Fashion Assistants -- the Best Jobs in Fashion For the Worst Pay?

by Fran Walker
Fashion School Review Columnist

May 31, 2006

Send to a friend |

Printable Version

In the UK fashion assistants are notoriously the worst paid but best dressed people at fashion shows. But ask them how they feel about their career, and they'll say they have some of the best jobs in fashion! Better still, they are in prime position for a later career as a fashion editor.

What Do Fashion Assistants Do?

Fashion assistants have some of the most varied jobs in fashion. Working mostly for magazines, they carry out many day to day tasks to ensure a successful fashion shoot. Checking stock and carrying boxes will progress to organizing shoots and writing and styling fashion pages. It is undoubtedly hard work -- and is not that well paid, but the travel, experience and networking potential make it one of the best jobs in fashion.

Do I Need a Fashion Degree to Be a Fashion Assistant?

Almost certainly yes. Most people with a career as a fashion assistant, fashion journalist or fashion editor have either a fashion degree, a journalism degree or an English degree. In effect, you either have be a fashion graduate with strong English skills, or an English graduate with a strong love of, and talent for, fashion. Whichever one you are, you will also need to be hard-working, organized, have a good eye and be willing to lift heavy boxes! You may also be expected to undergo an unpaid internship first.

Will I Become a Fashion Editor?

Anna Wintour started her career as a fashion assistant. I hardly need to tell you who she is an editor for now. Fashion assistants get some of the best on-the-job training in fashion or anywhere else. While not all fashion assistants' careers will reach the dizzy heights of Vogue editor, they certainly have the best jobs in fashion to get them there.

Sources:

About the Author
Fran Walker is a freelance writer, editor and researcher specializing in educational, health, safety and domestic issues. Previously, she spent five years in marketing in the self-help, health and health and safety sectors before leaving to start a family

Featured Schools
Campus The Art Institutes The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations. See more facts about The Art Institutes Program Offer: Fashion Design (BFA) Fashion Design (AAA) Fashion Design (AA) And more... Campus Locations: Chicago Dallas Denver Fort Lauderdale Houston Indianapolis Miami Milwaukee Minneapolis New York North Hollywood Philadelphia Pittsburgh Portland San Antonio San Bernardino San Diego San Francisco Santa Ana Santa Monica Schaumburg Seattle Tucson Vancouver Campus American InterContinental University Get the design and business skills you need to succeed. American InterContinental University - Buckhead's mission is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and practical work experience they need for success. Whether you're interested in Internati See more facts about American InterContinental University Program Offer: Bachelor of Fine Arts Fashion Marketing Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Marketing and Design Campus Locations: Atlanta Fort Lauderdale Campus International Academy of Design and Tech Start planning for your future. No matter what you want to achieve in your career, the International Academy of Design & Technology in Chicago can help. The Academy offers diverse and comprehensive degree programs in numerous Design disciplines as wel See more facts about International Academy of Design and Tech Program Offer: Fashion Design and Merchandising Fashion Design Campus Locations: Chicago Henderson Nashville Orlando San Antonio Seattle Troy Campus Visual College of Art and Design Follow your passion! For over 35 years, the Visual College of Art and Design (VCAD) has taught artists and imaginative people just like you. VCAD's Fine Arts diploma program is highly regarded for providing a well-rounded arts education in an environment that emphasizes creativity and individuality. Which program is right for you? Choose from Graphic Design, Marketing & Merchandising for Fashion, 3D Modelling Animation Art & Design, Fashion Design, and Interior Design. We know that employers want graduates who are knowledgeable about their field and possess the most up-to-date technical skills. That's why our students receive focused and specialized training on the tools, techniques, and technology used in their chosen career field. Visual College of Art and Design offers courses at one campus in Vancouver, British Columbia Get started today by answering a few questions.>>> See more facts about Visual College of Art and Design Program Offer: Fashion Design Campus Locations: Vancouver Campus Collins College Prepare yourself for the future. Collins College, located in Tempe, AZ, is your gateway to the world of design and technology. Get the education you need to start a new career in Visual Communication, Multimedia Production, Animation, Digital Video, or PC See more facts about Collins College Program Offer: Fashion Design and Merchandising Campus Locations: Phoenix Online Stratford Career Institute Earn Your Diploma from Home! Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods. See more facts about Stratford Career Institute Program Offer: Fashion Merchandising and Design