The truth about being a fashion intern; is it glamorous or like Devil Wears Prada?
I've been lucky enough to have several internships working in the fashion industry. They've been amazing experiences that have definitely left me with a lot of stories; good and some not so good. So I thought I'd talk a little bit more about my experiences interning!
For those who don't know what interning is, it's working at a company to gain experience within an industry, so in my case the fashion industry. An intern is hired to help with the day to day tasks; these can range from fetching coffee to helping with photo shoots.
One of my favourite internships was at Nikita Karizma, a London based Designer. Here I helped with creating samples, assisting with photo shoots, mood boarding ideas, the list goes on! I loved working with the team here as they were all lovely and I felt they really valued my ideas. One of my favourite things I did here was helping create pieces that Ella Eyre then wore when she went on tour!
At another internship I was working for a stylist. Here I was involved in a few celebrity fittings, helping prepare for photo shoots, sorting clothes ect. I loved being surrounded by such incredible pieces, that I could only dream of wearing!
But there's also the other end of the spectrum. I'm not going to deny it, at some placements I felt a lot like Andrea in Devil Wears Prada! Some places take interns for granted and see you more as nuisance than someone that's there to help. At some placements, I've been given loads of stressful jobs and not been treated the best. I'd be ignored or sent on ridiculous tasks that no matter what I did they wouldn't be happy. I started interning at 16 which is quite young and I think people used to forget how young I was and assume I knew what to do, when in reality I had no idea!
But at the end of the day, I think these experiences have all been worth while. They've helped make me who I am and given me more confidence; if I can travel to London and survive a day running round after other people then I can do anything... or least that's what I'm going to tell myself! I think these placements have also helped me prepare for the fashion industry. We all have to start at the bottom and honestly I'm so honoured that I've been allowed to be a part of some amazing things! Fashion shows, fittings, photo shoots all the stress has been worth it in the end to be able to say I was a part of that!
So if an experience ever comes your way, go for it! Who knows where it'll take you and what opportunities will come from it!
Best wishes,
Lottie