An Experience: Interning at PFW and Attending My First Show

This season, I was blessed with the opportunity to work backstage during PFW. Through my school, I applied for as least 10-12 internships and heard back from around 5. After signing the agreement and correlating my schedule, I was booked to be a dresser backstage. I dressed backstage for Dawei, fashion graduate of Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture, founded the brand in 2018 after working with major houses like Balenciaga and John Galliano. The protocol for working backstage was straight forward and surreal. Dress code was all black as I arrived promptly with a coffee.

Backstage, once the rehearsal was about to begin. The director assigned each dresser a model. We were given the look and a photo to match. The models were very friendly and especially fierce. I dressed the first and last model to close the show. Right before the assembly began, there was a buzz and rush around the dressers, models, and photographers behind the scenes. There was even a photographer banging on the windows, attempting to get a sneak peek before the show began. Overall the experience was incredible and after the show ended we packed up the clothes and headed out on our way. Compared to other dresser call times, the Dawei show call time was only a couple of hours. Typically dressers are in class from upwards of 10-12 hour shifts, or we love to say it, uNpAiD wOrK. It’s an opportunity that should not be neglected.

Secondly, I would like to draw attention to my experience attending my first PFW show. My university sent out ticket links to attend a series of small brands showcasing their spring collections for a brand called Flying Solo. I arrived just in time to beat the line with my friends and check in. The venue was stunning, a flushing hallway of marble, gold, and emerald green. People began filing in, as it came closer to show time. Then it began. Now all I have to say was, people were leaving early. The clothes were underwhelming, giving me very Shein, fast fashion aesthetic wear. Despite the clothing, the environment was clear. It was a very good example of a level one entry show. I had an amazing time giggling about the clothing with my friends and finding a good excuse to dress up. Praying next season, things will be more legit. Nevertheless, I am beyond thankful for the opportunities to attend any shows and look forward to many more. Flying solo may have been my first, but not my last.