behind the scenes: the untold stories of fashion interns
Every year, thousands of bright-eyed fashion enthusiasts flock to the industry's hubs, dreaming of launching their careers through internships at top-tier fashion houses, magazines, and PR agencies. Yet, the journey of a fashion intern isn't all glitz and glamour. It's a world driven by long hours, low pay, and often thankless tasks, but one where the most unexpected moments can define a career.
On the surface, the life of a fashion intern might seem straightforward: attend meetings, fetch coffee, and aid in styling sessions. But the reality can be far more complex and, at times, grueling. Take Sophie James, for example. At 23, she had an opportunity to intern at one of New York's renowned fashion PR firms. Her days began at dawn and often stretched late into the night, filled with organizing sample collections, assisting in photoshoots, and managing a barrage of unexpected tasks. “One time, I had to source 50 vintage handbags for a shoot in 24 hours. I had no idea where to start, but failure wasn't an option,” she recalls.
Behind these demanding tasks lie stories of growth, resilience, and unexpected success. James admits that while she was often exhausted, the experience was invaluable. “You build a thick skin, learn to handle criticism, and, most importantly, network like your life depends on it.” The latter, often overlooked, is crucial. Many internships, despite the demanding nature, open doors to future job opportunities, and the relationships forged during these periods can be career-defining.
Another intern, Michael Lopez, interned at a major fashion magazine where he quickly learned the importance of attention to detail. “I spent hours organizing the fashion closet, ensuring every piece was accounted for. One missing dress could mean the end of a story,” Michael explains. The pressure to be impeccable, however, taught him the importance of precision and perseverance. “I developed a keen eye for detail and an ability to work under intense pressure – skills that set me apart in future roles.”
While many interns like Sophie and Michael see their experiences as rites of passage, the industry is not without its criticisms. The issue of unpaid internships continues to be a contentious subject, with many arguing that they exploit young talent. For those without financial means, such opportunities can be inaccessible, reinforcing social and economic inequalities within the industry. Several organizations now advocate for paid internships to ensure that all aspiring fashion professionals have the chance to succeed regardless of their economic background.
Despite these challenges, there are moments of serendipity and unexpected achievements. Claire Fisher, for instance, accidentally secured a feature spread after impressing the senior editor with her impeccable styling proposal during an internal brainstorming session. “I was just an intern, but I took a chance and it paid off. It was surreal seeing my work in print,” she enthuses. These success stories highlight the importance of seizing every opportunity, proving that even the most junior roles can lead to significant breakthroughs.
It's not just about the tasks at hand; it's the environment that shapes an intern's journey. The fashion industry's fast-paced and high-stakes nature can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Interns often describe a love-hate relationship with their roles – the excitement of being part of the fashion world's epicenter juxtaposed with the intense pressure to perform. Yet, for many, these experiences cultivate a profound love for the craft, fostering a resilience that propels them forward in their careers.
In recent years, the intern landscape has evolved. Digital internships are on the rise, enabling aspiring fashionistas from across the globe to gain invaluable experience remotely. This shift, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has made the industry more accessible. However, the lessons remain the same: hard work, dedication, and seizing every opportunity are non-negotiables in the journey to success.
As the industry continues to evolve, so does the role of the fashion intern. What remains constant is the grit and passion required to survive and thrive. For those who can navigate the intricate tapestry of challenges, the rewards are immeasurable. They emerge not just as professionals, but as individuals who understand that true success in fashion requires far more than just a good eye for style.
On the surface, the life of a fashion intern might seem straightforward: attend meetings, fetch coffee, and aid in styling sessions. But the reality can be far more complex and, at times, grueling. Take Sophie James, for example. At 23, she had an opportunity to intern at one of New York's renowned fashion PR firms. Her days began at dawn and often stretched late into the night, filled with organizing sample collections, assisting in photoshoots, and managing a barrage of unexpected tasks. “One time, I had to source 50 vintage handbags for a shoot in 24 hours. I had no idea where to start, but failure wasn't an option,” she recalls.
Behind these demanding tasks lie stories of growth, resilience, and unexpected success. James admits that while she was often exhausted, the experience was invaluable. “You build a thick skin, learn to handle criticism, and, most importantly, network like your life depends on it.” The latter, often overlooked, is crucial. Many internships, despite the demanding nature, open doors to future job opportunities, and the relationships forged during these periods can be career-defining.
Another intern, Michael Lopez, interned at a major fashion magazine where he quickly learned the importance of attention to detail. “I spent hours organizing the fashion closet, ensuring every piece was accounted for. One missing dress could mean the end of a story,” Michael explains. The pressure to be impeccable, however, taught him the importance of precision and perseverance. “I developed a keen eye for detail and an ability to work under intense pressure – skills that set me apart in future roles.”
While many interns like Sophie and Michael see their experiences as rites of passage, the industry is not without its criticisms. The issue of unpaid internships continues to be a contentious subject, with many arguing that they exploit young talent. For those without financial means, such opportunities can be inaccessible, reinforcing social and economic inequalities within the industry. Several organizations now advocate for paid internships to ensure that all aspiring fashion professionals have the chance to succeed regardless of their economic background.
Despite these challenges, there are moments of serendipity and unexpected achievements. Claire Fisher, for instance, accidentally secured a feature spread after impressing the senior editor with her impeccable styling proposal during an internal brainstorming session. “I was just an intern, but I took a chance and it paid off. It was surreal seeing my work in print,” she enthuses. These success stories highlight the importance of seizing every opportunity, proving that even the most junior roles can lead to significant breakthroughs.
It's not just about the tasks at hand; it's the environment that shapes an intern's journey. The fashion industry's fast-paced and high-stakes nature can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Interns often describe a love-hate relationship with their roles – the excitement of being part of the fashion world's epicenter juxtaposed with the intense pressure to perform. Yet, for many, these experiences cultivate a profound love for the craft, fostering a resilience that propels them forward in their careers.
In recent years, the intern landscape has evolved. Digital internships are on the rise, enabling aspiring fashionistas from across the globe to gain invaluable experience remotely. This shift, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has made the industry more accessible. However, the lessons remain the same: hard work, dedication, and seizing every opportunity are non-negotiables in the journey to success.
As the industry continues to evolve, so does the role of the fashion intern. What remains constant is the grit and passion required to survive and thrive. For those who can navigate the intricate tapestry of challenges, the rewards are immeasurable. They emerge not just as professionals, but as individuals who understand that true success in fashion requires far more than just a good eye for style.