So many young and creative people have aspired to break into the vibrant and fascinating field of the fashion industry. If you are one of these people, take your career to the next level by learning from the takeaways from a few of the best in this field like Marissa Webb, Tanya Taylor, and more. Read on to get inspiration from the past "How to Make It in Fashion" Conferences, and make your dreams come true!
While studying at Fashion Institute of Technology, Marissa Webb said she had to juggle her studies with her work as a waitress, an intern and with her other freelance jobs. She emphasized how important it is to be able to get into the industry while you are still going to school, which is why she did a freelance job at Donna Karan and worked as an intern for Polo Ralph Lauren where she worked full time after graduating. "Work your ass off and make sure that you're giving it 150 percent. An internship is not just an internship." is her advice for the interns.
It is also important to get experience in the business before venturing out and launching your own brand. Kara Mendelsohn of Cooper & Ella gained experience first from Michael Kors, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Thakoon, before she started her own line.
Likewise, the experiences that Jonathan Simkhai's and Oak's Jeff Madalena from their buying and retail helped them gain better understanding about the things that will influence a woman to spend for a garment. Tanya Taylor, on the other hand said that what helped her when she was working as an assistant designer was her business degree at McGill.
Taking advantage of the social media is also one thing because whatever you say and post online can be a powerful tool to help you achieve the exposure you want. People pay a lot of attention to social media, might as well use it to your advantage.
When preparing for an interview, you have to make sure that you have done your research and are familiar of the ins and outs about the brand you are applying for. It is also equally important to be respectful of your peers regardless of their work in the company. "There are some rough politics in this business, but if you do handle it with integrity it will get you much further... I've shown my resumé maybe twice in 15 years. Networking and the relationships I've built are what have actually gotten me work." Tara Swennen said.
