THE TRUTH: WORKING IN FASHION

by - February 01, 2015


Working in FASHION...what is all the buzz? It can be a fun career but there are harsh realities. It's not all about glitz and glam, it's about patience and drive. In today's economy, it is also about luck. 

You have to put your TIME into fashion, whether it means working on that boring excel grid for days/weeks on a report that you may think has no correlation to fashion, it may mean stuffing 4000 gift bags for fashion week, it may also mean disassembling mannequins all day and none the least dealing with COLD FASHION DIVAS of all types: buyers, models, stylist, retail directors, you name it!

BUT HEY, IT CAN BE FUN.

Here is a quick brief of what to look out for in various categories of fashion based on my experiences.

CORPORATE FASHION 


WORKING IN CORPORATE FASHION, LIKE A RETAIL HEAD OFFICE?

Working in a corporate head office for a big retail fashion company is all about spontaneity. You are basically supporting the numerous stores across the country, depending on your  assigned tasks, you can be handling store maintenance such as booking carpet cleanings for retail locations, controlling all alarm systems for all stores, let's say 70*. Anything can happen at any moment, be prepared for store floodings, ROBBERIES, customer complaints that are infinite and a tyrannic boss (possibly). Also, purchasing visual signage for all retail locations and MAKE SURE THEY ARRIVE AT ALL LOCATIONS BEFORE THE PROMOTION IN MIND STARTS, or else you're done!

If you like the rush of handling the real and raw behind-the-scenes of retail management, this is a great experience.
PUBLIC RELATIONS


PUBLIC RELATIONS: Let's face it, in fashion pr, you will be starting off as an intern, standing by the door, greeting fashion's elite who MADE IT and handling coat check forever. Escorting diva guests to their seats, removing the plastic from the runway, QUICKLY, before the show starts. You will be stuffing 5000 gift bags for hours.

 Than later on, when you have EARNED it, you will weasel yourself in and help renown brands to market their new products, by throwing lavish events and gabbing all about it ONLINE and liaising with major press outlets. You will be doing the funner tasks, such as prepping the guest lists for cool events, booking venues, sourcing decor, catering and most importantly marketing their brand out LIKE NO OTHER, spewing it all over the internet like a virus. This is fun but you must be in the know of everything at all times. 


MODEL


MODEL: As a model, you are always on set waiting for hours for that event to start or waiting for your turn at that casting. You are in hair and make-up prep forever. Surrounded by alot of not so nice divas, you have to be tough. Photo shoots are alot of work, be prepared to stand in that awkward position for awhile so the photographer can get that shot. Remember you are just a blank canvas for the artist to paint on, so get rid of the RIDICULOUS ATTITUDE. It all pays off when you see your face in that fashion spread.




GARMENT DESIGN & PRODUCTION



 GARMENT DESIGN & PRODUCTION: You are constantly ordering fabric, before another company buys it out. You are designing seasons ahead, you are always updated on the latest fashion trends. You are deciding, if royal blue will take off again this season and if you should just cancel the crop top for this summer. You are doing fittings all the time, editing the same sample over and over again. Will this fabric work with this cut? 

You are pleading your supplier in China to send the shipment over by air because doing it by boat is going to take an eternity, but you better negotiate a good rate, this is more expensive. In the midst of all the drama, this is really fun. You get to see an idea come to life and you know the STRUGGLE WAS REAL to get that cute baby pink crop top in stores, but yes it did make it and guess what it sold OUT in pink but it didn't sell in beige and YOU ARE STUCK WITH 300 UNITS OF BEIGE CROP TOPS.


WHOLESALE FASHION



WHOLESALE FASHION: HIGH SEASON...LOW SEASON, GET READY FOR THIS, you have to be tough. You are trying to sell your collection to BIG NAME BUYERS, you are sending samples, you are mobile, you are travelling alot. You are dealing with rejection on a daily basis and good luck getting through to those busy buyers, they are impossible to speak to. You have to be patient and know the value of a garment. You can't let that dress in jacquard fabric go for that cheap price, this is JACQUARD FABRIC, don't try me! If it was polyester, than MAYBE! But, hey, it is rewarding, BIG SALE...GUESS WHAT? BIG MONEY FOR YOU. 

PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHY: Living the contract to contract life, you're going to need a side job. This is a fun, creative and rewarding career, however make sure you are the ultimate threat and have refined photo shop skills. There is ALOT of competition out there and guess what YOU HAVE TO WORK FOR FREE FOR AWHILE TO BUILD YOUR PORTFOLIO AND CONTACTS, let's be real.


Keyword is NETWORK. Just go to events and SNAP PHOTOS.



STYLING & CREATIVE DIRECTING



STYLIST: There are so many facets to fashion styling, we can talk about image consulting to simply styling celebrities and photo shoots. This is all about networking, you have to INVEST YOUR OWN TIME to get there. Be in the know of who's who, what are the happening brands/designers, who are the happening photographers, who is the new young singer out there or who is the hottest blogger of the moment, do you have media contacts to popular magazines?

 You are living a very mobile life, luggage life. You always have to have an updated wardrobe of the latest trends, meaning you have MAD CONNECTIONS with brands and can get a sample in a heart beat from various offices and can get it expedited out QUICKLY, because it needs to get there in time for that TV correspondent to wear it or feature it on her segment, and guess WHAT, there is no such thing as pre-planning, everything is last minute and changes last minute all the time. You need back up all the time, this is showbiz after all.


SOCIAL MEDIA/BLOGGER


SOCIAL MEDIA/BLOGGER: We revolve around ONLINE PRESENCE in today's society, if we can't find you online, than FORGET IT. Working in this category of fashion is pretty cool, various social media widgets are more than your best friends and you should be having a love affair with your cell phone at all times. 

As a fashion blogger, you are constantly reviewing products and going to over the top events. The staff at Fedex or Purolator know you very well, you are always picking up a package. Remember, it's all about how much presence you engage online, which tactics will you be using to spread the word? You do it, because you love it and guess what you get FREE SWAG, don't expect this to happen within weeks of starting a blog though, it takes time.


YOUR FASHION CAREER ISN'T LISTED HERE? SHARE YOUR ADVICE BELOW!

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69 comments

  1. TaniaFebruary 1, 2015 at 7:26 PM

    I do have a better understanding now in those different profession and I do thank you for that . Great idea !

    ReplyDelete
  2. RandiFebruary 2, 2015 at 12:02 AM

    I would loooove to work in the fashion PR world. Good breakdown!
    xo,
    Randi
    http://www.randiwithani.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Constance MurphyFebruary 2, 2015 at 12:25 AM

    I love this post! Working in fashion is harder and more stressfull than it looks, I'm a fashion producer student and I'm already busy, but if it is what we love everything is worth it. Great article!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jackie HarrisonFebruary 2, 2015 at 3:24 PM

    Wow this is awesome thank you for sharing your experiences.

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownFebruary 2, 2015 at 4:02 PM

    This is a good rundown. It would be so rad to be a stylist. I would love to have a job like that. :D

    Thanks for stopping by my blog, by the way! I appreciated it!

    - Anna

    www.melodicthriftychic.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Nina KobiFebruary 2, 2015 at 4:04 PM

    This post was so interesting to read. Thanks for sharing. xx


    http://ninasstyleblog.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Couture CarrieFebruary 2, 2015 at 4:13 PM

    Incredible and very well researched and presented post! Love it!

    xoxox,
    CC

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ashley TamarraFebruary 2, 2015 at 4:39 PM

    So interesting... You officially have a new follower :)

    Ash,
    www.AshleyTamarra.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Eye See EuphoriaFebruary 2, 2015 at 5:11 PM

    Great information and thanks for sharing. You touched on some major concepts.

    Eye See Euphoria | http://eyeseeeuphoria.com/post/karen-walker-spring-2015-campaign

    ReplyDelete
  10. ALLIE NYCFebruary 2, 2015 at 5:46 PM

    Hey great post , very informative and pretty much spot on, good job!

