Emily Fleming is working to be a name synonymous with innovation in the fashion industry, particularly through her groundbreaking work at the Miami Design District (MDD). Born and raised in the vibrant neighborhoods of downtown Chicago, Emily's multicultural background and deep connection to her Ukrainian and English heritage have profoundly influenced her creative journey.
Emily Fleming at NEO, courtesy of William Perez.
From Chicago Roots to Fashion Heights
Growing up in Chicago, Emily's early passion for fashion was evident in her meticulous outfit choices, even during her middle school days. However, it wasn't until college that she realized fashion could be a viable career path. Her initial foray into the industry began with an internship at Tory Burch, where she gained invaluable experience in VIP and Editorial PR. However, her involvement with her college fashion magazine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison truly honed her skills and ignited her passion for creative direction and leadership.
Emily recalls, "For as long as I can remember, I have dreamt of working in fashion... I like to say it started with how I'd excitedly piece together my outfits from Justice in middle school."
Miami Design District: A Dream Realized
During her senior year of college, Emily interned with the marketing team at MDD, an experience that would shape her future. Her work ethic and creativity left a lasting impression, leading to a full-time position as the first in-house Social Media Coordinator for MDD in the summer of 2022. Emily's primary goal was to revamp MDD's social media presence, including launching their TikTok account. Her passion for writing and editorial work quickly led to her role as an editor for the Design District Magazine.
Emily Fleming at NEO, courtesy of William Perez.
Reflecting on her internship, Emily says, "I clicked with the team and fell in love with the work. Following graduation, I was hired to be the first in-house Social Media Coordinator at MDD."
Emily's responsibilities grew to encompass directing photoshoots, developing marketing strategies, and covering events and influencer collaborations. Her ability to build meaningful connections with photographers, models, influencers, and brands was instrumental in her success.
Founding NEO Miami Design District
In a bold move, Emily proposed attending New York Fashion Week (NYFW) to represent MDD. Despite initial setbacks, her experience at NYFW inspired her to propose a project to bring emerging designers to MDD. Her vision caught the attention of MDD's CEO, Craig Robins, who provided her with a vacant building to transform into a dynamic space for showcasing new talent.
Emily recounts, "I ended up meeting the most incredible emerging designers... Our CEO, Craig Robins, called me into his office and told me he loved [the idea]. He gave me a vacant building in the neighborhood and said, 'Make it happen.'"
NEO storefront, courtesy of Emily Fleming.
With Marlon Robins, Emily launched NEO Miami Design District, a rotating pop-up featuring emerging designers and artists. The initiative, which ran from January to June 2024, featured a curated mix of local, national, and international brands, offering them a platform to create immersive retail experiences and connect with the Miami market.
NEO: A Cultural Hub for Emerging Designers
NEO Miami Design District quickly became a cultural hub for emerging designers and artists. The rotating pop-up concept allowed different brands to showcase their work each month, creating a dynamic and ever-changing space that attracted fashion enthusiasts from all over. The project featured a diverse range of designers, from local talents to international brands from as far as Thailand and Ukraine. This unique approach provided these designers with an invaluable opportunity to break into the Miami market and gain exposure.
Emily explains, "It started with us forming the idea that it would rotate every month to feature new designers... It became a full-time job, but I learned so much. And to see the impact has been incredible."
Emily Fleming at NEO, courtesy of Emily Fleming.
The success of NEO was not just in its ability to draw crowds but also in the sense of community it fostered among the designers. Emily's dedication to supporting and uplifting emerging talent was evident in the collaborative atmosphere she created. Designers showcased their work and built meaningful relationships with one another, sharing the spotlight and supporting each other's success.
"I pride myself on being a good leader and having excellent communication and interpersonal skills," Emily says. "Seeing the designer's bond was amazing, especially since the fashion industry is so rarely like that and so full of competition."
Impact on the Miami Fashion Scene
Miami Design District has always been a key player in transforming the city into a fashion destination. Under Craig Robins's visionary leadership, MDD has seamlessly blended fashion, art, architecture, and cuisine, making it a must-see location in South Florida. Emily's contributions through NEO have further solidified MDD's reputation as a hub for creativity and innovation. By providing a platform for emerging designers, NEO has enriched Miami's fashion scene, making it more inclusive and dynamic.
Emily Fleming at NEO, courtesy of William Perez.
Emily proudly states, "Miami Design District is the reason why the city has become a fashion destination, one hundred percent... Craig trusted my vision and let me run with it."
Legacy and Future of NEO
While NEO's initial run concluded in June 2024, its impact continues to resonate. The initiative showcased 15 brands over six months and hosted numerous events that brought together the creative community in Miami. Emily's vision and hard work have left an indelible mark on MDD, setting a precedent for future projects prioritizing emerging talent and fostering a sense of community.
Inside of NEO's spaces, courtesy of Emily Fleming.
Reflecting on NEO, Emily says, "NEO created a sense of community, of culture. People would tell me it felt like a mini New York within Miami. I loved that."
The Future for Emily Fleming
Emily's journey is far from over. She is set to attend the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, focusing on Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Her dream of starting her own clothing brand, alongside her best friend, remains a driving force as she continues to push the boundaries of fashion and innovation.
Advice for Aspiring Fashion Marketers
Emily advises those entering the digital marketing and PR fields to be "YES" people, especially at the beginning of their careers. Building genuine relationships and seizing every opportunity are key to success. However, she also emphasizes the importance of balance and self-care to avoid burnout. Authenticity and passion, she believes, are crucial for long-term fulfillment and success in the industry.
Emily Fleming at NEO, courtesy of Emily Fleming.
"My biggest advice is this: at the beginning of your career, be a YES person... Relationships are a huge part of this career path," Emily advises. "Yet this is a double-edged sword... Burnout is so incredibly real and debilitating."
Emily Fleming's story is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and the transformative impact of supporting emerging talent. Her work at Miami Design District has not only elevated the fashion scene in South Florida but also paved the way for the next generation of designers and creatives.