Around UF you'll often find a student skimming through the pages of Vogue or two friends looking at Urban Outfitter's recent catalog — in other words there are many people passionate about fashion here.
The fashion world is a cutthroat place and one of the hardest industries to break into. That doesn't make the fashionable Gator's life any easier, especially considering that we don't have any fashion classes on campus. Although, that doesn't mean that you can't use what the university already has to offer to assist your climb up the fashion ladder.
Are you interested in becoming a designer? Do you dream of being the next Marc Jacobs or Ralph Lauren and having your designs strutted down the catwalk? Do the designs on "Project Runway" inspire you? During each semester the J. Wayne Reitz Union offers leisure courses that provide students a getaway from their hectic class schedules and the opportunity to pursue a hobby or interest.
One of the courses offered is "Sewing: Learn to Use a Sewing Machine" this is great for beginners that have no idea where to begin. After taking that course, or if you already have some sewing experience, you can move onto "Learn to Work with Patterns" — which is where you really learn the construction of clothes.
If you're more interested in the business aspect of fashion, join the Retail Society. This student organization hosts seminars and provides opportunities for students to network and find internships. Fashion is one of the biggest retail industries, and networking is vital to getting a start.
Earlier I mentioned Vogue magazine and Urban Outfitter's catalogue. What do they both have in common? They have ads. Adverting is a huge addition to the fashion industry, without it, fashion wouldn't have consumers. Join the Ad Society — it's UF's chapter of the American Advertising Federation. Members have access to the resources of the AAF Fourth District, the Gainesville Advertising Federation and the Ad Council. Most importantly there are opportunities to network.
Fashion magazines and blogs are a huge part of the industry — without them fashion wouldn't have a voice. If you prefer writing, this may be your cup of tea. There are many fashion and culture blogs on the web that are looking for contributing writers. While these positions are unpaid, it's a good start to building your portfolio. Or you can start your own blog. Checking out the papers on campus could also be a good starting point.
While fashion internships can open many doors to a career in fashion, those positions are competitive. That's why getting involved in organizations like the ones mentioned above will set you apart from other fashion-obsessed students. The industry is tough and looks for only the best, so right now is the time to hone your skills as you develop into a creative individual that will have the industry eating right out of the palm of your hand.
Posts in If the Choo Fits appear on Tuesdays.
