GETTING YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR

Mar 03, 2008

How do I get started in the fashion world? Should I go to college or try to get a job? Do I want to start my own company? So many questions in my head--where do I start and where will I end up? Sound like you? I remember the feeling exactly like that myself!

I've learned a lot about the industry since I began and I'm finding out there is always more to know. I've graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology, interned for designers, and started my own label. I've realized that it's an industry where art is connected and, in fact, run by business. If I didn't have a strong grasp of business, it would all be just a hobby. Some people have made it in a very short time with no training and others have graduated from university with degrees before starting their careers. I started in fashion design, and then decided to graduate with a BA in business.

I believe it is important that you first decide if this is really what you want to do! Start by getting involved in this industry. I would advise getting a degree in fashion. Even though you will probably learn more from trial and error and working for another designer, this industry is very competitive and graduating with a degree will give you a head start. If you want to get into fashion, it’s important to find the right college and to do an internship while in school.

I would suggest F.I.T, Parsons School of Design in New York and the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence because they are either in, or near, the center of the fashion world. You meet people, develop relationships. The fashion industry is really a small world. Everyone knows each other. So you can find a new job and go to another company a lot easier if you want to. To get into one of these schools, you would need to put together a good portfolio of your work. Several ways you can do this is to get an internship and do it with a positive attitude and demonstrate a good work ethic. It’s the most important thing no matter where you go to school, because you get to know people in the business, make connections and develop relationships; otherwise, it’s really hard to get hired because you usually have to know somebody to do that.

While I was attending F.I.T I really wanted to intern for Zac Posen. If you put your mind to something and are open, anything is possible. I found out he was having a trunk show at Bergdorf Goodmans and I met him and he was so charming. I told him that I was attending F.I.T and he actually suggested the internship. I ended up interning for him for 2 years and it was very beneficial. Interning was fun, but it can be long hours and hard work. I was able to learn about the business side of the industry, production, distribution, sourcing and marketing. I think this is a great route; you can learn from someone else's mistakes, learn the ropes, make great contacts and eventually go out on your own better equipped. If you can, I would recommend interning for an up and coming designer. You will learn a lot more and see how things happen from scratch. One of the hardest things for me to do is to put myself out there; I am basically introverted and hate asking for things or being assertive. I’ve learned very quickly in this business you will not get very far with that mentality; you need to go after what you want because it will not come to you while you’re sitting back and day-dreaming.

There is no hurry in starting your own business. Be patient and recognize there is no rush. It is better to have the means to endure mistakes or the skill to avoid them. This is not a business of instant gratification. You have to develop it over time and have the right business plan. Everyone makes mistakes and the industry will come back if you have the creations, strength and passion.


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