Navigating London Fashion Week Without a Fashion Degree
By Lola Carron
© Cover Photo Courtesy of Giovanni Giannoni/WWD
The week before a fashion show involves the meticulous styling of each item and casting of each model. While you might imagine these decisions are made well in advance, the real process is full of quick changes and last-minute decisions. As an intern for Huishan Zhang at both Paris and London Fashion Week last year, I had the unique opportunity to experience this stylish world from the inside. It was a fast-paced, high-pressure environment where our time was no longer our own. Each day had no set end time, as we were dedicated to ensuring every detail of the collection came together seamlessly.
I worked on the spring collection for 2025, inspired by Wong Kar-wai’s erotic short film The Hand. The seductive collection drew inspiration from the embellished cheongsam worn by Gong Li in the film, with each piece echoing that sensuality through their intricate details and dramatic cuts. As an intern, I specialised in model castings, dressing models, ensuring their comfort, and reiterating the vision behind each look. Watching the clothes transform from concept to runway was fascinating and rewarding. Every decision, even how a strap would fall off the shoulder, was studied by head stylist Ola Oluebiti and head of design Andrea Rivolo. I learnt to assist them in any way necessary. As Ola was brought in specifically for this show and wasn’t directly attached to the brand, networking was essential. I knew that even small interactions could lead to future opportunities.
Interning at Fashion Week taught me how quickly you need to adapt. Without a fashion degree, every task felt beyond my ability, but I pushed past that mindset, reminding myself I wouldn’t be here if they didn’t believe in my potential. These tasks required confidence, not a fashion degree. During one particularly intense casting day, we needed 30 models but had only picked 17. I initially thought this would be easy since we had models coming in all throughout the day, however, I learned that each look required its perfect match. It wasn’t just about finding a model; they needed to embody the outfit’s essence. A slow, sensual walk was essential, their skin tone had to complement the clothing, and the outfit needed to drape elegantly. As the hours stretched on, we found ourselves in the studio until midnight, determined to finalise each look. This intensity brought the team closer together.
The other interns and I often shared dinner, taking turns to grab quick bites while one of us rushed to change another model, hoping she would be the right fit. We even added an extra day of casting, working through Sunday to ensure everything was perfect. Despite being exhausted and wanting to go home, I was fueled by the team's desire for perfection. There were moments when I thought, “Why not choose that model? She looks lovely! If we pick her, we can finally go home!” But when the model and the outfit finally melded into something captivating, it all made sense. The hard work felt justified, and I understood the artistry behind the process.
As we celebrated our hard work, anticipation built for the show. After days of preparation and last-minute adjustments, seeing the models walk the runway was immensely satisfying. Even as an intern, watching a collection you’ve helped prepare come to life is surreal. I found myself getting emotional as I watched all of our efforts.The energy backstage during a show is electric; you can feel the excitement as each look is presented to the world, a moment of pure creativity and collaboration.
A major misconception about the fashion world is that it’s only accessible to those who attend prestigious fashion schools. I’ve learned that you don’t need to study fashion to get your foot in the door. I didn’t study fashion for my undergraduate degree, and now, as a Master’s student in journalism, I’m learning to combine my passion for writing with the fast-paced fashion world. Sometimes, all it takes is reaching out to smaller brands for real-world experience. With each experience, I feel a little more prepared to pursue a career in fashion journalism.
