fashionYak: February 2014

LFW AW'14

As a fashion student, it's important to get as many internships and work experience as possible during the years of study. If you are a fellow aspiring fashion professional, you can probably relate to the pressure from your tutors and peers to compete in this demanding, fast-pace industry, even before you have graduated...

You have probably also heard of many undergrads who have applied and worked at Fashion Week, with Fashion Scout or with the BFC, for one season at least. I had and this worried me... 'Should I have this under my belt already by second year? How hard is it to apply? Who do I even speak to?' It's much easier than you think, here are some tips and insights if you're thinking of applying to work for Fashion Scout.

I found that applying mid-January for the February Fashion Week was enough time for them to get back to me (they actually replied 2 days later!), but it would be useful to do it earlier.

I was then able to choose to work either for 2 weeks (setting up/building and working during LFW) or just LFW (as either front of house or backstage). I chose a group and confirmed my attendance, and the team sent me more info and a volunteer handbook 10 days later. I decided to be part of the front of house team because I thought it would be more interesting as it would allow me to interact with guests and see the shows after seating people.

Each day, you are advised to wear black so it's easy to identify the team - I wore skinnies and a simple black Zara top some days, or a velvet skirt and a crop top on others. I often find it difficult to wear all black, so accessorised with a colourful scarf, watch and scrunchie too. ALWAYS wear comfy shoes - I made the mistake of wearing brand new Topshop trainers on the first day and they killed! I made sure that I took my black Doc Martens with me most days, just incase my feet needed some sanctuary. My black Hershel backpack was the perfect size during the day, but wearing something with pockets is a good idea for after you have dumped your things.

As front of house aid, you'll be setting up one of the 3 catwalks that will be used throughout the day. This involves putting the white benches in place, making up good bags, placing them on the f-row, as well as laying sponsors flyers and press releases on the benches. Odd jobs are also given to whoever is willing - these are a nice change from the setting out and clearing up shows, so jump at these chances!

Models' briefing before the FAD show (my favourite show of the week)

Once everyone is seated, the team are able to watch the shows, which is the best part of the experience! You see so many interesting, uniquely-dressed people at the shows and this is a real treat for the eyes.

Miss Pandemonia and Prince Cassius

Veronica Basharatyan finale

I found working backstage really fun also, but reaaaally stressful. For the Kiev Fashion Days show, I was pulled backstage to make super quick changes of black stilettos between the models coming off the catwalk, to the ones due to go on 10 seconds after. I have never had such a scared sweat on in my life, but it was actually so exciting too!

Another one of my favourites - backstage at Mimi Fasi with patterned Mad Men-esque pieces

The team are also really generous with breaks, for which you can do whatever you like - I looked around what was going on at Somerset House, which I will definitely be trying to get involved with in the near future, as it looked like such an inspirational hub for the week. The team were also treated to makeovers and manicures courtesy of the mobile Rimmel double-decker which certainly went down well as the week wound down. I was also sneaky and sat in a scene the Made In Chelsea crew, Binky, Louise and Mark Francis were filming, which was exciting at first, until I realised how fake and constructed the scene was ha!

Mark Francis was EXACTLY the same in 'real life', which made my day

Fashion Scout volunteering is valuable, but I'm hoping to work for the BFC or Graduate Fashion Week next to get a more varied experience during LFW. If you're going on your own, like me, it's a great way to put yourself out there and talk to everyone. It sounds obvious, but you do meet lots of like-minded people who are just happy to be there and are all there for the same kind of experience. I would recommend applying for a season, but having confidence when you are there allows you to get much more out of the experience than you would think!