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I am currently enrolled in a class called "Introduction to Fashion Journalism“ that I find quite interesting. The course is preparing us to enter one of the most glamorous but mysterious, exhilarating but frantic of all industries: fashion journalism. We are trained to recognize good story ideas, do research and finally how to translate ideas into a story that will have a place in the professional marketplace. I would like to share some of the things I have learned so far with you, so let’s get started!
First of all, fashion journalism falls under the category of soft news, i.e. it’s mostly about trends, personalities or lifestyles. (Hard news, on the other hand, address actions of governments, businesses or events, such as a crime, accidents or a speech.)
As a person who wants to enter this field, your job is to read as much as you can, and to extrapolate and identify what your reader wants.
What does YOUR reader want?
* Beauty, Sophistication, Glamour?
* Art, Culture, New ideas?
* Knowledge to make responsible consumer choices?
* Gossip, Catty commentary?
* Time and money savings?
Well, probably your reader wants all of the above or some combination of these topics.
In order to be a successful contributor at a fashion publication, you will have to internalize and imprint your readers' interests into your creative process. Thus, you will have to do careful and extensive reading to research your market.
Why should your reader care?
A writer should give both his/her editor and reader an incentive to reading your story. You should have a fresh and well-developed angle, which is the focus of, or approach to, a story.
It's important to note that all fashion media, whether it's to sell the actual issues at the newsstands or to sell ads within the magazine, is a form of marketing. As a writer you will be selling glamour, a certain lifestyle, an attitude, and/or an opinion. That doesn’t mean, though, that writers are controlled by their readers or advertisers. Fashion writers are given license to express their opinion and are encouraged to create a persona that judges, hates, and loves their subject matter.
Your no. 1 MUST-Read: Women's Wear Daily (WWD)
As we all know, the fashion industry is fueled by change. Therefore, fashion journalists have to keep track of or better still forecast the latest trends regarding fashion –of course- pop culture and culture in general.
WWD is the industry standard paper everyone in the fashion business reads. It covers the entire marketplace of women's fashion including mass markets, luxury brands, children's wear, retail stores, textiles, and beauty.
1. It reports on all major industry happenings. As someone who is just entering the field, WWD offers you a full report of events and news that you may not have access to.
2. It introduces you to the influential people, places, and cultural events that will increase your knowledge base of fashion in general.
3. When you are working at a magazine or newspaper, the publishing cycle follows a similar schedule to that of the fashion industry. Thus, you have to submit stories several months before the general public reads them. Luckily, WWD reports on decisions, collections, and plans that won't be available to the general public or for consumers until the next season. WWD lets you stay informed, fashion-forward, and ahead of the retail cycle.
WWD news schedule:
Monday: Accessories/Innerwear/Legwear
Tuesday: Ready-to-Wear/Textiles
Wednesday: Sportswear
Thursday: Sportswear
Friday: Beauty
To be continued...
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Wednesday, 07 April 2010
I am currently enrolled in a class called "Introduction to Fashion Journalism“ that I find quite interesting. The course is preparing us to enter one of the most glamorous but mysterious, exhilarating but frantic of all industries: fashion journalism. We are trained to recognize good story ideas,...
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