A fashion writer’s job description includes a wide range of qualifications, skills, and responsibilities. These writers contribute editorial content to magazines, newspapers, trade journals, television shows, and websites in print and electronic media. They may also be required to attend fashion shows around the world, visit fashion designers’ offices and production facilities, meet with public relations agencies, conduct interviews with designers and models, meet with fashion merchandisers and buyers, visit modeling agencies, attend trade shows, and take part in fashion shoots. They may also conduct fashion research and keep up with the latest news and information in the rapidly changing fashion industry. In addition, a fashion writer must maintain a large database of contacts in the fashion industry.
A fashion writer may work for a magazine, newspaper, trade journal, website, public relations firm, or television show as a corporate employee or as an in-house writer for a fashion designer. He or she could also work as a freelancer, selling articles to various publications. A writer may collaborate with a photographer or videographer to create feature articles and conduct interviews with designers, models, magazine editors, and other fashion industry professionals in some cases. After that, the writer must pitch the stories to editors and producers in the relevant fashion media outlets.
A fashion writer with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fashion journalism, design, marketing, or merchandising may be required to work in a corporate setting. Fashion academies, art institutes, design colleges, and vocational schools all offer fashion degrees. A person in this position must also be knowledgeable about textiles and accessories, as well as fashion design terminology such as the names of various garment styles and construction methods, as well as historical and contemporary fashion designers.
Previous experience in the fashion industry and a portfolio of writing samples may be required for a position as a fashion writer. Many writers work part-time in a related field while attending school to gain this experience. Many students also take part in an internship program with a fashion company.