Day In The Life of An ELLE Fashion Assistant

Today at University I was set the task of writing a 250 piece on something of my choice, and the first thing that came to mind was a 'Day in the life of a Fashion Assistant'. The media ad Journalism industry is as fast paced as it comes. Gone are the hour lunch breaks, and you'd be lucky to have 15 minutes sat down browsing your favourite clothing websites. So to all of you aspiring journalists, and most importantly fashion assistants, I thought I'd sum up the typical day in the crazy industry for you. So here goes...

'It's a mad rush; the doors are rammed with staff sipping on their morning coffee, grasping hold of the freshly new ELLE magazine. The magazine departments keep themselves to themselves, all dividing on to their own floors. Heads down in the lift, and little communication. The office i a different environment; It's like a family, a close unit. The desks are placed together, with each department working closely. 

It's obvious I'm a fashion assistant, surrounded by a floor of tissue paper, Christian Louboutin heels and Prada handbags; I feel I'm disturbing the team packaging my items ready to be collected by the designer. The office is loud, amongst the sound of computer keyboards, numerous phone calls, and the annoyance of me wrapping items and unpacking delivery, we're interrupted by yet another delivery. 

The post room man loudly shouts 'Lorraine Candy' in the office, holding a bouquet of flowers in one hand, and a Chanel and Gucci bag in the other. Yet another exciting daily delivery for the ELLE editor.  The day continues at a fast pace, I'm stuck doing about three things at once, In between answering emails and phone calls, I have to package items ready to walk over to the location for the shoot. I'm panicked, knowing thousands of pounds worth of designer goods are in my hands, yet it's an honour to know I'm trusted with it. Half an hour later I'm walking the streets of London with two Louis Vuitton suitcases. I feel rather important'. 

This is just a summary of one of the days I experience whilst at ELLE, although every other day there was just as crazy and exciting, not to mention unpredictable. 

Have you worked in the media / journalism industry, and If so, how did you find it?

Rachel

Final Week At ELLE

My final week at ELLE has been great and I'm sad that it was my last day on friday. Although, little did I know, they asked me to come back for a day extra, so thats great news! This week has been just as fun as the last, if not more. Consisting of more returns, more exciting deliveries, helping out taking items over to a photoshoot, and having my picture on the ELLE website again. Here's a few pics of my week for you.

More Fashion Returns

Rather Messy Fashion Cupboard

Some shots taken for the sweatshirt feature

The Final Shot used on the website. Take a Look

Overall, an amazing last week, and I have learnt so much over two weeks! They have flown by. I've been blessed with amazing opportunities, and got to work with and meet some great people! Still another day to go working for ELLE, which will be my official last day, but hopefully not forever as you never know what doors the experience may open. Who knows, give it a few years and I may find myself working there as a Fashion assistant rather than an Intern...

Rachel  x

ELLE Day 2

My second day at ELLE allowed me to wake up an extra half an hour later, so that was much appreciated, trust me, these long days certainly get the better of you! But if you don't put in the hard work, you don't get the reward! I arrived at the Hearst offices at 9.50 ready for my 10am start. Before hand I was admiring the shops on Carnaby street.

My day continued with many fashion returns. Filling out paper may sound tedious, but when you get to hold and admire all the amazing designer clothes shoes and handbags, you can't complain. 

Today I also got to arrange and tidy the fashion cupboard. Yes, I know what your thinking tidying is the most boring thing on the world, but when you are arranging  Ralph Lauren bags into colour order it becomes a whole lot more fun. 

Whilst browsing through the fashion cupboard, I discovered all of the new upcoming trends. And I can tell you now, they are amazing! I can't wait for them to come out. Not that I can afford half of the items, actually, make that any of the items but even still, they are gorgeous! I won't give any away, as tempting as it is to share the wonderful new trends with you, I'll leave it as a surprise. Maybe you can guess some?...

I found today more relaxed, but I guess the second day always is. You have met everyone. Learnt your way around the building, and have a brief of what you are doing. I found today a lot easier than yesterday. 

Here are my pictures of my day from start to finish...

- Walking to ELLE along Carnaby street

- Making a start on jewellery returns

- More and more jewellery returns

- Finally last shot of the day, a huge board of the ELLE Rihanna cover. This looks great just outside the office.

Successful second day, now for a 45min train journey home, dinner, bed, then up at 6am to start the day all over again! 

Rachel  x

 

Day 1 at ELLE Magazine

Today was the day I started at Elle Magazine! After a not so fun 6am wake up call, I arrived in London, but now had to find the Hearst Magazine headquarters. Luckily, it didn't take me too long, and I was there in no time. Well, after a few wrong turns anyway. I arrived at the building, and it finally hit me that this would be my new work place for the following week. 

