Runway Revelations: Revealing Fashion PR Realities
Cal State Fullerton PRSSA
by Isabella Perez | September 29, 2026
Runway Revelations: Revealing Fashion PR Realities brought together two professionals from different areas of the fashion industry. Although the panelists took different paths into the industry, one message that connected their stories: You don’t always know where your career will take you, and that’s OK.
Gaby Perez, an influencer marketing specialist at Naked Wardrobe, said her interest in fashion started with watching influencers and social media personalities open PR packages. She remembered thinking, “How cool would it be to work in that?”
As a first-generation college student, Perez felt pressure to know exactly what she wanted to do, but her curiosity eventually led her to pursue this industry.
When our panelists were asked what helped them feel ready after graduation, Perez stressed the importance of knowing email etiquette. She explained that professionalism and knowing how to communicate through email helped her build connections because she noticed that many people entering the field lacked the skill.
During the networking hour, I asked Perez, “What’s one thing about working in influencer marketing that surprised you once you were actually in the industry?” She replied, “Expect to have co-workers or colleagues be unprofessional. Learn how to adapt to different personalities. Everyone is different.” Her response is a reminder that working with many personalities is part of entering the professional world.
Janae Gonzales, a social media and PR coordinator at Boot Barn, shared a similar story about not knowing exactly what her career would look like after college. Gonzales discovered her interest in fashion and PR after taking a marketing and social media course toward the end of her undergraduate studies. She also emphasized the importance of networking, sharing how the connections she made at her alma mater, the University of Southern California, helped her after graduation.
When asked during our networking hour what advice she wished she had received as a college student trying to break into the PR industry, Gonzales replied, “Side hustle. Go look into local spots and share what you have to offer. That will get your foot in the door somewhere.” She also encouraged the audience not to fear AI replacing creativity because “viewers will gravitate towards authenticity.”
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was when Gonzales shared advice from her older sister regarding impostor syndrome. “You’re living in an answered prayer.”
Gonzales explained that her sister was pointing out that she’s exactly where she wanted to be and should live in the moment instead of worrying about whether she deserved to be there.
Pictured: Janae Gonzales (left), Gaby Perez (right)
A Meaningful Connection with Johnny Concert
Before the panel, I had a sit-down interview with Patrizia Barretto, a close friend of Joanna Gatto, the founder of Johnny Concert. Barretto shared the story behind the Los Angeles-based cruelty-free and vegan beauty company, which Gatto started while she was in college after interning at Elle magazine.
During our interview, Barretto had the brilliant idea to give me an exclusive scoop. In the middle of our conversation, she called Gatto, allowing me to speak directly with the founder for a quick phone interview.
Gatto expressed how toxic luxury makeup affects our skin, explaining, “Putting toxic ingredients on your skin is not good for you. Your skin is your largest organ; why not take care of it?”
Barretto also shared why supporting CSUF PRSSA was important to her. After receiving 1,000 cases of Johnny Concert’s Rituals Shape Up Serum Light Wear, she connected with our VP of Sponsorship, Jordan Rhea, and offered to donate 100 products to our attendees.
Her generosity was especially meaningful to Gatto, who started her company while she was in college. Now Johnny Concert is giving back to college students working toward their own careers.
Pictured: Johnny Concert’s Rituals Shape Up Serum Light Wear
More Than a Fashion Panel
The industry panel was about more than fashion and PR. Many key takeaways were about connections, creating opportunities and finding your own path. From Perez’s amazing advice on professionalism to Gonzales’ encouragement on networking and creating opportunities for yourself, members were reminded that one’s career doesn’t always happen according to plan.
For me, Barretto’s interview brought that message full circle. A conversation with our sponsor’s representative turned into an opportunity to speak directly with a company’s founder, showing how one connection can lead to an opportunity you never expected.
