Fashion Forward

By Henry Hipp '22

The fashion industry is very competitive and requires a tremendous amount of drive and innovation. The industry attracts all kinds of people who seek the spotlight and adapt to changing trends. It can be an intimidating industry to break into, but just like anything, if there’s a will there’s a way. The Lafayette Fashion Society was fortunate enough to co-sponsor an Alumni Fashion Panel that gave us plenty of useful tips to dish out to students looking to make it in this competitive industry.

First and foremost, it is essential to find an internship or job while in college. It may seem like a lot to handle at once, but a simple internship could jumpstart your career path, give you practical skills and projects to work on and help improve your networking skills. Meeting with your Gateway Career counselor is a great way to start your internship search so they can proofread your resume and serve as an excellent resource for any questions you may have when filling out applications.

Second, do not underestimate the power of social media. It can be the deciding factor of whether or not you get the job. According to the Fashionista website, "if a hiring manager is between two candidates and they're equal in all other qualifications, the person with more social-media followers has a better likelihood of getting the job" (2016). Your social media is YOUR brand, so utilize it like it's a visual resume! Show off your passions, interests, and let both your professional and non-professional life shine through. Just make sure that everything on your social media is appropriate and “grandma-approved.”

Passion is by far the most essential thing to keep in mind in order to thrive in the fashion industry. When you find yourself struggling to get a job offer when hit with a string of rejections, passion is the single factor that will help you persist and stay motivated to keep applying. Stowaway CEO Julie Frederickson believes that "anyone can learn anything at any time." It is not a matter of whether someone has relevant skills or not; instead, the drive to learn along the way.

Often, individuals view the fashion industry as an environment only fit for the most creative designers. While designers are at the forefront of the public eye, there are countless crucial positions behind the scenes. Not many people know about garment technologists, but they play a critical role in fashion innovation. They design and develop new materials by combining fibers and textiles. Retail buyers determine where the garments are sourced and which retailers carry them. Retail buyers are the reason you can easily walk into a store and try on a clothing piece. In addition, those who work in public relations work with fashion labels and retailers to build a strong brand profile and public image and assist with the media coverage of new product launches (DrapersJobs 2012). Without Fashion PR's, you may never discover your new favorite shirt.

Whatever your area of strength may be, there are countless jobs in the fashion industry that require individuals from various disciplines. Do not be discouraged, there is a fashion job waiting for you if you work hard for it!

Sources:

• https://fashionista.com/2016/10/best-fashion-career-advice

• https://www.drapersjobs.com/news/top-10-careers-fashion-industry