The Skill You Need to Have to Be Successful in Fashion

(That they won't teach you at Parsons or FIT)

Starting out in the fashion industry can feel pretty overwhelming. Imposter syndrome runs rampant, and bobbing and weaving through some of the overwhelming egos in every room can feel like wading through a convention center of eggshells. You might find yourself focusing on perfecting your skills and crafting the perfect resume, obsessing over the "perfect internship" or finding yourself wallowing over who you know that got to assist on the production of a specific show this season that you so desperately wanted to. But you can relax, because at the end of the day, none of that truly matters. Building relationships is what truly sets you apart and can elevate your career in ways you could never predict. Here are a few key tips for building meaningful and lasting relationships in the industry - one that seems to grow ever more superficial by the day:

1. Be confident. Good posture, a clear voice, and a charismatic introduction go a very long way. That is of course true in all situations, not just in fashion, but I can say that the interns and volunteers I would be most likely to hire again for another show someday are the ones that presented themselves confidently, ready to attack any task necessary.

2. Build your "roster". When you love working with someone, come back to them time and time again, rope them into projects you hear about, and sing their praises from on high. Those are the people that will in turn have your back and float your name in the rooms you're not present in. You all rise together, and will eventually reap the benefits as a team. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and share your goals. Keep things fresh by inviting new talents and perspectives into your circle. This can lead to some exciting collaborations!

3. Adopt a growth mindset. In the fashion world, there’s no limit to success. Adopting a growth mindset means viewing challenges as opportunities to learn, and not seeing success as a limited resource. Stop seeing your peers as your competition, and see each other as teammates In the longest race Imaginable.

4. ALWAYS follow up. After you attend events or networking gatherings, don’t forget to follow up with your new contacts. A quick message can remind them of your conversation and keep you on their radar. For instance, if you talked about a shared interest in sustainable fashion, send them an article you think they’d find interesting. Little gestures like this can strengthen your network over time, making it more reliable and fruitful. Recency bias is very real, so make sure they have no choice but to keep you top of mind!

5. Get Comfortable with Vulnerability. Some of the moments in which I have bonded most with my team are those when I throw up my hands and admit I'm out of my depths on something. I don't fear appearing weak - I would much rather come across as weak when crowdsourcing a solution, then to stick to a prideful error and fail as a team. To me, vulnerability is the key to true connection, and

   
   

In the fashion industry, mastering the art of relationship building can open many doors for you. The connections you nurture not only enrich your experiences but also lay a strong foundation for long-term success. So, be bold, stay curious, and always be ready to help others. As you navigate this vibrant world, remember: the key to unlocking your potential is having the mindset of doing anything needed without any ego.