Aspiring fashion stylist struggles to enter the industry

As an aspiring Fashion Stylist, 21 year old Lauren Aherne from Derby, is up against one of the toughest industries to achieve her dream.

Lauren left school knowing what she wanted to do, and plunged straight into a Fashion Design college course at West Nottingham College, achieving a HND qualification. Equipped with this, she went on to find work and soon employed as a Shop-floor Assistant at high-street giant, Marks & Spencer. After 4 years with the company, Lauren has earned a promotion to the Visual Merchandising team, a step closer to the dream.

The day-to-day job, as part of a team of 5, involves: outfit styling, window dressing and the general merchandising of the store. Although this isn’t her ideal role she knows she has to do it to get where she wants to.

Example ofM&S mannequins & displays

“The job role I have at the minute does get repetitive, but I understand it’s what I need to do to pursue a career in the industry.”

Working to tight deadlines, is something that is helping her skill set, and a quality she will able to take through the industry with her. Also the dedication to learning new stock quickly and a willingness to work early or late in order to get tasks finished, are all skills that will help her progress in a fashion career.

Unfortunately for Lauren, as a creative, she is unable to show much flair in her current position. She cannot implement much of her own style on the window-dressing, as she has to follow strict company policy.

“What I would personally wear can’t always be used within displays, or on mannequins, but that is because Marks’ have a very obvious customer profile, that is translated through the merchandising.”

Lauren enjoys the ‘department store’ element of the job, and she is able to switch from male to female styling, as well as doing homeware displays. And the variety within the ranges helps enlarge her job role. This includes the Limited collection for the younger generation, the Autograph range for the conservative business woman and the Upper range, which suits the higher budget.

Lauren at work

Recently, Marks & Spencer have taken on a new window policy, in order to keep up with other high street competition. This will see a regional team visiting to do the window displays, removing more of Laurens chance to show her ability. This has prompted her to look for opportunities elsewhere in the industry.

“I understand how ruthless Fashion is but I am going to do what it takes to get to the top, one day I will work in the Styling team at a Head Office, whether it be Marks & Spencer or not!”