Interview with Simon Chilvers, Men’s Style Director at
Matchesfashion.com
1. Why did you decide to work in the fashion industry?
- I'd always loved music and clothes while growing up but
it was while studying History of Modern Art, Design and Film at university
that the penny finally dropped that I might be able to work for one of the
many magazines I loved. So, I moved to London, did a Masters at London
College of Fashion and started doing work experience at places, such as
The Guardian and Vogue. I then developed my CV and built up both freelance
writing and styling work before taking a full time role as Assistant
Fashion Editor at the Guardian where I worked for four years – here I had
the opportunity to report from fashion week, style shoots and write
features. Working in fashion allows you to be creative in many different
ways – this was always the pull of working in the industry for me.
2. What does a typical day for you look like at
Matchesfashion.com?
What I love about my job is that there is no typical day. One day
I might be shooting an editorial shoot in a studio in London or on location in
Paris. The next I'll be interviewing a designer or writing a trend feature. I
go to the fashion shows to get inspiration for shoots for both our digital and
print magazine, which is always exciting. I also work closely with the studio
who style all the clothes for the online store. Then there are work events to
plan, sales meetings to attend, working with the buyers and PR team on
launches. It really is a brilliant mixed bag.
3. How
can applicants make sure they stand out from the crowd?
I think the best way to stand out from the crowd is just to be
yourself. Look prepared – as in, if you've got an interview or a work
placement, you need to turn up and demonstrate straight off that you've done
some research and know the organisation/magazine you're there to work
for/interview for.
4. What
key skills do you need to get into fashion?
Initially you need to be patient and prepared to graft hard –
getting your foot in the door is the biggest trick so you need to impress
people with a brilliant attitude. You obviously need to have a good visual
understanding and a creative streak but equally you need to be be good with
people – in fashion, it's often about teamwork, especially on shoots and in
office based roles. You also need to be able to juggle lots of different things
at the same time – fashion moves fast and you need to be able to keep up with
the pace.
5. Do
you have any motivational words for students aspiring to make it in this very
competitive industry?
Drive. Stamina. Ideas. To get into the industry, work really hard,
do the groundwork, take on ever opportunity that is offered, be openminded and
go the extra mile. Have lots of ideas – all the time. Soak up culture – art
shows, film, museums, magazines, books. Set yourself mini goals. Get a blog.
Experiment. Read.
