Name: Troy Milkie ‘13
Hometown: University Heights, Ohio
Profession: Merchandising Men’s Ready-to-Wear Manager at Christian Dior Couture
Favorite Teacher: Jerry DeCarlo
Student Activities: Pallbearers, Labre, & Lacrosse
Time at Saint Ignatius:
Troy followed a traditional path to Saint Ignatius, coming from Gesu and having many cousins graduating as Wildcats. This did not make it any easier though, Troy quickly realized. Having classmates and upperclassmen mentors who were the best of the best has its pros and cons. Troy recalls being “constantly around people who are more athletic and intelligent than me was not easy, but you need to learn how to be comfortable with this and grow from these experiences”. This is how Troy learned what he was good at, but also what he wasn't - a lesson he still values to this day.
Troy recalls that he tried being the typical Ignatius student, but soon realized that “it’s about being you”. As a student, Troy didn’t consider a career in fashion a real possibility. He credits his exposure to the realness of Ohio City for giving him a holistic view of the real world. This is why Troy names Jerry DeCarlo of the Physics Department as one of his most impactful teachers. “Jerry’s story of success and then coming back to teach is inspiring. He was the teacher who had the most success in his career but was also the least serious. He treated us like adults and was a straight shooter about the world, I always appreciated that.”
Professional Career:
Troy was always interested in fashion, and claims that this interest stemmed from a grade-school love for basketball shoes. He started making a career out of it by working at various retail and department stores throughout high school and college. While studying Operations Management in the Business School at The Ohio State University, he received life changing advice from his advisor: “Minor in something you love. Worst case scenario you do not use it, best case you grow and enjoy doing so”. Troy then minored in Fashion and Retail Studies and found his passion.
Troy served as a buyer for Saks Fifth Ave. for seven years, working with numerous luxury and designer brands. Troy currently works as a Manager for Men’s Ready-to-Wear Merchandise at Christian Dior Couture in New York City, a position he genuinely enjoys.
Troy enjoys the business side of fashion, hoping to one day marry the business and creative sides. When asked about future aspirations, Troy responded, “I value helping people grow and corralling creativity. I want to make sure I’m doing something that doesn’t feel like work.“
Advice to Current Students:
“See the value in why you are different from everyone else.” For Troy in New York City, that difference is rooted in the blue-collar nature of the Midwest.
