FAIRFIELD, Conn. — World-renowned shoe designer and entrepreneur Stuart Weitzman will visit Fairfield University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts to present "An Entrepreneur’s Journey on a Road Less Traveled" on Tuesday, March 25, at 7:30 p.m. The event is part of the Open VISIONS Forum, and is presented in collaboration with the Dolan School of Business and the Fashion Marketing program.
Weitzman’s career spans over five decades, from drawing shoe designs for a friend’s father to building an internationally recognized fashion brand. His designs have graced red carpets worldwide and have been worn by A-list celebrities, including Beyoncé, Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lopez.
In this engaging seminar, Weitzman will reflect on his journey, sharing the pivotal moments, risks, and creative breakthroughs that shaped his success. He will discuss the importance of authenticity in business, the balance between artistry and commerce, and the challenges of entrepreneurship.
A graduate of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, Weitzman has been honored for his innovative approach to business and his commitment to integrating function with fashion. His legacy extends beyond footwear: He is a dedicated philanthropist, supporting hospitals, medical research, youth sports programs, and cultural institutions. Additionally, he mentors aspiring entrepreneurs and designers at leading universities, including Penn, Princeton, Yale, Dartmouth, and the London Business School.
Weitzman’s visit to Fairfield University offers students and community members a unique opportunity to gain insights from a legendary figure in the fashion industry. Attendees will hear firsthand how Weitzman navigated the evolving fashion landscape, sold his company to a multi-billion-dollar holding group, and continued to influence the industry while maintaining his creative vision.
Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 44 states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and 46 countries, are enrolled in the University’s five schools. In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.