I remember when I was still just a student, dreaming of a career in fashion. Returning from my summer holidays, I always felt a renewed sense of excitement. September felt like a second New Year to me, and I was ready to dive into the fashion world with fresh energy and new ideas.
In my childhood bedroom, there’s still a desk covered with fashion images that I used to print and hang up, creating my own little inspiration hub. I remember sitting at that desk, eagerly planning the months ahead. Fashion Month was coming, and it was my favorite time of year.
Even before livestreams became popular, I would spend hours on Vogue, scrolling through the latest collections as soon as they were uploaded. This was during my management engineering bachelor’s years, so this time of year was especially meaningful. Even though I couldn’t attend fashion shows in person, I found ways to feel deeply connected to the fashion world.
If you share my passion for fashion and are dreaming of a career in this exhilarating industry, you’ll understand why September is so important. It’s not just another month on the calendar—it’s THE Fashion Month. For aspiring fashion professionals, it’s the equivalent of New Year’s Day, packed with opportunities, inspiration, and a fresh start that can set the tone for your entire career.
For the fashion industry, September is far more significant than January. While January represents the start of a new year on the calendar, September marks the beginning of the fashion calendar, setting the tone for trends, styles, and the industry’s trajectory for the year ahead. But what is it about September that makes it so special? Let’s delve into why this month is nothing short of magical for anyone passionate about fashion.
Fashion Weeks
September marks the start of the global fashion week circuit, beginning with New York Fashion Week on September 6th 2024, followed by London, Milan, and Paris.
For someone dreaming of a career in fashion, these fashion weeks are more than just dates on a calendar—they’re the epicenter of creativity and innovation. Watching these shows even just online, is like getting a glimpse into the future of fashion.
Imagine yourself in a few years, not just watching these shows but being part of the team that brings them to life. Whether you dream of becoming a designer, a stylist, or a fashion journalist, understanding the importance of fashion weeks is key to your future success.
The September Issues
In the world of fashion magazines, September is synonymous with something else entirely: the September issues. This isn’t just any issue, it’s the biggest and most important issue of the year. Vogue’s September issue, often referred to as the “fashion bible,” is a prime example.
The influence of these magazines extends far beyond the fashion elite. The content drives consumer interest and purchasing decisions in a way that the January issues simply cannot match. If you haven’t yet watched “The September Issue” documentary, now is the perfect time to do so. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the power and influence of this pivotal time in fashion.
Back-to-School and Fall Fashion
September also coincides with one of the biggest retail periods of the year. As students head back to school and the weather begins to change, consumers are looking to update their wardrobes. This is a prime time for brands to launch new collections, heavily influenced by what’s seen on the runways and in the September issues.
A Fresh Start
Much like how January represents a fresh start on the calendar, September offers a cultural and psychological reset in the fashion world. After a summer of relaxation and reflection, the industry gears up for a new cycle. Designers, brands, and even consumers are ready to embrace new trends and ideas.
For you, this could mean setting new goals or revisiting the resolutions you made at the beginning of the year. September is the perfect time to refocus on your fashion dreams and take actionable steps toward making them a reality. Whether it’s applying for internships, enrolling in courses, or simply diving deeper into your fashion studies, now is the time to take bold steps.
For many, including myself, September has been a month of pivotal decisions. In 2017, it was in September that I decided to leave my position at Alexander McQueen to focus full-time on Glam Observer. The summer had been a period of reflection, but it was September that turned those thoughts into action.
How You Can Make the Most of Fashion Month
If you love fashion as much as I do, here are a few activities that helped me stay connected to fashion during my school years, and could inspire you as well:
- Start Your Own Fashion Blog. During Fashion Week, I started my very first fashion blog. It was a space where I could discuss the trends, my favorite collections, and the designers who inspired me. Blogging is a fantastic way to express your thoughts, share your passion, and connect with others in the industry. If you’ve ever considered starting a blog, there’s no better time than now.
- Take Online Fashion Courses. To deepen my understanding of the industry and sharpen my skills, I enrolled in online fashion courses. These courses were invaluable in helping me stay ahead of the curve and remain motivated. If there’s a particular area of fashion you’re interested in, consider signing up for a course—it’s a great way to invest in your future.
- Try Your Hand at Fashion Illustration. While I didn’t pursue fashion illustration as a career, it became a beloved hobby. In fact, I even started selling some of my illustrations on Etsy to fund my fashion courses. This creative outlet allowed me to explore another side of fashion and earn a little extra money to reinvest in my education.
- Create Fashion Mood Boards. Pinterest became my go-to for curating trends, and inspirations. I spent hours creating different fashion boards, and it’s something I still enjoy today. Why not start a mood board featuring your favorite looks from Fashion Week?
- Watch Fashion Shows Online. You don’t have to be in New York, London, Milan, or Paris to experience Fashion Week. Thanks to social media, you can follow the latest collections, street style, and behind-the-scenes action in real-time. Here’s how:
- Instagram and TikTok: Follow official accounts like @nyfw, @londonfashionweek, @milanfashionweek, and @parisfashionweek for up-to-the-minute updates. Keep an eye on hashtags like #NYFW, #LFW, #MFW, and #PFW.
- Livestreams & Replays: Download the official fashion week calendars of each city and watch the live streaming on the brand’s website and social media to catch the latest collections as they debut.
- Influencers & Editors: Follow fashion influencers, editors, and insiders who often provide behind-the-scenes looks, commentary, and their personal takes on the collections.
- Volunteer Backstage. If you happen to be in Milan, Paris, London, or New York, consider volunteering backstage at fashion shows. It’s an incredible experience that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how a show comes together. Plus, it’s a great way to build connections in the industry.
- Embrace the Fashion Week MindsetFashion Week is about more than just the shows—it’s a mindset of creativity, innovation, and pushing boundaries. Use this time to:
- Set New Goals: What’s one new goal you can set for yourself this Fashion Week season? Maybe it’s applying for internships, enrolling in an online course, or mastering a new skill.
- Reflect & Reset: Take a moment to reflect on your progress so far this year. Use the fresh inspiration from Fashion Week to reset your focus and reenergize your ambitions.
September: The Time to Take Action
As September approaches, think about how you can immerse yourself in the world of fashion. What steps can you take to bring your passion closer to reality? Whether it’s starting a new project, learning a new skill, or simply indulging in your love for fashion, this is your time to shine.
September is your runway—walk it with confidence. No matter where you are in your fashion journey, this is the time to take bold steps. Embrace the new season, the fresh trends, and the boundless opportunities that September offers. It’s more than just a month; it’s a moment that can change the trajectory of your career and your life.
How will you make this Fashion Month count? If you are ready to make this September YOUR fashion month then join the waitlist for a special secret offer to my popular online courses.
