Have you ever gazed at those chic people at glamorous fashion events and wondered who they are? You know the ones we’re talking about – the well-dressed men and women hanging out with models, celebrities, top influencers, and stylists and editors from magazines like Vogue and GQ.
Well, we’re here to tell you that they’re the unsung heroes of the fashion industry – fashion PR executives! And they do indeed have the best job in the world. Okay, maybe we’re a little biassed but seriously, what could be better than getting paid to work at fancy events and hobnob with the rich and famous?
But before you quit your day job and buy a ticket to Fashion Week, there are a few things you should know about working in fashion PR.
We asked TASK PR, widely regarded as one of the best fashion PR agencies in London, to give us the lowdown on what it’s really like to work in fashion PR. Here’s what they had to say:
It’s a hands-on job
All these brands worn by A-listers, interviews in the media, subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) product placement online and in magazines, don’t happen by accident. There is a great amount of planning, strategy and effort behind the scenes.
If you want to start working in fashion PR and learn about working with the best fashion brands and magazines, organising events, and much more, get ready to carry some (a lot) of boxes, steam piles of clothes without burning your hands, become a master in gift wrapping, run errands in the shops, and many other less than glamorous tasks.
Working in PR is not your typical office job, it is a very hands-on job -especially at the beginning of your career. So, if you’re not afraid of hard work and are looking for an exciting and fast-paced job, a fashion PR internship might be perfect for you. But if you prefer sitting at a desk all day long, think again!
You must be an expert multitasker
Whether you are working in a fashion PR agency or in-house, expect to juggle multiple things at the same time. It is important to be flawlessly organised.
Emails will rush through, and the phone won’t stop ringing with editors requesting the latest designer samples. The atmosphere in a PR agency is incredibly dynamic.
While still focusing on traditional PR such as print magazines and broadcast, our role has evolved in a way that we have had to adapt and develop a very digitally focused skill set. We now work on developing brands’ social media platforms, working with influencers to generate engaging content as well as building digital first PR strategies that would help build brands’ websites through carefully placed coverage within reputable sites.
Managing your time effectively while keeping your finger on the pulse for any new exciting opportunities within the industry means that each day is never the same.
You must be professional at all times.
At its heart, PR is all about mastering communication. You will need to be able to communicate with people from all walks of life – from high-profile celebrities to influential media members. And no matter who you are talking to, it’s crucial that you must always act in a professional manner.
PR is a bustling job and it can be quite stressful at times. You’ll be constantly juggling deadlines so as not to miss an important fashion shoot. You might be chasing a delayed courier while trying to negotiate an exclusive feature for one of your brands’ latest launches.
Whatever the situation is, keeping calm and positive is key. In the world of PR, first impressions really do count and you must remember that you’re representing the image of the brands you work with.
It’s a lot of fun
Working in the best PR agency in London comes with its perks, which means everyone around you is probably just as dedicated and passionate about their job as you are.
It is not a one-man show, so you will be dependent on your colleagues’ support, and this will create strong bonds in the team. Preparing for an event, having client meetings, or going for breakfast appointments – not to forget the after-work drinks – will create a connection that you can never find anywhere else.
You’ll be surrounded by inspirational people
Due to the nature of the job, you will be communicating with talented writers, creative stylists, and influential influencers. All those creatives are great sources of inspiration with their unique work, experience, and research.
You will be having dinner with celebrity stylists and magazine editors at your launch events, or talking about your brands’ latest collaborations during your Press Days.
These inspirational contacts who share similar interests with you will be a constant source of motivation, and you will quickly develop a strong network in the industry.
You’ll need to get creative
You will need to channel your inner creative when working with a PR agency.
Whether you are writing engaging pitches or press releases, compiling strategies, developing campaigns, analysing your brands’ social media and tone of voice, or creating influencer content, a lot of creativity will go into your day-to-day job to ensure you are generating awareness.
If you think you have what it takes, to think on your feet and outside the box, then this is certainly a job that will get your creative juices flowing.
Is a career in fashion PR for you?
In a nutshell, fashion PR is an interesting and diverse career, and you can be sure you will never get bored of what you are doing. To get a better idea about what it’s like to work for one of London’s best PR agencies, visit TASK PR to find out more about their clients and services.
