Working in fashion is not all sequins, lie-ins and liquid lunches – à la Eddie and Patsy in the upcoming Absolutely Fabulous movie. Sure, it can be glamorous: mixing with designers, organising models and co-ordinating photoshoots are all everyday jobs in the industry. But the industry is highly competitive. So how can you break in and forge a successful career?
Whether you opt to study design, join an apprenticeship or find a job through work experience, there are plenty of routes into fashion. To succeed, students need to “work hard, engage with every aspect of your course and make the most of networking opportunities”, says Susie Forbes, principal of the Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design.
Joanne Matthews, creative curriculum director at Fashion Awareness Direct, adds that applicants who do things for themselves always stand out. “Whether it’s customising things, making their own clothes or starting a blog, getting experience making things for themselves and others is great.”
It is also important to cut the cliches when applying for entry level jobs or work experience. “Phrases such as ‘I have a passion for fashion’ or ‘Fashion is what my life is about’ are my pet hates,” says Kelly Cutrone, owner of fashion PR agency People’s Revolution.
So if you’re looking to pursue a career in fashion, how can you build up your CV and work experience and nab that first job? Join us on Wednesday 29 June from 1pm-2.30pm BST for a live chat with the experts. We’ll be discussing:
- Career routes into fashion
- How to gain work experience in the industry
- CV, cover letter and job application tips
The Q&A will take place in the comments section below this article. Taking part is easier than ever: to comment create a free Guardian account, or log in using your Twitter or Facebook profiles. Alternatively, tweet us @GuardianCareers or email your questions to charlotte.seager@theguardian.com, who will post them for you.
Panel
Alexandra Alberta Yeo is the founder of London-based jewellery label Alexandra Alberta. Prior to this she worked for designers such as Rag & Bone, Opening Ceremony and Lanvin. In 2014, her Baroque collection was named Top Five Emerging Designer Collections by Professional Jeweller, UK.
Lauren Gibson works with Fashion Awareness Direct to develop the www.intofashion.eu platform, to guide young people who are thinking of progressing into fashion. Gibson worked in buying for companies such as Tesco and M&Co before becoming a lead textiles teacher in London. She now works as a consultant on freelance fashion projects.
Phoenix Keating launched his fashion label in 2009 and his debut collection was selected by Lady Gaga’s stylists. In April 2014, after being one of the most attended shows at Sydney Fashion Week, it was announced that Keating had been nominated for the International Woolmark Prize. Keating recently showed his first fully ready-to-wear collection and now the label is preparing for global expansion.
Jo Jenkinson is principle lecturer in fashion for Manchester Metropolitan University. Jenkinson worked as a designer for international brands including Ted Baker, Levi’s and Denham. In 2006, she returned to Manchester Metropolitan University, where she currently leads the fashion design and technology programmes.
Alison Rapsey is course director of Fashion Business and Promotion at Birmingham City University. Rapsey’s experience includes eight years in retail working across management roles in Arcadia and Emporio Armani. As course director she teaches over 340 students in modules including fashion buying, trend forecasting and international retailing.
Elinor Renfrew is associate Professor at Kingston University and head of the fashion department. Renfrew worked for all levels of the fashion industry including her own business before going into higher education. She is author of Developing A Collection published by Bloomsbury and is an expert in fashion employability, internships and sponsored projects.
Ruby Hoette works as a designer, curator and researcher exploring fashion in context through the intersection of theory and practice. Hoette is convenor of the MA Fashion at Goldsmiths, University of London. The programme provides a highly creative interdisciplinary environment in which research and critical debate combine with making to cultivate new ways of thinking, doing and being fashion.
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