Behind New York Fashion Week’s amazing shows, stunning models and smug designers is the unappreciated group of people that help make the shows come alive — interns. Clad in all black with backstage passes around their necks, fashion interns are responsible for doing anything the designers and production team ask of them and are expected to look fabulous while doing it.

Dana Froome, a junior public relations major, attended New York Fashion Week last week to intern with Seventh House, a fashion public relations firm responsible for providing social media and business services to designers. The Daily Orange sat down with Froome to discuss her experience during fashion week and what it takes to be a fashion intern.

The Daily Orange: How did you get the internship?

Dana Froome: I worked with Seventh House over Winter Break. I found a fall 2014 internship posting on OrangeLink and I decided to reach out to see if they needed anyone for Winter Break, and they said yes. I interviewed, got the internship and interned with them for a month, and they told me that I could return for fashion week.

The D.O.: What was a typical day at the fashion week internship like?

D.F.: I had to do some runs, like drop off clothing samples. For example, I had to drop off clothes at designer Charlotte Ronson’s mom’s house, and let me tell you, I have never felt so poor in my life. I did stuff like return the samples that were brought back by stylists and editors using Fashion GPS. I also managed lists of which editors and celebrities to grant access to the shows for, check in guests at each shows and assembled and gave out gift bags.

The D.O.: What was the craziest errand you were sent to do?

D.F.: It was my second day, and I had to take the subway 45 minutes to Brooklyn to go pick up samples that belonged to a stylist. I didn’t realize that the dresses were Patricia Bonaldi, which have so many rhinestones on them. That makes them so heavy. The receptionist stacked the dresses on my hand, and I almost fell down to the floor. I didn’t even make it half a block before I dropped onto one of the benches. I had to call the showroom and ask them if I could catch a cab. It was my second day, so I was thinking, “Is this what it’s going to be like?”

The D.O.: As an intern for fashion week, did you feel any pressure to look fashionable?

D.F.: I did feel the pressure because I wanted to look presentable, and I didn’t want to look basic because I knew I was going to be around celebrities, editors and the people that I might work with in the future. I knew I needed to make an effort because this is an industry that’s based on style, and you need to bring that to the table to get you noticed. The week before I left, I went to the mall and I was trying to find outfits to wear that were classy and fashionable — and I couldn’t find anything. I dug through my own closet, and I realized that I can do a lot with my own clothes. Even though I was working for two days, I packed six outfits.

The D.O.: What are some tips on being the best fashion intern?

D.F.: Keep in mind that they are not going to baby you. If you don’t show that you’re 100 percent committed, they’re not going to remember you. It’s important to make sure you stand out. Always ask for more work and do not think that you’re above any tasks. Always ask questions — they’re there to help you as much as you’re there to help them. If you don’t understand something don’t assume. It’s less to clean up. Be present — you’re there to help out and make an impression, don’t forget that. Don’t be afraid to reach out. I got my position by being persistent. Sometimes there wasn’t a job posting, but I emailed to offer my assistance. Go find their email.

Published on February 18, 2015 at 12:01 am