Careers in Fashion Journalism

Anything and everything written about fashion and fashion related activities can be termed as fashion journalism. It constitutes a wide range of activities, right from writing and editing stories and articles to styling photo shoots and researching the current and future trends of fashion, along with public relations, interviewing, and designing. With the rising growth and popularity of the Indian fashion industry in global trends as well as in the home front, fashion journalists have created a niche for themselves as fashionistas who can review and report on the emerging fashion trends. To become a good fashion journalist, fashion critic, or fashion reporter, one needs to be imaginative, inventive, organized, and should possess excellent abilities to look beyond one’s personal experiences and understand fashion in a more wider and diverse context. One needs to acquire the knowledge about the techniques of news gathering and reporting with emphasis on expressing ideas and impressions.

Course Details
Anyone having a flair for writing, along with sheer interest in fashion and trends, can pursue a career in the prospering field of fashion journalism. Very few institutes conduct specialized programs in fashion journalism. However, one doesn’t have to pursue a formal degree program in journalism to become a fashion journalist. With a degree in journalism, an individual can gain the technical expertise of reporting/editing. Any graduate with sense and knowledge of fashion and writing can become a fashion journalist. But, acquiring training in fashion merchandising or fashion design will be an added advantage for becoming a fashion journalist. Any course related to fashion designing or photography can be pursued to learn the basics and tactics of the fashion world.

Career Prospects
The job of a fashion journalist is to write about anything related to brands and styles, fashion trends, and reviewing and covering events. With the right terminology, trends, fabrics, and styles and how to write about fashion, fashion journalists can do wonders in this field. Most techniques can be learned by assisting other fashion designers, photographers, etc. As a fashion journalist, one can choose to work as a freelancer or as a staff writer in a publication house. Several career pathways are available in this field, depending upon the strengths and interests of individuals and the publications which hire fashion journalists. Here, one is not restricted to work for only glamorous fashion magazines. An individual can seek employment in fashion critique and commentary programs on the television and Internet. Besides, they can try their hand at reviewing and reporting about the latest fashion on the ramp and red carpet.

Top Colleges Offering UG/PG/Other Courses
Few institutes in India offer courses and programs fashion journalism, communication, and styling. Nevertheless, there are numerous premier colleges that conduct courses in journalism or photography, which, in turn, can be valuable for pursuing a career in fashion journalism. Institutes like National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi; Indian Institute of Journalism & New Media, Bangalore; Asian College of Journalism, Chennai; Mudra Institute of Communication, Ahmedabad; BD Somani Institute of Art and Fashion Technology, Mumbai; Manorama School of Communication (MASCOM), Kottayam; and Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi.

Remuneration
As a fresher, a fashion journalist can expect a salary package of around 2 lakhs, or above, per annum. With experience, remuneration is likely to increase, depending upon the quality of work, rewarding in the form of handsome perks and incentives. Opting to work as a freelancer according to one’s pace and convenience is another great alternative.