Are you considering a Career in fashion? Learn about the industry, so you can start propelling yourself up the career ladder. Helen Beaumont reveal five things you should know about working in fashion…
Dispel misconceptions
Marie Claire writes that a thick skin is essential in fashion, because people have a lot of misconceptions about the industry. When working in this image-based sector, people may believe that you are a looks-orientated person upon first meeting you. Even your friends may think that you have chosen an inconsequential career path, especially if they work in more ‘worthy’ vocations, like medicine or law.
It’s not like a movie
The Devil Wears Prada is one of the greatest fashion films ever. Some people thinking that working in this industry is like working for this movie’s notorious Editor Miranda Priestly, but it isn’t. People do eat when working in fashion – companies often send treats like donuts fashion offices when promoting something. Also, you will not have to go to work decked out in designer labels – unless you want to!
Prepare for Fashion Months
You will work to an unusual schedule. February and September are the busiest times of the year, when the bi-annual Fashion Month events, which include showcases from major industry capitals e.g. London Fashion Week, take place. In these months, prepare to have no life, but no one works in August, as everyone breaks to relax before the madness of September, so you’ll get some down time.
Great networking opportunities
Fashion is a very small industry, so over time, you will literally know everyone. This is good, because it means that when you’re looking to move up the career ladder, you will probably have a contact at your desired employer. But you can’t afford to burn bridges, because word will spread fast in this tight-knit community that you’re hard to work with, costing you great career progression opportunities.
Learn the language
It is standard to address people formally in professional settings. Not in fashion. Whether you’re talking to models, celebrities or designers, you will be expected to address them by their first names, even if you’ve never met them. After a few years of working in fashion, the way you speak will entirely change, with superlatives and trending portmanteau’s bleeding through your every sentence!
Unique industry
Therefore in some ways, fashion is like any other industry. You will be expected to act in a professional manner. But in other ways, fashion is completely unique, with its own language, calendar and sense of community spirit, providing you with exciting opportunities to create a thriving career.
About Helen Beaumont
Helen Beaumont’s career started at Camberwell College of Art, where she studied the History of Art and Design, specialising in costume during her final year. After completing study, Helen became a costume buyer for theatre and opera. She has since become a professional costume designer, with a keen interest in period clothing. Throughout her career, Helen has created authentic costumes for prestigious companies such as the Universal Studios, Disney, BBC, Tiger Aspect and the Young Vic Theatre.
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