Intern Tips.

I've lost count how many times I've been asked how I got my internship at Alexander McQueen. Its pretty straight forward - I applied, got an interview and started. Pretty simple.
I get so frustrated with people saying 'well you don't deserve it' and various other nasty insults - at the end of the day, I've worked very hard to achieve what I have achieved and I believe everyone deserves the same, as long as they work hard for it.
Here is a couple of tips I swear by:

1. Confidence. Don't ever let anyone belittle you, don't take the insults to heart - in the industry there is a huge possibility that tempers are high because of overwhelming deadlines, fashion shows and press - everyone wants to create the defining moment. Its possible (believe me, I've been on the receiving end) that you will get snapped out, shouted at, vented at on a daily basis but just try to remember that you are there for a reason and you ARE helping out, its just that the brand/company want you to work your hardest for yours and their benefit. Be confident in yourself, smile and take it on the chin, I try and think that if I wasn't good enough I wouldn't be here. It's sometimes comforting to know that. If someone praises you, don't be cocky, be gracious.

2. Preparation. Research whoever you work for, get to know the ethos of the company and try and familiarize yourself with the past collections, press campaigns and collaborations. It helps in the long run, and also could help you in the interview, especially if your applying for something in the marketing/PR/archive areas. As an intern in the Archives of McQueen, I spent a lot of time with the past collections, and although I was passionate about McQueen beforehand, I spent evenings watching the show footage, researching the campaigns and themes to boost my knowledge when I was at work.

3. Stand Out. Make sure you are known - be happy and greet everyone (even if you don't get greeted back), offer to make tea or do a coffee run - its amazing how a coffee can cheer up the most tired of pattern cutters! No-one will remember the girl/guy who was quiet and shy in the corner, but they will remember the loud and bright one who rescued those long afternoons with coffee hits. I know making tea is an intern cliché, but someone has got to do it right? I love my clashing prints and bright colours - I don't think I could tone down that for anyone, and my tattoos were always on show - I got some great compliments and I'd like to think that it helped towards my confidence around the staff.

Apply for all the internships you like, and the ones your not keen on - even if you don't get the internship the application process and interview stage can help build skills and make you ready for your future - confidence is key, if you believe in yourself, others shall follow suit.

Alexander McQueen Sample Sale.

As part of my time at Alexander McQueen, I was able to work at the A/W Sample Sale. As I work in the Archives, I have been working towards the build up of the sale with my boss - sorting out the McQ pieces which have to be checked to see whats going into the sale, etc. I also worked at the venue with the Sample Sale with the wonderful Alex and Daniel sorting out the beautiful ballgowns for the sale.

The actual sale itself was mayhem - as I have said in my previous post being an intern is tough and I feel working at a Sample Sale can either make or break you. Obviously, the team who run the sale are there to make sure everything runs smoothly, so tempers can run high. I was working with the wonderful Andrea on accessories and jewellery - I found myself very overwhelmed throughout my first morning, as people were like magpies for the jewellery, and there were some very rude people - but it needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. I was responsible for restocking the jewellery and accessories, and making sure people didn't walk off with it. Obviously rings/necklaces/etc are small and can be easily swiped so I had to be extra vigilant when people were trying stuff on. What amazed me was how easily people were spending money, and after I'd gained some confidence I asked a few people how they had known about the sale (as its invite only) and if they had been before. A lot of people were students from CSM, and surrounding Unis, obviously with student loans, some very, very VERY rich people who could afford to splash out, and my favourite people - the ladies/gents who had saved up money over the months to buy only one or two pieces.
 

The days can be long on everyone, working 9am-9pm isn't nice but you just have to grin and suck it up, as its a great experience, and you get to see some beautiful clothes!

Actually going to sale is brilliant, as you can get some real bargins from them, even if you have a limited budget, its nice to treat yourself!
I'm not going to lie and say it was easy, there was points where I wanted to cry because of rude customers and the overcrowded atmosphere, but overall it was mental, in a good way. Especailly the daily Starbucks run!

The Sale rounded off my first 3 months at McQueen, and I am now back in Leicester for the Christmas season, for a much needed 'rest' - however I have found that I cannot rest and have been throwing myself into new tasks, I'm determined to learn a new language in the New Year, and I'm focusing on my Vintage Clothing Business on my days off (Jazzy Jeff's Junk can be found on Facebook). I'm itching to get back to London and the beautiful big city, but even more excited about getting back to the Archive with my wonderful boss and the gorgeous clothing.
And a massive congratulations to Sarah Burton, who received her OBE today!