    Allie of ALLIENYC
    allienyc.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Uju Lilian IkegbuneFebruary 2, 2015 at 5:58 PM

    wow! this is one of the most insightful blogpost I have read in a while, thanks for enlightening us. I already saved this in my inbox.
    www.ethniques.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. JustPorshFebruary 2, 2015 at 8:04 PM

    Amazing piece!
    I can totally relate to this.
    A blogger that's tried her hands on a lil bit of everything.
    It's truly not easy.
    I think i'd rather stick to Blogging n Styling(when n if I get the needed connections). Lol
    Thanks for sharing.
    I just might repost this on my blog.
    Permission granted?
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  13. MELODY JACOBFebruary 2, 2015 at 8:57 PM

    nice post, thank you for sharing
    view my new post. http://melodyjacob1.blogspot.com/2015/02/your-freyrs.html

    ReplyDelete
  14. EmmylouFebruary 2, 2015 at 9:14 PM

    Love the breakdown of the pros and cons of each job:)

    ReplyDelete
  15. UnknownFebruary 2, 2015 at 9:39 PM

    Great breakdown of different careers within fashion, I'd love to try them all! Thanks for stopping by my blog!

    www.dressed2dnines.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. UnknownFebruary 2, 2015 at 10:26 PM

    I SO know what you are talking about. It isn't as glamorous as it seems.. I worked in the industry for many years before having kids. Love your blog!
    xo Jaime
    www.therealfashionista.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. The Modern PageFebruary 3, 2015 at 1:41 AM

    nice post!

    GARCONDAILY.COM / MEN'S FASHION BLOG

    ReplyDelete
  18. Laura MitbrodtFebruary 3, 2015 at 2:09 AM

    Very informative
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Style Diary Of A Fashion FanaticFebruary 3, 2015 at 2:27 AM

    GREAT post!!!!!!
    So much valuable information!!!!!!
    Thanks for visiting my blog!!!! Stop by again soon!!!
    http://fashiondiarylooks4.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. MelFebruary 3, 2015 at 2:53 AM

    I am working in IT, but would love to work in fashion business someday. I know its is quite difficult and stressful, but I thing all the jobs are, just depends on the person itself. Thanks for sharing. Kiss, Mel
    http://livingoncloude9.com/

    ReplyDelete
  21. UnknownFebruary 3, 2015 at 3:34 AM

    Super interesting to read this! Definitely a lot I didn't know, so thank you for sharing it :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. UnknownFebruary 3, 2015 at 3:56 AM

    I am a fashion intern and I absolutely love it! This post is spot on - you have to start right at the bottom but seriously if you are passionate about it then you get on with it and realise that you're climbing higher and higher and eventually it is all worth it! :)

    Followed you on GFC!!! xxxx

    www.mystery-girl007.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Ivana SplitFebruary 3, 2015 at 4:10 AM

    well written article...very interesting to read. There are so many jobs in fashion industry...and I don't think people realize that. Every job has its own challenges and rewards as you have described so well.

    http://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  24. crafty-zoneFebruary 3, 2015 at 4:29 AM

    Amazing post, I'd love to work in fashion industry someday! :)

    Have a great day, dear,
    http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  25. UnknownFebruary 3, 2015 at 4:46 AM

    Very interesting post, dear ! It's important to be precise ;) Thanks for your comment on my blog ! http://valeriesdays.blogspot.fr/

    ReplyDelete
  26. ThanksToFashionFebruary 3, 2015 at 5:07 AM

    I used to work in fashion and can only agree :)
    Great post!

    <3 <3 Mahshid مهشید
    http://www.thankstofashion.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. RafaelaFebruary 3, 2015 at 6:45 AM

    Great post dear!!

    http://fashionwalkinbrussels.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  28. UnknownFebruary 3, 2015 at 7:03 AM

    It's always fun discover the "behind the scene" of the fashion world!!! Thank you for sharing!!
    http://laviecestchic.blogspot.it
    facebook.com/laviecestchic

    ReplyDelete
  29. The Dainty Dolls HouseFebruary 3, 2015 at 7:41 AM

    This was really great, very informative!! xx

    ReplyDelete
  30. erika soroccoFebruary 3, 2015 at 8:48 AM

    Awesome focus on fashion careers girl! My main interests are public relations and social media/blogging; but I definitely love the idea of styling/creative directing!

