Why is it that the words “public relations” more often than not leads to images of glamorous people jet setting to fabulous parties halfway around the world? It could have to do with the fact that the majority of what PR is involves is making people (usually other people) look good or the fact that in many cases there is a fabulous party or show involved (contrary to popular belief, however, the publicists or event planners rarely gets to relish in all the lavishness that the event has to offer to the exclusive guest list).
I learned this the hard way with my first experience working Fashion Week. Watching and helping with all of the planning and details that goes into putting on a Milk Studios or Lincoln Center worthy fashion show I was convinced that when the lights finally went down and a hush fell over the anxious crowd we would get to sit back and watch what all of our hard work over the past months had created… we didn’t. With clouds of hairspray and outfits flying, backstage was organized (and some unorganized) chaos throughout the entire show. With the close of the show and the bow of the designer and some post show interviews came a quick sigh of relief and then back to reality with the next task already at hand. The continuous endeavors and nonstop action is what makes public relations public relations. So world, there you have it, life in the wonderful world of PR is not all glitz and glam, but that is what makes it all so totally worth it.
Hey Alex
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with all you had to say in this blog. It is so true that PR is not all about Gliz and Glam. I love the way you put that. I can understand with my internship and how much work it takes just to get your assignments and projects done but when you think you have a moment the next one is given to you. But t can be a good thing and there is always a great result most of the time. :)
Hi Alex (& Sarah)
ReplyDeleteI feel it is like 95% hard work/anxiety, 5% luxurious. I worked a summit back in October and met/worked with Monique Coleman and Fefe Dobson (amongst others)...there were some great moments that may constitute 'luxury'; however, by days end after all the sweat and tears, all I can remember was running around like a lunatic.
I think the Fashion industry is that one industry, as how I read it from you, where there is 1% luxury, if that. "Kell on Earth" was a pretty accurate portrayal of the madness running a fashion event, and I gathered the same impression from there as I do now reading your blog post. Even worse with fashion, what with so many designers showing at fashion week, a show lasts so long and is the only chance for publicity. Other industries may have a little more wiggle room. "One day you are in; the next day, you are out."
I can't even imagine how much work Fashion Week is! I give you and everyone else who works it a lot of credit. Thanks for a honest and for real post!
ReplyDeleteWell, props to you for even getting to Fashion Week, I know many people would just die for the chance. On another note, although I'm not sure I have an experience in common with you, I can totally see where you're coming from. As interns we work our butts off in hopes to get picked up by that organization or company, something to write on our resumes. The only thing I can say is, as long as you're loving what you're doing, in time other opportunities will come that you can hopefully sit back, relax and enjoy. For the time being though, if I was you (and I'm not saying you're not) I would just be proud of myself for getting through Fashion Week alive and with quite a bit of knowledge. I'm sure you did great and there's only much more to come!
ReplyDeletePersonally, I have no interest in fashion and would never want to do fashion PR. However from what I've heard from my friends who have internships, your post is 100% accurate. Many who I know don't want to go into it anymore because it isn't glamorous or what they thought it was. Kudos to you.
ReplyDeleteI completely know where you're coming from. After working fashion week, you completely realize all the preparation is tons of hard work for 10-15 minutes of a show, most of which you don't get to enjoy because your still working.
ReplyDeleteEven the glamorous parties aren't glamorous because you're working them. I've stood out in the cold for hours working the door while the "fabulous" people sip champagne.
However, if you can deal with the hard work and long hours, working in fashion can be fun and it's amazing to be surrounded by such creative people. I wouldn't trade the industry for anything, but I may be slightly insane...
MY name is coming up weird. but it's Amanda Nissenbaum:)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with what you had to say, and it really is true that PR is not all about the glitz and glamour, but in the end PR is so worth it. On top of it, I completely understand everything that you are saying considering you don't get to sit back and relax, or get appreciated, but at the end of the day it's nice to be able to appreciate everything yourself!
The glam that we all wanted to see in PR mite not be there for any of us and we better be okay with that. I had dreams too but i accept the reality of PR just as easy. I dont know much abouit the world of fashion by i do know its gotta be more then models and clothes. PR is the never ending engine of the world we live in rom fashion to consumer. the glamour is in the glory and the glory comes when you work your butt off....or ge tlucky with some awesome client.
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