The career of a fashion editor seems glamorous -- flying to fashion shows
in Milan and Paris and rubbing shoulders with the stars. The reality is somewhat
different, however.
Sure, there are trips. But they can be exhausting affairs with editors
scrambling to get the best stories and pictures for their publication.
Lisa Tant is a beauty and fashion editor. "People have to remember that
this is a business and not a fun way to get free clothes," she says. "If you're
in it for the glamour, that wears thin fast and you won't last long."
Fashion editors work at a variety of publications, including magazines,
newspapers and internet publications. They also produce television programs
about fashion. They may work for large publishing corporations or radio and
television stations. Some are self-employed.
The typical day for a fashion editor involves spending hours on the phone
with staff or freelance writers. They also meet with photographers and advertisers
to make sure everyone produces the material needed for the upcoming issue.
Fashion editors are the people who decide what their publication is like.
They determine the content by selecting and preparing stories and pictures
for publication. They set the tone for the magazine by determining editorial
policy.
Fashion editors plan the content of a publication and supervise its overall
preparation. They manage staff, handle correspondence, edit the work of writers,
hire photographers and stylists and plan budgets.
Some well-known fashion editors write their own columns in which they analyze
the latest fashion designs, news and personalities. Most fashion editors have
a background or education in the fashion industry in addition to their writing
and editorial training.
Most fashion editors spend their days in an office. That can be a busy
and hectic place. The search for the hottest fashion trends and personalities
may also take them on the road to factories, offices or fashion show runways.
Fashion editors usually must work overtime to meet deadlines or to cover
late-developing stories.
This is a competitive field and some patience may be required to stick
out the first few years.
"Is it easy? No. The fashion industry is intensely competitive and it can
be very frustrating to get your foot in the door," says Tant. "But it's ultimately
exhilarating."
Potential fashion editors need a thorough knowledge of the fashion industry,
including design, trends, marketing and advertising, and merchandising.
As you can see, a fashion editor needs many skills. What's the most important?
"Knowledge of all aspects of the industry. Staying updated on news and trends,"
says Lawrence Thompson. He is the former fashion editor for the Fashion Institute
of Technology newspaper.
"I'm on my feet all day. Also, people skills are a MUST."