Career Girl Answers: How Do I Prepare Now for a Career in Fashion?
Hi! My name is Carly and I am planning on pursuing a career in fashion. I love styling and designing. I want to do something big and be known for my sense in fashion and design. My dad is in the fashion business and my cousin is Ret Turner, the famous fashion and costume designer. I have it in my blood to do it; I just don't know how to begin! Do you have any suggestions on how to get started in the fashion business before I go to college? (I'm a sophomore in high school.) Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you!
—Carly
Dear Carly:
OK, first of all—how awesome that you're related to Ret Turner. He must have some amazing stories to tell! Second, do you belong to Fashion Club? If not, start or join an official FIDM Fashion Club at your high school in the fall. It's a must! As a Fashion Club President, you qualify to apply for exclusive scholarships, plus you'll get amazing leadership experience. You can organize fashion related events such as a school fashion show or field trip.
In the mean time, follow street style blogs to immerse yourself in fashion and styling. I recommend The Sartorialist, Garance Doré (Paris), Trashness, All The Pretty Birds (Milan), Streetstyle Aesthetic (London), Stockholm Streetstyle (Stockholm), StyleClicker (Munich), and TrendyCrew (Barcelona).
Get to know trends inside and out and how to spot them. Check out Trendland and Lookbook.nu. Also, keep up to date with what's happening in the fashion industry by reading WWD, Fashionista, and California Apparel News. And of course review all the top designer's collections each season on style.com.
It's never too early to get prepared, so start doing your homework! You're going to have a blast.
—Career Girl
Do you have a question for Career Girl? Please send an email with your career related questions to fashionclub@fidm.com. Be sure to read questions answered from other readers, too!

