A Career as a Fashion Editor
The job of a fashion editor is exciting and glamorous, but succeeding in this fast-paced industry requires a broad knowledge of trends, strong journalistic style and an exceptional ability to meet strict deadlines. In this ever-changing industry, a fashion editor must act as a well-informed guide, bringing editorial direction to a publication or media-related outlet in terms of clothing, footwear and accessories. Fashion editors have the option to work for magazines, newspapers, television shows and/or websites.
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Description
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Under the guidance of an editor-in-chief, a fashion editor manages the detail-oriented process of deriving, developing and presenting creative fashion content for magazines, newspapers, websites or television shows. It is a versatile, high-level position that allows for specialization in various areas of fashion like apparel, shoes, accessories or even cosmetics. The position also involves meeting with designers, specialty boutiques and retail stores to gain new ideas and inspiration for featuring fresh fashion content. Travel is also necessary since major fashion shows are based in New York, Paris, Milan and London. A fashion editor has the option of also free-lancing on a per-contract basis.
Significance
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A fashion editor has a strong influence in the industry, forecasting trends and dictating what designs are featured for worldwide reader consumption. Thus, the editor can significantly impact fashion and beauty. Therefore, the editor must demonstrate a sense of social responsibility when deciding what to feature. Plus, good judgment wins and maintains reader respect, from young people to fashion industry veterans. Also, fashion editors play a huge role in public relations, creating worthy buzz for new and emerging designers and models they believe are promising.
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Outlook
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Employment for fashion editors is expected to grow by 10 to 20 percent between 2002 and 2012, according to Fashion-Schools.org. This is due to the growth of various media outlets like fashion and entertainment magazines, newspaper sections, television shows and websites. Aspiring fashion editors must exhibit a competitive spirit, a passion for spotting new fashion trends and an overall creative mind-set.
Path
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Fashion editors typically start as fashion assistants to magazines or other media outlets. As they demonstrate success, they will gain promotion to associate editor, then editor and possibly senior editor. Demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skill could lead to the most coveted fashion editorial position--editor-in-chief.
Salary
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The salary range for fashion editors with permanent corporate positions is $35,357 to $59,468, according to PayScale.com, as of June 2010. Editors working for private firms or contracting their services to various media outlets earn $34,500 to $56,474. An editor-in-chief earns between $48,992 and $90,522.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Fashion parade. image by Catabu from Fotolia.com
