Disneyrollergirl writes one of those "must follow" industry blogs. Self-described as "an anonymous fashion insider", she has access to all facets of the industry and her advices are generally pretty sound. Her 2008 post on "How to become a fashion editor" comes with a warning:
When I was starting out, the competition for styling and fashion editor jobs was nothing compared to what it is now. When people watch the Devil Wears Prada or Ugly Betty I don’t know what happens but they become completely deluded that being a fashion editor is about strutting the streets in high heels, swingy ponytails and Phillip Lim jackets [...]
The reality is rather different. If you live for fashion the job is certainly fun, creative and varied but make no mistake, it’s flipping hard work as well.
On internships...
you have to be prepared to work for nothing. Why? Because if you don’t there’s always some eager beaver behind you who will happily fill your shoes. Hell, things are so crazy now that even getting a work experience placement or an internship is like applying for a paid job.
Of course, she's right, but the fact that many people want to work for free doesn't justify it in any way.
The hardest thing during an internship...
Be unforgettable
As well as being efficient and indispensable it’s important to be memorable. If you’re only there for a month, there will be umpteen interns after you before that oh-so-elusive job vacancy arises so make a lasting impression. If you’re a bit of a wallflower it’s essential to force yourself out of your shell and make conversation with people. Get to know the other interns (Teen Vogue has fifteen!) and people in other departments and make sure they all know your name. Offer to make tea and collect faxes from the fax machine. Go the extra mile and I can guarantee they’ll love you for it. This is how I and all my assistants became successful in our careers. Talent hardly comes into it, it’s all about the hard workers.
All those advices, an many more, at Disneyrollergirl...
Also worth reading is her post on the reality of fashion magazines versus the fiction depicted in films, something I feel quite strongly about
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