After introducing myself, I was welcomed with my own personal swipe card for the building, okay, so a swipe card isn't exactly exciting, but this is ELLE were talking about, and I had access to one of the biggest fashion magazine companies ever, there for it was and is a big deal!

After a tour of the building, and shown to my desk, my day began with meeting other people from the ELLE team, followed by an introduction to the amazing fashion cupboard. Surrounded by Dolce & Gabbanna, Christian Dior, Mulberry, Louis Vuitton and many other great designers, I was in girl heaven. But my task for the day was to return products back to the store ELLE had borrowed them from. 

Fashion Returns Form For ELLE.

A good half an hour into my day, I was asked if I wanted to be on the weekly 'What Elle Wears' page on the website. This shows you what some of the people at ELLE wear to work on a daily basis. I was so excited, and jumped at the chance to go and have my picture taken outside in London by the amazing photographer Victoria Adamson who works Freelance. Me, and two of the other interns Mark and Megan had our pictures shot outside in a very dull and rainy location.

What ELLE Wears

What ELLE Wears

These were the final shots from the pictures Victoria got outside. I can't believe I have had the great opportunity to have my picture on the website, let alone be working for the magazine. I wore a Topshop dress, teamed with a statement necklace, leather jacket and oversized tote bag. I went for a smart, casual look for the day.

The rest of my 10am-6pm day continued in the Fashion department. With more items to be returned, packaged, collected and sent back, only meant I had more return forms to complete. I found it rather rewarding, knowing that I had completed my task, getting items returned and more amazing items back into the Fashion Cupboard.

Arranging jewellery to be sent back

ELLE loves Topshop jewellery

Here is a small selection of Jewellery I sorted to be returned to the shop. ELLE orders in the items to shoot for features in the magazine, and then after the shoot, they have to be sent back to the shops, and today, it was my job to sort them all out and package them ready to be sent away tomorrow.

Overall, an amazing first day! Got my picture on the ELLE website, learnt how to do returns, and fell in love with the fashion cupboard. One of my greatest achievements and experiences so far to date.

I wonder what the rest of the week holds?

Rachel

x

No Longer A Fresher

Whilst writing this, my last piece of work for university is slowly being uploaded! It's such as relief to know that all my work is finished and I will be off on my way back home to Cambridge in 5 days time with no work to complete over summer, apart from when I'm working at ELLE Magazine - yep, you read that right, I'm working with ELLE! Little Rachel from Camden Town who would of thought it eh? This year at Uni has been crazy, overwhelming, and overall a complete roller-coaster, but I've had a great time, met amazing people, and most importantly worked hard and learn't a lot. 

This book has been a good source this year!

What I've Learnt At Uni This Year 

1- Magazine Journalism is for me

2- I'm still the nosey bugger I've always been, but I'm a training Journalist, there for it's a great quality to have!

3- Sometimes you don't need to say anything, being observant is enough.

4- Shorthand isn't going to be as easy as I thought

5- I prefer writing features to news stories

6- Starting an essay in advance does you the world of good

7- Leaving an essay to the last minute is the most stressful thing ever (I don't advise it)

8- Reading more genres gives you more ideas

9- There is a hell of a lot to know about the Journalism Industry

10- Blogging is way too much fun

With endless amounts of essays and deadlines out of the way, I now have the whole of summer to kick back, and make the most of having home cooked meals, Sky TV, and a sofa (if you don't live at uni, and have the luxury of a sofa, you won't understand how much it is missed.) Being away from home for so long really makes you miss the little things. I thought it would be a huge relief to not hear my little foster sister winging and crying, but strangely enough, I miss it (ask me again in a week and see if I've changed my mind.) Living so far away from home does have it's disadvantages. Firstly, there is no Megabus directly from Sunderland to Cambridge, so I can't save myself a little bit of money. Secondly, a train journey is a whopping £70 ish return, bit expensive for a quick weekend home. Although coming back home less often then others makes you cherish it that little bit more.

I'm hoping second year won't fly by as quick as this year has. With twice as much work, I'm guessing it will seem a lot longer. It's crazy to think how quick time goes when your having fun! I'm gutted I can't stay a fresher forever, it's far too much fun, but I have next year, and who said I can't come back to uni early and do freshers all over again?!

Previous Article Work

Whilst looking back through my old college work, I came across one of my final pieces written for my college magazine 'Banter'. I completed this piece not long after returning from the trip, in order to share my experience with others. I know what you're thinking... 'People write articles like this all the time' well, yes, thats correct, they do, but if it has a positive outcome, and gives someone that extra boost to travel the world then wheres the harm, theres nothing wrong with a little encouragement. Below is my finished piece. I would definitely recommend charity work abroad and traveling in general to students. Its a great way to enhance your knowledge of other cultures, help out those less fortunate, and generally have a great time!