Fashion Journalism

What is it?

Behind the glossy pages of your favourite fashion magazine is a huge team of people who make it all happen. At the centre are fashion journalists, who write about the industry for newspapers, magazines, and online publications. Many fashion journalists choose a “beat” which is a sector of fashion that they’re a subject matter expert in. For example, they might cover sustainability, business, luxury, emerging designers, or streetwear. Fashion journalists can work in-house for a specific publication or be self-employed and write for several publications at once.

Because the fashion media we consume has largely moved from print to digital, it’s common for fashion journalists to write for online publications more than print publications. Fashion journalism is a highly competitive but exciting and rewarding career path.

What should you study? What skill do you need?

Several universities have fashion communications or fashion journalism courses, but a general journalism degree (plus an interest in fashion) will also put you on the right path to becoming a fashion journalist. A passion for research and writing is important. Fashion journalists are curious, good communicators, analytical, have strong spelling and grammar, and are good listeners.

SKILLS NEEDED

Fashion journalists have to “sell” their ideas to editors in order to get commissioned, so it’s important to be confident and resilient.