Unlocking Volunteering Opportunities at Fashion Week
Written by Valentine Fabre
The first fashion season of the year is finally here and extends from January 9th to March 5th, concluding with Paris Fashion Week. As the whole industry shifts into high gear, this period offers emerging talent the perfect opportunity to brush shoulders with like-minded professionals and industry leaders by way of volunteering to work at the many global events and activations planned for the season. Those who are able to spare time stand to gain invaluable experience and insight into the business’ inner workings as well as cultivate powerful connections.
This year, we encourage you to step into the ring instead of watching the shows from afar. Below is everything you need to know to seize the opportunity and start volunteering at Fashion Week, whether in Copenhagen, London, Paris or New York.
Why Should I Volunteer?
Because of its unpaid nature, volunteering may not be possible for everyone. However, if you can spare the time, there is more to be gained than mere financial compensation. First, volunteering will equip you with great first-hand experience of what it is like to work in fashion, as well as give you a better understanding of the industry.
It is also an ideal setting for connecting with like-minded professionals, honing your networking skills. Finally, it is a way to build up your CV and LinkedIn profile in support of your job search.
What Would I Be Doing?
This will depend on how you found the opportunity and who you work for, but in most cases you will be working backstage at a runway show, assisting with dressing the models. The stylists and organisers will assign you two or three looks, and provide you with pictures and a rundown of how to build it including shoes and accessories. You may also be responsible for other tasks such as ironing clothes, running errands, and packing/unpacking.
Where Can I Find Volunteering Opportunities?
There are many ways for you to find volunteer work, the most effective being to directly contact a PR agency such as Purple in New York, Elevate in Mumbai or Task in London , who are responsible for organising season shows and events. If successful, they will assign you to the brands on their roster that are looking for help (which will be most brands, given the hectic nature of this season). Contact as many PR agencies as possible to increase your chances of being called in and to raise the amount of offers.
Alternatively, you can also look on social media by following stylists or industry professionals as well as specific accounts such as Assisting Work (@assisting_work) for London Fashion Week on Instagram. Additionally, keep an eye open on platforms such as The Dots or LinkedIn, where opportunities may also be shared.
While the best known ones are set in fashion capitals New York, London, Milan and Paris, Fashion Weeks have long spread across the world, so wherever you are based, do not be phased and contact PR agencies now to find your next local volunteering opportunity.
In the meantime, explore our many courses at The Glowth Academy to help you unlock the next phase of your career.
Written by Valentine Fabre