New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week are the two most prominent fashion weeks in the world. Both take place twice a year, with each season having a different flavor and aesthetic. Working in the fashion industry can be challenging at times. You might have to put in long hours, respond to emails on holidays, and not get any vacation days for months on end...but it’s also incredibly rewarding!
Working as a stylist, blogger, or journalist allows you to meet new people, see new places, and experience things you would never have been exposed to otherwise. And if you’re really lucky — maybe even be paid to do it! But getting your foot in that door is not always easy.
There are thousands of aspiring designers who want their work seen by potential employers as much as you do. If you want to pursue working in fashion (and why wouldn’t you?), now is the time to start planning for New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week.
What is Fashion Week?
Fashion Week is an event that takes place twice a year in major fashion capitals around the world. It’s essentially a giant trade show where designers show their latest collections to buyers, press, and other industry professionals to generate buzz and attention.
In the past, it was
common for people to “see and be seen” at Fashion Week — essentially going to
parties, networking, and rubbing elbows with celebrities while taking in the
runway shows at the same time. But in recent years, the need to generate
revenue has caused many fashion weeks to transform into ticketed events, with
the general public being shut out.
When is New York Fashion Week?
New York Fashion Week takes place twice a year — once in the
Spring and once in the Fall. This marks the beginning of the New York Fashion
Season, which continues until London Fashion Week in the late Autumn. The
official dates for Fall 2018 Fashion Week are the 9th – 11th of February and
the official dates for Spring 2019 Fashion Week are the 8th – 10th of July.
There is usually a one-week break in between the two, which is always the first
week of February and July.
When is London Fashion Week?
London Fashion Week takes place twice a year as well, once
in the Spring and once in the Fall. London Fashion Week is usually held the
first week of February. This means that New York Fashion Week and London
Fashion Week are usually held within the same month. The official dates for
Fall 2018 Fashion Week are the 10th – 14th of February and the official dates
for Spring 2019 Fashion Week are the 9th – 13th of July.
Tips for Finding a Job During Fashion Weeks
- Get Organized - You might be able to get your foot in the door at a major publication or brand, but being unprepared will lead to nothing but frustration. Make sure you’ve got a solid portfolio of work, that you’re familiar with the different publications, blogs, and brands and know what you can bring to the table. - Network - No one ever got a job without talking to people. You may be a fantastic stylist, but if no one knows that you are, you might not get the job.
Take advantage of networking opportunities, even if that
just means going to a cafe near the fashion week venues and observing the
fashionistas. - Be Flexible - If you manage to get a job during fashion week,
you’re likely to be working long hours and under a lot of pressure. Be prepared
to accept whatever hours you’re given and be ready to roll with the punches. -
Be Patient - This is a competitive industry, and it can take time to find a job.
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get hired right away. Keep applying, keep
networking, and you never know what will happen!
Conclusion
Fashion Week is an exciting and glamorous event that is
great for networking and meeting new people, but it is important to remember
that it can also be very stressful. Make sure you’re properly prepared, both
mentally and logistically, so you’re able to enjoy the experience and make the
most of it. You can read more about when fashion week from our latest fashion blog.