Leave a comment and ask! We’ll get to them in the order received.
[If you have a question about Breaking into Fashion or a Mail Bomb, consult the archives, or direct them to thefashionbomb@gmail.com. Anything off topic will be deleted.]1. When and how can people apply for internships?
The Fashion Bomb always keeps an eye peeled for fresh talent, and this year we’ll be kicking off our internship search with a contest. Stay tuned to the Fashion Bomb for details, and for more information as to requirements and how to apply!
2. I am currently a Journalism student and would like to work as a writer for a fashion magazine. Other than school how else should I prepare for a career in the biz? While I am passionate about fashion I’m worried that I don’t know enough about the technical side (the history of each label, fabrics, heavy hitters in the industry, etc).
In addition to going to journalism school, you should complete internships at fashion magazines. These are typically unpaid, but necessary if you want to get your foot in the door. To find out about internship opportunities, visit websites like MediaBistro, Ed2010, and Fashionista for current openings. Aside from interning, study fashion. Buy fashion books, read the magazines you are interested in working for, and learn the craft so that your interview and application are solid. For more, read our Breaking into Fashion posts on Pamela Edwards, Fashion and Beauty Features Editor for Essence, and Beverly Smith, former Fashion Editor at Large for Vibe Magazine. You can find a wealth of career guidance by Reading the Fashion Bomb’s Breaking into Fashion series.
3. What year was The Fashion Bomb started? And what was your inspiration to start this site?
The Fashion Bomb launched in August 2006. Claire, a writer and fashion enthusiast, started the site to have a personal outlet to share her likes, dislikes, book picks, and music favorites with friends. Being a shopaholic, the site quickly took a turn for fashion and hasn’t turned back! What started off as ‘Claire’s Adventures in Shopping’ has become a place where anyone with a love for style can come for celebrity looks for less, wardrobe advice, trends, and tips on breaking into the industry.
4. I know Claire is currently living in Paris. What are some tips and advice you can offer someone looking to make the trip to live abroad?
Claire says, “One of my favorite fun books is Fabulosity by Kimora Lee Simmons. In it, Kimora has a great quote that says, “Life is a series of adjustments: You can make changes along the way, but if you don’t start moving forward you’ll never get anywhere.” There are plenty of reasons not to make an international move: it’s frightening. It’s expensive. You’ll miss your family, friends, and boyfriend. But instead of focusing on what you’ll miss out on, think of all you can gain from living in a different environment, learning a new culture, and traveling the world. It was a goal of mine for many years to live abroad, and I made it a resolution in January 2008 to just go, regardless of whether I was prepared or not. And I wasn’t prepared! At all! But like Kimora said, I made adjustments as I moved, and all is fine. So that you’re not as unprepared as I was, I’d say: start planning a year in advance. Look for official programs that will help you get paperwork in the country of your choice–teaching English is usually an easy way to go. Try to have all of your paperwork: visas, passports, pictures, ready before you take off. Save enough money to survive for at least 3 months (it will take you that long to get adjusted and be in the proper mindset to job search). Connect with and send e-mails to as many contacts as you can. And just go! A great book that helped me plan was The 4 Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss.”
