I Worked 3 Different Internships This New York Fashion Week.
I’ve reached a point in my life and career where it’s not enough to go to New York Fashion Week and only return home with a few followbacks and memories packaged into Instagram post.
I attend to work, or to set myself up to win more work in the future.
In the past I didn’t have the knowledge or the confidence to navigate the week and make the most of it. I had no clue how to maximize the space and be intentional in it. I knew the benefit of just being there (It’s a lot of fun to inhabit the same space as the people I admire), but after awhile that just wasn’t enough. I wanted to get in the field and get active. I’ve seen firsthand how meeting and working with the right people in this week alone, can really propel a career forward.
I know there is so much conversation around the week and how it has changed, (evolved? declined?) but for me I still see a lot of value in it & have made it a priority to be present, season after season.
I asked myself “How can I get closer to the designers, the clothing, and the shows themselves?” and that answer is by interning!
Now don’t get me wrong I love getting to the bag. (and I did have some other paid opportunities lined up) But I knew that if I wanted to learn more firsthand, and get more people familiar with my face and work ethic, I would need to take on a few unpaid internships this fashion week. Luckily the internships I accepted were only 1 day and I was already going to be in the city so it was worth it for me. (These are things you should be considering before taking on any unpaid work.)
In an effort to continue committing to my chaos and exploring the different paths one can take in the fashion industry, this New York Fashion Week I leaned into my multiple interest by working three different internships.
1) Showroom Internship
The first internship I worked, was for Lindsey Media in their showroom. Founded by Lindsey Solomon in 2020, Lindsey Media is a A fashion and lifestyle communications firm, with big name clients from Collina Strada to Anne Isabella. Lindsey Media has developed a specialty in creative campaigns for growth-stage and established brands, developing individualized and tailored strategies to grow their community and gain press traction in a dynamic world.
For my internship I spent 1 day working in their showroom, assisting with pulls. If you are not familiar, a pull is when a client (stylist, artist, creator, influencer, etc.) selects a few pieces of clothing to borrow to wear to an event. Pulls are great for both brands and clients, because they can mutually benefit from having the garment worn out to an event. Placement is important, and if the right garment shows up on the right person, in the right place, it can help increase brand awareness and give the artist brownie points. Firms like Lindsey Media aid brands with more brand awareness by connecting them directly with unique clients.
While on my shift I helped about 7 people with around 40 garments. My responsibilities included assisting them when gathering potential garments and trying on the pieces. When they made their selections I photographed each piece and organized the photos into a folder. I ensured that each borrower filled out an agreement before walking away with their selections. This task wasn’t at all difficult & could be streamlined pretty well, so that multiple people could have a turn in the showroom at a time.
This internship is great for aspiring stylist. I found that I got to meet and connect directly with the clients; ranging from video creators to illustrators, and even musicians. Some of them even asked for my opinion on the direction they should take with the clothes, and I got to provide my advice based on the events they would be attending.
In conclusion I’m not sure if this is the path for me. I love how close to the clients and the clothes I was, but I don’t think here is where my personal passion lies. I think I would rather be the one picking out and borrowing the clothes. But it was nice to help, and meet others on their journeys.
Lindsey Media Showroom
2) Production Internship for Theophilio SS25 Show
Going into this NYFW season, Theophilio was the #1 show I wanted to work for. Last fashion week I didn’t work any shows on the CFDA calendar, and I made it a goal of mine to change that.
For my second internship I accepted a role to work on the Runway team through Black Fashion Fair, a conceptual media, commerce, and cultural platform aimed toward the discovery and furtherance of Black designers and Black-owned brands. I have been a fan of BFF since its launch in 2020 by Antoine Gregory and was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with them to bring the show to life.
Theophilio is a contemporary ready-to-wear label established in 2016 by Jamaican-American designer Edvin Thompson. Based in Brookyln, Theophilio aims to produce a range of bold staples that nod to Jamaica’s dancehall culture and New York’s restless urban energy in celebration of culture, community, and diversity.
My responsibilities included, setting up and taking down the dressings room and hair & make-up areas. Packing goodie bags and staying proactive in assisting the producer/director. This internship required us to be on our feet for long periods of time, lift semi-heavy items, and be able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
This internship is great for people who are quick, forward-thinking, and aren’t afraid of a challenge. I really enjoyed this internship and could see myself returning to orchestrate more runway shows. Each collection is so different from another. With each venue comes a new story to tell, and I envision myself calling the shots to make that happen for other emerging brands across the Black diaspora.
Theophilio SS25 Runway Board of Look
3) PR Internship for Sebestain Ami SS25 Debut Show
Lastly for my third internship, I worked as a public relations intern for A Gold Consulting, an agency founded in 2020 by publicist Ah—Niyah Gold to bring emerging brands to the forefront of the industry and align them with established companies, resources, and personnel to catapult their vision. This agency offers a wide range of services from production & PR, to brand development & VIP management + relationship management.
This was the debut show for Sebestian Ami, a luxury menswear company with a unisex lens established by designer Sebastien Amisial and co-directed with partner Marianne Amisial. Fully operating since 2020, the goal of the company is to re-establish the narrative of workwear that is more thoughtful in design for day-to-day and all-day wear; all the while heightening quality through fabrication, fit, and attention to detail.
This seasons show was titled, “LIFE.” The line explored the beauty of aging in relation to wine. Nodding at the face that both humans and wine grow richer with time.
My responsibilities included setting up each seat with a sponsor gift and card detailing the overview of the show’s theme. When guest began to arrive I helped them find their seats, and also helped with miscellaneous problems or task that arose.
I liked this internship because it wasn’t as strenuous on the body like working strictly on the production team, and we got to flex our improvisation skills in real time, to ensure a successful show for both the designer and the attendees. It was great to see the guest interact with the publicist(s) to foster an almost family like environment.
This internship is great for those with extroverted personalities, that like to interact with people. If you love fashion experiences and are great with connecting the dots to push things forward this is a great internship to pursue.
Sebestian Ami SS25 Debut Runway Show
Overall I really enjoyed my experience with each internship, and have intentionally listed their names so that you can do your own further research. If you are reading this and are a young aspiring fashion professional looking to intern next fashion week, or down the line in the future, you now have a few names to start with. I advise you to look into each carefully, examining their websites, clients, social medias etc. And when the time comes around again and they need extra hands, be prepared and respectful when approaching or applying to work with them. Be confident, be yourself, and most importantly have fun. Once you land the role create a positive environment for yourself and others to want to work in. These times can be challenging and stressful, being the light in the room can go a long way.
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