The Fashion Industry: What it takes?

Photo: Oscar Garza Photo l HMUA: Vee Rubio l Wardrobe: Abby Bella Couture

Glamour, Beauty, and and influence all play a role in the fashion industry. This multi-billion dollar global enterprise encompasses design, manufacturing, distribution, retailing, and advertising that has strict barriers to entry. In the early 20th century, the fashion industry grew from individual tailored garments to mass production due to the rise of new technologies like the sewing machine, global capitalism, factory systems, department stores and digital technology.

I’ve been lucky enough to have a successful career in this industry. As a young model entering the industry, it can be difficult to know where to start, what to create and how to maintain a career. In today’s oversaturated marketplace, dedication and patience are the two pillars I use to navigate the fashion industry. Everytime I think about my next steps such as to reach out to a new agent or add to my portfolio, I take very calculated risks. Did I receive a positive or negative response? Depending on the outcome, I would either keep doing more of the same or change it up. If I wasn’t sure, I would be patient and wait it out. Because this industry has a hurry up and wait mentality — patience and dedication will become your foundation .

Modeling is a lifestyle. This lifestyle I chose is made up of daily habits that have slowly built the foundation to my career. For example, Lindsay Peoples Wagner, the new Editor-in-Chief at Teen Vogue, started as an intern, then assistant to the Senior Fashion Market Editor. Moving her way up to Fashion Market Editor at The Cut. In any industry, you don’t go from point A to point Z over night. It takes years of experience, building credibility and having a voice for yourself.

Of returning to the platform that gave her her start, Peoples Wagner said in a press release:

“As a former intern and assistant at Teen Vogue, I’m so excited to come full circle and be back at a time when there is nothing more powerful or important than a young person who is passionate about change. I’m looking forward to our coverage—whether it be on fashion, politics, celebrities or beauty—being both necessary and dynamic to cultural conversations.”

This reminds me to stay patience, brave and keep taking risks!