Fashion Journalism

Ilyana 2.0

Hi, I'm just wondering if anyone here knows anything about getting into fashion journalism? I'd like to do a masters in it, and the only suitable ones I've found are in the UK (London College of Fashion and University of Creative Arts). I write for a fashion column for a college newspaper but I have no relevant work experience in the area (yet, anyway). I write a blog but it's more of a personal/lifestyle blog, although I do publish my fashion articles there too.

If anyone knows of any opportunities to do this in Ireland, or any other opportunities in the UK, I'd appreciate the help

Cowenwatch

May I suggest looking at it the other way. Get into journalism first and then concentrate on the fashion. Reason being, a journalist today is expected to be more than just a writer (you will find that out soon enough), yet journalists have to find a niche in the market and concentrate on that niche, i.e. currant affairs/politics, sports writers, fashion writers, fuel-head writers (into cars), entertainment, etc.- if they wish.

I would recommend doing your masters in journalism. Griffith college do such courses for around €6,500 but they can be haggled down to six, if you can talk the talk, that is. Griffith also do course in fashion, so you would have the best of both worlds.

I know someone who recently won an award in Germany for their reportage of all that is wine. They do not have any qualifications in journalism though but can write and, obviously, has the guts for it:)

Ilyana 2.0

Thanks so much for your reply

I had considered a journalism masters originally, until I decided that I really wanted to go into fashion journalism.

If no opportunities come up for fashion I will probably do a general journalism masters first then specialise after, as you suggested. I was looking into the ones in DCU and DIT but I'll look into Griffith as well.

I'll be taking a year out after my undergrad anyway, and I'll try get an internship at a magazine or website to boost my chances with the fashion side of things

speedboatchase

From what I've heard, fashion/beauty blogging (video blogging too) is one of, if not the most lucrative form of blogging around for female writers. By all means go ahead with the uni plans but in the meantime try to find a unique perspective for a blog and run it concurrently.

The media industry is evolving rapidly and the old concept of 'get degree - get job' is no longer as prevalent, especially when there's so little employment opportunities within the media. I'd wager that having being able to boast of a fashion blog with a hugely impressive and demonstratable fanbase on your CV would be more valuable to many potential employers than serving x amount of months for a related internship.

beauty101

This comes from personal experience working in an Irish fashion magazine:

You do not need specialised "fashion journalism" to work in a fashion magazine, nor are you required to have a journalism masters...however if you lack experience it would make you more attractive. What an employer will look at is relevant experience (i.e. if you've worked in fashion/styling even if that's working in a shop or assisting somebody) and a passion for fashion i.e. through a blog.

Your best bet is to get some work experience or internships under your belt. Most part time/full time job in fashion magazines are a result of a successful internship (mine was!).

Also be aware that it's not glamorous at all, it doesn't pay well and it's a highly, highly competitive and bitchy industry. However, it's also highly creative, gives you a fantastic insight into designer's latest collections and comes with the perks of some free stuff and event invites!

Ilyana 2.0

Thanks for the replies

I do have a blog, right now it's not solely fashion-orientated but that can be changed. When things calm down in college I'm going to revamp it a bit. I've been writing fashion articles for a college newspaper, trying to build a little portfolio for myself! These usually get published on my blog.

I will probably take a year out after my degree, during which time I do intend to try get an internship in a fashion magazine or website. Or anywhere fashion-related really! If it got me into a job without a masters, even better.

As for the poor pay and bitchiness, I kind of expected that. I see a lot of Lidl-shopping and thick-skin-growing in my future!