People who have a passion for fashion, but do not attend fashion school often get asked “why.” Why don’t you just go to fashion school? Because it’s not that simple.
If you’re anything like me, I want to use my future career in journalism or advertising as a launch pad into the fashion industry. I want degrees that can be used in the fashion industry, but in other fields as well in case my endeavors bring me elsewhere.
That doesn’t mean I have any less interest in fashion or that I don’t want it to be my career. It is most definitely my passion. I currently have two fashion internships that encompass fashion marketing and fashion writing.
Don’t let the myths of the fashion industry get you down. For a long time, I struggled with wanting to work in fashion, because I felt it was a superficial career choice and that I wasn’t helping anybody. I was constantly reassured that people in the fashion industry do help others. We set the trends, talk about the trends, and inspire those around us to feel better about themselves.
There are also SOO many jobs in the industry that I didn’t even realize existed. There are creative directors, public relations managers, fashion editors, beauty editors, fashion and beauty account executives, event production, and the list goes on! You don’t have to be designing the clothes to be involved in the industry.
I’ve scoured fashion blogs, advice websites, and articles and compiled the most popular opinions of fashion experts (and some of my own opinions) on how to break into the fashion industry.
1. Fashion Internships
Almost every fashion editor, fashion assistant, and CEO/founder of a popular fashion site has done an internship. The most popular were with Allure and Seventeen magazines. It is important to keep trying, keep e-mailing editors and getting your name out there. Katherine Power, Co-founder and CEO of Who What Wear, attributes persistence to her start in fashion.
Some internships lead to full-time positions. Sharon Clott Kanter’s, senior editor at InStyle, one-week internship led to a full-time job. Not all intern’s jobs are glamorous. It could be a job that is arduous such as filing papers or shipping boxes, but it is a start. Don’t be afraid to talk to the editors above you if you have an idea or want to ask questions.
Many industry experts say that their passion fueled them when it came to looking for internships and getting jobs. They kept trying until they were successful.
In an interview with fashionista.com, Joe Zee, editor in chief of Yahoo Style, advised saying “yes” to everything. Always be available to help or attend events. Everything is a new opportunity.
2. Attend fashion events
This is one of my personal favorites! Networking in the fashion industry is definitely key. The more people you know, the more opportunities you have to be successful. Especially if you establish yourself as a reliable fashion expert, others in the industry will trust you. Not only does attending events help you network, they’re fun. You get to explore your passion and meet people who could potentially give you a job in the future.
Around fashion week, there are many public events that you can go to and network with people in the fashion industry. Get business cards from whomever you meet and make sure to reach out to them after fashion week.
Some fashion week events are industry-only, meaning access is restricted and only buyers and the press are invited. However, Elite Daily reported that it is possible to request access by e-mailing the PR head hauncho with a reason as to why you want to go and how it will be valuable to the brand that you went to that particular event.
3. Start a fashion blog
This is still on my to-do list. Creating a fashion blog gives you exposure, especially if it is well known on social media. Some fashion bloggers get paid for their work through sponsored posts. One of my favorite bloggers, Cabrini Roy, was featured in Seventeen because of her popular blog and super cute outfits! In the fashion industry, anything can happen.
4. Research those whose work you admire
This is my personal tip that I’ve added after my research. I have a few women in the industry who have my ideal job. I look up their resumes, CV, and college experience and see what they do and try to emulate it the best I can. Jeannie Mai and Alicia Quarles are my industry faves. Find your faves and follow what they do, research their work and experiences, and learn from it. I also bought a book on Diane von Furstenberg to get the perspective of a designer.
Most of those in the industry came across their jobs by taking every opportunity thrown their way and using their passion to keep trying until they found their niche in fashion.
Remember, there are more fashion organizations out there than just the big magazines like Allure, Vogue, or Harper’s Bazaar. There are many other fashion magazines or sites that will hire you: the Zoe Report, Hello Giggles, and Fashionista are some of my favorites.
Need more Tips? Check out Alexa Chung’s video littered with tips!