Community | An Interview With a Paris Fashion Week Intern

The most magical thing about Paris is you’ll never know who you’ll run into (did I mention I had a – very brief – conversation with Owen Wilson?). I had the opportunity of meeting an aspiring designer and Global Fashion Media student who has moved here from India to follow her fashion dreams and has been hustling hard to make them happen. As an intern for Paris Fashion Week, she was able to set aside some time to answer my questions about what it’s like to be an active member of the fashion world in one of the fashion capitals of the world!

Q: What is your full name?

A: Poonam Natasha

Q: Can you describe what you do professionally in Paris, France?

A: I’m doing my MBA in Global Fashion Media.

Q: What can you tell us about what it’s like to intern for Fashion Week in Paris?

A: It’s a great opportunity to intern for the Fashion Week especially being a fashion student, as you get to experience and learn the how the industry works when it comes to designers and their new trending collections. Sometimes it could get hectic working for Fashion Week with all the long hours, working backstage with models, and running around with no time to sit!

Q: What can you tell us about the line you are developing? Do you design and make everything by hand? How long have you been designing for? Anything else you can share about your own line?

A: I used to be a design student earlier during my diploma and post-graduation. Right now, as I’m a Fashion Media student I’m more into blogging and writing articles. I did design a collection during my final year of post-grad; as more of a hobby I designed a collection of crochet beanies and sweaters and scarfs, I had a stall at a huge Sunday flea market. I ended up being sold out quite early with my collections of the crochet winter wear. Then I also worked as a stylist and designer for a men’s suiting brand for around 6 months.

Q: What is it like to be a fashion student and designer in a city like Paris, France?

A: Paris was my dream city as it is one of the biggest fashion capitals. Before coming to Paris, I had a job of an Assistant Manager for multiple brand outlets of an international brand called Atmosphere. My work was more like a regular 10 to 7 job, sitting in front of the computer most of the time, doing work that I never really enjoyed doing.

One day, I just decided to quit my job and did everything I could do to get to Paris in a month. It was a quick decision and I wanted to take my career in the right direction. I think it was the right choice as I learned so much more about fashion, the European industry, and it has been really helpful to me. The Parisian lifestyle, as a fashion student, has been really amazing as you get to visit the museums and have different opportunities to attend events and shows, and intern for different seasons of Fashion Week. It has just been amazing to be here, especially as a student.

Q: Do you have any advice for people who wish to work in fashion?

A: Working in the fashion industry would be a dream for a lot of people. My advice for all those people is that it’s perfect if you’re someone who would want to have a creative and exciting job where every day could be new and fun. All you need to do is work your way through it as it’s not an easy industry to break through and get a job. Also, dreams don’t come true on their own, but only you and hard work can make it happen; this was a lesson I learned.

A day immersed in the life of fashion is not an easy dream to follow and takes determination and hard work. It’s clear that Natasha’s determination is what allowed her to get to Paris and pursue what makes her immensely happy. And you should see this girl’s style, on top of it all! She’s got it down pat. She’s nailed the Parisian ideal of ‘pick a perfect accessory and let that be the statement piece of your outfit,’ and Designer Swap is flooded with items that will help you do just that. The best part is that they’re all brand name at affordable prices, so if you’ve got the intention on slipping into the fashion scene in Toronto, New York, Paris, or Milan, you know just where to go to get that.

Natasha tells me her favourite piece in the Designer Swap store is the BCBG Maxazria Black Cocktail dress, and says, “This black sequin cocktail dress is pretty, chic, and classy. I like the style and the design structure; it seems electrifying and cryptic when you look at it! It seems easy to put together, and perfect for an evening cocktail and an after party. And with black being my favourite colour, I would absolutely pick this dress.”

If you’re interested in getting in contact with Natasha, she can be reached at natasha16thsept@gmail.com, styleanthemm@gmail.com, or via her website:  styleanthemblog.wordpress.com!

Designer Swap is Canada’s online luxury consignment shop and Toronto-based fashion blog. Find gently-used and pre-loved authentic designer pieces to purchase and read about the newest fashion, beauty, and lifestyle trends. Make sure to check us out on Instagram and Facebook!

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Images courtesy of schoolofstyle.com, viralizeit.net