Operation #OccupyFashion #OF
In what seems like a never ending struggle to get a foot in the door of fashion, @NYStyleInsider and I have started a revolution of optimism and motivation for those like us, aspiring to more than just an intern, a volunteer, a student, or just a spectator. To those aspiring to have a name for themselves and reach a level of greatness and break new boundaries in the industry.
I myself have gone on numerous interviews. For schools, for internship opportunities, for jobs. In every scenario, I have received at least one flat out “no” - more than I’d like to admit to. Every “no” though has given me a stronger sense of self. Every “no” has provoked me to transform and take action. That action has given me the knowledge applicable for a career in merchandising – which in reality, has given me the necessary tools to become a prosperous designer.
Thus, in spite of any criticism, critique, and/or rejection, I urge you all to stay strong and above all, be persistent. Never take that “no” for an answer. Take that negative energy and turn it into positive momentum. Adapt and become the person that gets the job.
If it’s a question of experience, go get some - there are plenty of doors open in the world. A gig is a gig.
If it’s a question of knowledge, obtain it. Take courses, read books, and utilize your sources (the Internet alone, if searched precisely can give you thorough and efficient results benefiting your growth process).
If it’s a question of looks, get a better one. Look the part. Whether it’s a matter of aesthetics or actual bodily form (my [insert body part here] is [insert degrading and possibly exaggerated descriptive adjective here]), you can change it. For instance, growing up, I have struggled with my weight and physical appearance. I hadn’t realized how severe my insecurities were until I was emerged in fashion. Seeing all these models had me wondering why I didn’t look like that. How could I be a size 14/16 in my teens and these girls were a 4, 2, zero, or double zero? I could’ve done a lot of things to lose weight and they probably would’ve been incredibly unhealthy. Since then, I have changed my eating habits severely and am working on overcoming a sedentary lifestyle. I am happy to say I have lost a lot of inches and pounds. Now, I am proud to say that even though I work with size 2 models, I have embraced a curvy size 10 body and aim solely to be a healthier, more fit me. Most importantly, I dress the way I want to look for my body type and own my style accordingly.
If it’s a question of money, then cope - make the most of what you have. If you’re a designer, use Craiglist, Ebay, and Amazon to find your fabrics, dressforms, and machines. Go to Walmart! Get things used and save a bundle. Get what you need to make what you need to make that sale!
In regards to finances, one of the most frustrating moments about being a fashion girl on a budget is knowing so much about designers and obsessing over their collections yet never being able to buy any of their clothes (for frugal reasons). What do I do? They’re called outlets, sample sales, consignment shops, Internet flash sales, and off-price retailers. I thrift, I sift, and I make it work.
That’s the goal of this fashion movement: making it work. Making the things we want to happen actually happen. Not trying but actually doing. Becoming the professionals, figures, entrepreneurs, and mavens we want to be. Proving everyone that ever said “no” wrong and making them regret their decision, having them realize what they missed out on.
So you heard it here first: #occupyfashion. Aspiring designers and fashion professionals, we are the 99%. The goal: make it and make it BIG.
…and when you make it big, don’t forget to take a chance on someone, just like that someone who took that chance on you.
