1000MonkeysOnline | Working for Uncle Tom
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23 Mar Working for Uncle Tom

Fashion Week Article

The interview happened during one of the coldest days in winter, on a Sunday afternoon. A s I entered the venue, an empty night club on King St, I immediately felt out of place. The volunteers where dressed like they were VIPs at an obscure fashion week. They were dressed like they belonged in the industry; heels on deck, black ensembles with a hint colour. Fully made up. I, on the other hand was wearing pleather joggers, black Chuck Taylors and a pretty trendy bomber with badges all over, my face was bare except for my midnight lippy, because who has time for a full face? We were given a sign-up sheet and asked to pick a department to work for.

I went in not really knowing where I wanted to work, all I knew is that I wanted to be where the action was, and that was behind the scenes. So I chose the designer relations role. We were then separated into our chosen departments and given group interviews. I was the only female in my group and I made sure I took advantage of that. My male counterparts all had experience in the fashion world, while I had none. All I could really do was sell myself to the best of my abilities.

“I love fashion specifically men’s fashion (I was literally wearing men’s clothes). I would really like to learn the ins and outs of organizing fashion events like a fashion show. I think I would be a real asset to the designer relations team, I love working with people and I have a cool and calm demeanour…”

I left thinking “I definitely didn’t get the role”. I just didn’t just fit in. I received an email from the Head of Designer Relations, a man they call “Primo” welcoming me to the team and asking me for my availability.

Showtime

The fashion show was held at the Waterworks Building in Toronto. The hustle of the volunteers, the bustle of the model’s bodies and the dramatic designers added to the already cold but electric atmosphere backstage. The designer relations team members ended up helping other teams, like the dressers to make sure things went seamlessly. The irony is that one of the models I dressed was supposed to enter the catwalk with 5 ring filled fingers on her hand and ended up with one. I don’t think dressing is my forte.

I enjoyed the entire experience meeting new people with the same interests, helping the designers and attending some of the shows. The after parties; free food, free drinks and free entrance were always fun and made for good networking opportunities with models and designers.