Most people want to make sure their clothes are on trend, but the truth is that it’s pretty hard to break into the fashion industry. Luckily, if you’re interested in pursuing the field professionally, you can get a jump start on your career with an internship program in one of the top fashion cities in the world. The fashion industry is one that values “who you know,” and here at AIFS Abroad, we’re dedicated to helping you find your “who” so you can wow them with your talent.
Here are a few of the top cities in the world for fashion internships:
New York City, USA
Many industries call New York City their central hub, but fashion especially. Basically, anyone on the street is a walking billboard for the city’s street-fashion style. Ever chic, modern and cutting edge, New York City is constantly setting the tone for what’s “in,” hosting events like New York Fashion Week and touting schools such as the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and Parson’s School of Design. Fashion interns in New York City can expect to be very hands-on in companies here, emphasizing customer service.
London, England
London’s fashion scene is a mixture of timelessness and innovation. It’s an older, more refined and less scrappy scene than, say, NYC, but it is always at the forefront of marketing, public relations and of course social media. Fashion interns who succeed here are willing to get their hands dirty and excel behind the scenes, particularly in the spring or fall when the London fashion weeks occur. Talk about a back-stage pass!
Paris, France
Oh là là! The Paris fashion scene is known as the capital of Haute Couture and is rich in tradition. Of all the amazing cities around the world to do a fashion internship, Paris provides a unique advantage. You’d be able to learn from designers who have been trained in classic techniques that date back hundreds of years, often being expected to be able to construct garments from the ground up, from intricate beading techniques to expert finishing. Who knows, as a fashion intern in Paris, you may even see a dress you contributed to walk down the runway at Haute Couture Fashion Week.
Florence, Italy
The birthplace of the Renaissance is home to smaller design houses producing timeless and beautiful clothes that really define the “Made in Italy” brand. You can tell that the city’s concept of ”La Bella Figura” inspires its designers. Fashion interns may want to consider Florence if they prefer a slower, more relaxed pace when learning from lead designers, eventually gaining the freedom to design, cut and create their own original pieces.
Milan, Italy
Due to the international success of the houses Armani, Prada, Versace, Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana, Milan has become known as one of the world’s fashion capitals. Brands are always looking for English speakers to help promote their lines to an international crowd, as well as visit buyers and editors. Fashion is a huge deal here, so interns in Milan will be expected to deliver quickly, communicate clearly, and have great attention to detail. Be prepared to have a hand in all aspects of the showroom.
Sydney, Australia
Sydneysiders are famous in Australia for being well dressed when they go out, even and especially when they go to the beach. Sydney fashion houses take pride in being a season ahead and on trend. Interns working in fashion here can potentially see the entire lifestyle of a garment, from design, production, marketing, and finally retail. They can also experience a wide variety of types of fashion — everything from evening wear, to eco-friendly designs, and of course beach wear.
These 6 cities each have their own personality and flare. Are you ready to step onto the runway and pursue a fashion internship abroad?
AIFS Abroad offers incredible fashion internship programs in the above cities and beyond. With inclusions such as tuition, housing, insurance, excursions and activities, on-site staff, and emergency support, you’ll have a stress-free global education and professional development experience. Don’t miss your opportunity to get a leg up in the highly competitive world of fashion with an internship in an internationally renowned city on your resume.
