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

ELLE Day 3

Arriving at 10am, my desk was tidy and ready for me to start my busy day. Today's priority was the fashion cupboard. With items constantly being taken in and out of the cupboard for editorial and shoots, it rarely stays tidy and things are always moved around, making it mine, and Megan's (another intern) job to organise. Believe it or not, ELLE'S fashion cupboards are relatively small, yet filled with incredible designers, making it hard to place things. A good two hours later and the cupboard was organised. Much better, and the team certainly appreciated it as they were too busy planning and working on the September issue. 

Next, my job was to collect delivery from the post room, with a whole shelf dedicated to ELLE fashion, there are a good 20+ deliveries per day, and with a tiny cupboard, it can be a little tricky unpacking it all. 

The majority of my days are spent doing urgent and normal returns. Urgent ones need putting in the original packaging, and taken downstairs to becollected by   someone from the store it was requested  from. And all other returns are simply posted to the store, simple once you get the hang of it! 

The least favourite part of my day would have to be bagging up hangers, not the most exciting job, but the fashion cupboard looks a whole lot better now, and the most favourite part of my day would have to be arranging the fashion cupboard, and seeing all of the new trends that no one else has seen yet. I promise you, it's worth the wait, they are fabulous! 

Pictures; 

Sorting hangers - not fun 

Fashion returns - got the hang of it now!

Dolce & Gabbana bird cage heels - LOVE

That's all for now, after a long day, it's another long train journey home, then back to ELLE tomorrow. I'll be head intern on Monday as Megan's leaving tomorrow, but excited to take on the challenge! 

Rachel  x