I often am asked by younger, eager creatives: Jamé, share the secrets on how to break into the fashion industry. While I wish it were that easy, the truth is the answer is a lot more complex.
How to break into the fashion industry
Breaking into the fashion industry can be an exciting and rewarding journey. Whether you’re passionate about design, marketing, or any other aspect of the industry, this guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive roadmap to help you kick-start your fashion career. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of entering the industry, provide actionable steps, and address how living in New York can impact your fashion aspirations. Let’s dive in.
On the one hand, there are a lot of great things about the fashion industry. It offers a creative outlet, there’s always constant innovation, and there’s a variety of different roles you can pursue (more on that later). However, for every pro, there are also a lot of cons.
I’ve publicly discussed this for years, but you all know that fashion can have its limitations. First, the competitive environment can not be welcoming for marginalized groups or people who don’t have the capital to take entry-level positions. There’s a lot of pressure attached to that frequent innovation, and can also be met with even more stress depending on the financial challenges of your role.
So, here are a few tips on how to break into the fashion industry, no matter where you are at in your career:
Self-Reflection and Research
Before doing anything else, you must research and reflect on what you want out of your career. Not every role in the industry is the same, and they all require different skill sets to make them happen. What are your interests? What are your strengths? Jot them down on a piece of paper as your starting point. This will be helpful when you’re figuring out how to get a job in fashion and what jobs in the fashion industry exist.
From there, start researching various career paths that align with some of the things you wrote down. There could be a lot of overlap, but at least seeing what is out there will guide you in the right direction when it’s time for things such as your resume build, a portfolio, or internships. Lastly, use the JDs you see for jobs as a great sounding board to see if you’re interested in doing the work required and what skill will be needed for it.
Education and Skill Development
This next step really depends on what specifically you want to do. Let it be known one does not have to go to school or take specific classes in order to learn how to break into the fashion industry. I, for example, did not have to go and get a Masters to do what I do today. However, I wanted to get more technical training and learn more about the industry’s business side. So, it will largely depend on what you are going after when it comes to education and your skill development.
If you’re interested in developing your skills, you can enroll in fashion-related courses or programs offered by your school or local institutions. If your school doesn’t offer that, you can attend workshops, seminars, or webinars to expand your knowledge and skills. While these may require a financial investment, you can sometimes find free online opportunities or things on websites such as Eventbrite. Lastly, you can always seek internships or part-time jobs in fashion-related companies or organizations.
I didn’t have the opportunity to pursue a fashion-related internship when I was graduating from college, but I did have the opportunity to intern at AARP The Magazine in Washington, D.C., throughout school. It not only put some money in my pocket but also exposed me to the world of publishing so I could know if that’s what I wanted to do.
Networking and Building Relationships
Networking is going to be one of the most important skills you can develop over the course of your career. There are many ways to do it, which means there’s no excuse for what you can achieve if you just reach out and get to know people. If you’re more of an extrovertive individual, you can attend industry events, fashion shows, and exhibitions to meet professionals and fellow enthusiasts.
If you’re more introverted or not in an area where there’s a lot of fashion material, you can join fashion-related clubs, organizations, or online communities. I love that you can also use social media platforms to connect and engage with industry experts and influencers. Find ways to build community even if you’re not in one of the big hubs for fashion. While you may need to travel for opportunities like fashion week or conferences, you can also get exposure and start building your community doing things one day at a time.
Gain Practical Experience
At some point, it’ll be crucial to put your training to use. You can apply for internships or entry-level positions to gain hands-on experience. Use websites such as LinkedIn or Ed2010 or generic job boards to find opportunities to apply. Work and create a portfolio showcasing your skills, projects, or designs, which you can get both while you’re on the job as well as on your own. To freshen up on your skills, you can also seek freelance opportunities to build your reputation and expand your network.
Stay Informed and Adapt
As I mentioned above, you’ll want to adapt and keep up with industry news, trends, and emerging technologies. This allows you to see what’s going on in the industry and if there are other skills you need to develop. For example, there is a huge push right now for AI and its adoption in fashion. That’s a skill that didn’t exist even five years ago! Study the craft.
You can also follow fashion blogs, magazines, podcasts, and social media accounts to stay connected.
Learning how to break into the fashion industry requires dedication, perseverance, and a proactive approach. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can build a strong foundation for your fashion career, regardless of location. You have to figure out what works for you and what you can do. I always encourage people to reach out and ask for informational interviews with people who interest you. Also, while it may take. a little longer to get there, you do not have to go broke in the pursuit of your dreams. Remember, the journey may have its challenges, but with passion, creativity, and a friendly attitude, you can pave your way toward success in the fashion industry.