    xx

    ReplyDelete
  31. VitaFebruary 3, 2015 at 9:21 AM

    Haha I love the tone of your article, I enjoy the snarkiness. =D

    ReplyDelete
  32. nerlineFebruary 3, 2015 at 10:12 AM

    All these pictures and the article remind me of THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, the movie! I took my time to read your article and everything you say is so true. I am pretty sure it takes patience, but at the end of the day, like you said, it can be fun.
    www.chicfromhair2toe.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Samantha MarikoFebruary 3, 2015 at 10:17 AM

    working in fashion has its perks and the not so beautiful moments but I wouldn't have it any other way. thanks for visiting my blog!
    www.samanthamariko.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. UnknownFebruary 3, 2015 at 10:24 AM

    I found this post such a good read and really intresting! Working in fashion is a lot more harder than people expect! Great post, xx

    Beyond The Velvet | Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Blog

    ReplyDelete
  35. MichelleFebruary 3, 2015 at 11:04 AM

    Wow, this was a super interesting read. Thanks for sharing!

    michellespaige.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. SaraFebruary 3, 2015 at 1:03 PM

    This was so cool to read!

    ReplyDelete
  37. PUT DUŠEFebruary 3, 2015 at 2:01 PM

    I've just found your blog. Amazing!
    I am your follower now. Can you follow me back via GFC and G+!?
    Marija
    http://mymiraculousbeauty.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Laura JonesFebruary 3, 2015 at 2:04 PM

    interesting post! i'm sure a lot of people don't understand or realize how complex the fashion indystry and working with fashion can be:-) x

    ReplyDelete
  39. Beauty UnearthlyFebruary 3, 2015 at 2:45 PM

    Beautiful post, really interesting!
    I'm new follower hope you can follow me too) xx

    ReplyDelete
  40. Launna February 3, 2015 at 4:10 PM

    Marcia, this is a good read for someone who wants to get into fashion... it might not be easy to break into it but I think it is something you need to follow if this is your passion. I highly doubt there are any professions that are all fun... there is always work involved.

    Thank you for dropping by my blog, have a lovely day xox

    ReplyDelete
  41. UnknownFebruary 3, 2015 at 6:01 PM

    Working in the fashion industry can be so difficult, but my dream job doesn't include fashion

    Shalay,
    itsjustshalay.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Doused In PinkFebruary 3, 2015 at 6:41 PM

    This post was so interesting! Thank you for sharing your experiences!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

    ReplyDelete
  43. lucia mFebruary 4, 2015 at 12:05 AM

    great post!

    www.aroundlucia.com
    www.aroundlucia.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. AnnFebruary 4, 2015 at 5:33 AM

    I really think it is fun to work in the fashion industry. And all those fabulous clothes and people, I'll enjoy it for sure.

    http://momsturf.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  45. JessicaFebruary 4, 2015 at 8:22 AM

    Amazing and useful post! :)

    NEW POST on http://whattostyle.blogspot.com/

    xoxo,
    Jessica

    ReplyDelete
  46. UnknownFebruary 4, 2015 at 10:32 AM

    Such a lovely post! So useful! Thanks for sharing!
    xx
    cvetybaby.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. KreyolaFebruary 4, 2015 at 10:36 AM

    Great post, I just can't imagine working in the Fashion industry. One thing I know from reading this, you would never get bored.

    Kreyola Jounerys | Instagram

    ReplyDelete
  48. UnknownFebruary 4, 2015 at 11:00 AM

    That's so interesting, never thought about this industry in that way!
    Thank you for sharing such interesting things!

    Tanya
    www.stripesnvibes.com
    BlogLovin

    ReplyDelete
  49. GiusyFebruary 4, 2015 at 12:11 PM

    Great tips.
    www.giusyslife.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. Beauty EditerFebruary 4, 2015 at 12:40 PM

    Lovely post, as always! I had fun reading this.

