Steps to breaking into the fashion industry

In today’s world, fashion is not just a trillion dollar business, but
also a heavyweight on the global market permeating numerous industries.
Whether you are drawn to luxury brands steeped in tradition or the tech
innovation of fashion e-commerce, there are more opportunities than ever
for those curious about working in fashion. Here are some tips to take
those first steps into this ever challenging yet glamorous profession.

Place yourself in a fashion environment

It is totally possible these days to become a nano-influencer based in a
small town anywhere in the world, but if you really want to witness the
daily ongoings within the fashion industry, you must be in the middle of
it. Even just starting out with a summer internship in New York City, you
can take full advantage of the fashion capital by building your personal
rolodex while gaining hands-on experience. There have been true stories of
someone getting hired as a PR assistant for Marc Jacobs just because they
were at the right place at the right time. You just never know who you may
meet!

Find out which fashion mecca is for you

Start by observing what kind of brands and companies you’d devote days
and nights working for. Is it the European couture houses with centuries
heritage, young American designers shaking up industry norms or the
e-commerce tech startups on the West Coast disrupting digital retail?
Depending on the fashion environment that suits your personality and style
interests, you’ll know to pack your bags and head to Paris, New York City
or even San Francisco.

Research and reach out

Internships and working for free to attain your dream job seems like the
obvious sacrifice; however, this is not the only way anymore. Think of who
you’d like to be your mentor and start researching their company and even
reaching out online. “Mentors are more available than people think,”
Leonard Lawson of BOND Creative Search and BOND Collective Inc. told
Refinery29, “and doing mentorship programs or just approaching people in
careers you admire, you’d be surprised how many people want to be
helpful.”

Passion, dedication and determination

From an outsider’s point of view, the glittering fashion week parties,
catwalk shows and store openings exude glamour and luxury. Who wouldn’t
want to be part of that? It’s when we see the behind the scenes footage or
read testimonials from designers, producers and the journalists that one
realizes it’s sleepless nights and unwavering dedication that drives the
fashion business. Before all the success, be sure that you’ll be ready to
bring your “A” game and not expect to go on holiday when everyone else is
or stick to regulated office hours when working in fashion.

Have an interesting personal story and showcase your value

Among thousands of applicants, how does one stand out if you’re just
starting out? Without much experience and expertise under your belt, one
sure fire way to make a lasting impression is to tell an interesting
personal story that highlights who you are. Are you passionate about
Japanese streetwear? Then, try mastering the language. Do you stand up for
the disenfranchised? Focus on how you got involved with a charity. As
celebrity stylist and beauty expert Mary Alice Stephenson said to Elle.com,
“In my career I have hired many young people who weren’t the most
fashionable ones that showed up for the interview. The most fashionable
thing out there is drive, dedication, and heart. I want to see who you are
more than any fancy label on your back!”