Photo: Fashion 156 blog

There’s no lack of speculation about the nature of the fashion industry, inspiring of course films such as The Devil Wears Prada and September Issue. But is there truth in the myths? Is it as cut throat as people say? The best way to know if you’re right for an industry is to get some experience! If you’re interested in breaking into the fashion industry, it can be troubling knowing where to start, but your well connected Uncle WEXO can help you get that first foot through the door. Here’s a quick guide to help you kick start your fashion career.

One thing that is certainly no myth, fashion is competitive. With so many girls desperate to secure themselves a place in it, especially in magazine editorial and stylist roles, you need to be thick skinned, prepared to work very hard indeed and be good at what you do. But fashion is a colossal industry and there are many different types of roles to be had, so keep an open mind!

It is widely accepted that experience is everything, and often, the big names will specify the need for a few internships on your CV before they offer you one themselves. And while it is definitely a good thing to get big names on your CV, when you’re first starting out you might find that your learning curve is much steeper if you look in less obvious places anyway. Those of you eager to quench your career ambition may find the responsibility you get at smaller companies more exciting than it would be as head wardrobe tidier somewhere well known.

Here are some WEXO top career tips to give yourself a head start:

- Use the internet as much as you can. The web is fashion’s outlet du jour and if it isn’t already it will soon be impossible to get into fashion without being internet savvy. It is essential to familiarise yourself with the ways fashion is being presented online, especially with online fashion retail.

Know your stuff: Online retailers to keep your eye on

1) Net-A-Porter – online fashion mecca

2) Matches – one to watch

3) Asos – affordable fashion, for a broad spectrum of budgets and tastes

- SIGN UP FOR EMAIL NEWSLETTERS and updates from not just your favourite mags, but ALL of them. And importantly take the time to read them. Read. read. read. You might get annoyed when unwanted gossip hits your inbox, but the only way to hear about what’s going on at all times is to have as many sources as possible. That’s not to say you shouldn’t be discerning – developing a strong and shrewd opinion will be key, but you’ll need to know about different markets too. These three are a good place to start.

Know your stuff: Fashion updates

1) Vogue.com – for industry and catwalk reporting

2) Grazia online – high street updates and offers great free fashion events

3) Dazed and Confused Online – The artier side of fashion (+they you get the print mag to flick through online)




With bloggers lining the front rows of top shows it’s obvious just how much influence blogs now have. Have a look around for ones you like, there’s plenty out there, but these should get you started.


Know your stuff: Top Fashion blogs


1) The Sartorialist – the Sultan of style teaches the fashion industry a thing or two on a regular basis

2) Jak and Jil – very fun with gorgeous photography

3) Style Bubble – insight into the experiences of an industry girl.




– Make sure you ALWAYS have a ‘can do’ attitude. I’ve been a fashion intern myself and you’ll do well if you learn the art of appearing excited about such tasks as cleaning a dirty wall and being a leaning post for models in high heels. You may not see immediately how this will get you your dream career, but it’s all part of proving your dedication. Even if you studied nuclear physics at Oxford, you will still have to prove your passion by starting at the bottom.

– Be pushy, but NOT annoying. Offer to do extra things and try to make a good impression with the people you meet. Making connections will be key to your success.

Here’s some exciting opportunities that would make impressive additions to your CV.

Dunhill
Global luxury fashion brand giant


“Marketing, PR and Events – You will create the electronic bi-monthly International press Clipping report -To assist with coordinating all new products for image library – Administration duties – To assist with implementation and execution of PR events.”


Apply now




Burberry
Quintessentially English, iconic fashion brand, synonymous with quality the world over.


“We are looking for someone to fill the next available work experience placement at our company, which we will try to adapt depending on your interests and your ambitions. We can only consider applications from candidates with properly completed profiles, including full academic achievements and career/educational history, so please be as detailed as possible.”

Apply for the role now

Giorgio Armani
One of the leading fashion and luxury goods groups in the world today.



“Press Office Intern: You will be responsible for editorial reports, sample send outs and returns, maintenance of the show room, shoot deliveries and general office duties.”

Apply for the role now

MIH Jeans
“today we dress some of the best bums in the world from New York to Tokyo, and not forgetting London” Chloe Lonsdale, Designer and Founder


“Assisting the Sales and Press department- full time internship for three months”

Apply for the role now

Sheerluxe.com


“Your responsibilities will range from helping the editorial team, to liaising with PRs, assisting with the general running of the site, and more. As part of a small team, your role will be really hands on. You’ll also get the opportunity to write articles on fashion, beauty, home and more.”

Apply for the role now

Yukka
Yukka is Europe’s premier urban online clothing company.


“Marketing Internship – We’re look for a talented individual with a passion for fashion to join Yukka and report into the M.D. to help develop our marketing channels in the areas of Social Media, Blogs and many other avenues.”

Apply for the role now

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