    ** NEW POST NOW UP ON BEAUTYEDITER.COM **

    ReplyDelete
  51. Carly February 4, 2015 at 3:06 PM

    Thanks for peek. It's certainly interesting. I love your take on what it's like to be a model....not so glamorous
    Dresses & Denim

    ReplyDelete
  52. A Very Sweet BlogFebruary 4, 2015 at 4:45 PM

    This post was excellent! Most people see the glitz and glam. Not the WORK that goes into everything.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

    ReplyDelete
  53. MELODY JACOBFebruary 4, 2015 at 5:28 PM

    good news for all bloggers here http://melodyjacob1.blogspot.com/2015/02/whatsblog.html

    ReplyDelete
  54. AnonymousFebruary 5, 2015 at 7:23 AM

    I've been working in the fashion industry for about 8 years and I agree with you that it can be extremely tough, a lot of hard work and not as fun as everyone makes out! The amount of stress is insane! But I do love it, despite all of that!

    Raindrops of Sapphire

    ReplyDelete
  55. StellaFebruary 5, 2015 at 9:54 AM

    It's good that you gathered some fashion related jobs.
    It's definitely a hard and demanding industry.
    x
    Stella from a A Shiny Place

    ReplyDelete
  56. Dressed With SoulFebruary 5, 2015 at 1:11 PM

    Oh, I think you are so right! Jobs in fashion belong to the jobs which look better as they are in fact ...

    Thank you for your nice words on my blog. I like your blog and now I wonder if you want to follow each other?

    xx from Germany/Bavaria, Rena
    www.dressedwithsoul.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. StyleByDebFebruary 5, 2015 at 9:16 PM

    I absolutely loved this post. Very realistic and on point. Fashion industry can be incredibly demanding so if it's not your passion you will crack. And I love it anyways, haha!
    Great blog, dear! I really like it! <3
    xx

    http://www.stylebydeb.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. ThefashionFliteFebruary 6, 2015 at 4:04 AM

    great post with true facts n pointers ! happy weekend.
    New Post on my blog, do drop by soon ,<3
    ✿thefashionflite
    ✿twitter
    ✿Bloglovin
    ✿FaceBook

    ReplyDelete
  59. MimosasandmeFebruary 6, 2015 at 5:44 AM

    So much information and a very informative post. I think many people like clothes and then will just say I want to work in fashion but it's not just playing dress up like they think. I'm sure you helped many people. Have a great weekend
    http://www.mimosasandme.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. ImogenFebruary 6, 2015 at 9:09 PM

    So interesting and informative. I always wanted to work in fashion but thought it was based on luck and would never happen, so I went and studied law and accounting instead (every day I still dream I'm working in fashion).

    ReplyDelete
  61. UnknownFebruary 7, 2015 at 11:28 AM

    oh this is so amazing! My wish is to work in fashion, I would be the happiest person alive if I could!

    ReplyDelete
  62. UnknownFebruary 7, 2015 at 11:29 AM

    New post, visit if you like
    http://neellzzstyle.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  63. Glamour ZONEFebruary 7, 2015 at 4:54 PM

    Great post dear.Love how its well detailed
    great points on the blogger part
    kisses

    ReplyDelete
  64. Chic TherapyFebruary 7, 2015 at 7:23 PM

    Such an eye opening post. I have always wanted tto work in the corporate side of fashion/retail.

    ReplyDelete
  65. BellezzefeliciFebruary 8, 2015 at 10:25 AM

    Great post!
    It should be a very interesting world :)))


    xoxo
    www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  66. katherine louFebruary 8, 2015 at 8:17 PM

    Thank you for giving insight in for the fashion industry! I don't work in fashion so this is wonderful info!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Anna and KlaudiaFebruary 9, 2015 at 2:56 AM

    Wow! fantastic event <333
    Win a trip to Paris

    ReplyDelete
  68. Mirela ImsirovicFebruary 10, 2015 at 4:57 PM

    Lovely post. Love it. If you will we can follow each other, just let me know, dear? I always fallow back. Kiss
    http://mylovelyfashionbih.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  69. Tania FrancoFebruary 21, 2015 at 11:49 AM

    Such great detailed information, and at one point working in fashion marketing was my dream job. Love that you shared this with us. Thanks for the comment you left on my blog, hope you come again soon. Following you now on G+!

    xx,
    Tania
    http://inspiremyfancy.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete

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