How Volunteering at New York Fashion Week Shaped My Path in Fashion Business  

The Hustle and Heart of NYFW 

NYFW is a conglomeration of creativity, logistics, and precision, brought to life by people from all different backgrounds who have so much wisdom to share. 

From the moment I arrived backstage to work at my first fashion show, (Indonesia Now’s S/S ‘23 show), I immediately recognized how lucky I was to be immersed in an environment where passion collides with the art of fashion design, and I got to experience it first-hand. My responsibilities ranged from checking in and seating guests, to dressing models and steaming garments, to even locating a needle and thread to repair unexpected damages. The clock was ticking, the energy was electric, and everyone in that room had a shared goal of making the show the absolute best it could be. Experiencing the dedication that goes into every detail of a fashion show, from models’ fingernail polish color to contents of the giftbags, gave me a new level of respect for every single person involved. No job is unimportant when it comes to fashion week! 

One of the most eye-opening things I experienced was seeing how collaboration and quick problem-solving are essential, which has remained true as I’ve continued to work more fashion weeks since. No matter the internship or the event, that collaboration is present throughout every production, whether it’s the Victoria’s Secret fashion show, The Fashion Media Awards, or a SoHo Prada pop-up. Observing the joint effort of the industry members reinforces the importance of flexibility and thinking on your feet, skills that will serve me well in any career path I take within the fashion industry. 

Lessons in Networking and Professionalism 

Beyond the hands-on work, volunteering at NYFW gave me invaluable networking opportunities that I've been able to build on during my time at LIM. Through my experiences with companies like The Daily Front Row, PJCP Productions, and The Riviere Agency, I’ve gotten chances to meet industry professionals, from stylists to brand representatives, all because of the networking skills I’ve learned in the back-of-house at various fashion week events. Industry professionals love to see a young, passionate student trying to make it in their field, because they’ve usually gone down the same path themselves. It’s important to learn how to converse and connect with people you admire, not so they can offer you a job, but so you can learn from them.  

I also learned the importance of professionalism in high-stakes environments. Being punctual, prepared, and maintaining a positive attitude were key to making a strong impression. These soft skills are just as critical as technical knowledge in the fashion business, and I’m grateful that NYFW helped me refine them. 

Shaping My Future in Fashion 

My NYFW experiences solidified my passion for working behind the scenes in this industry and have made me confident to enter into it when I graduate. Whether working in brand management, merchandising, or public relations, the lessons I’ve learned at NYFW will be the foundation of my career.