Breaking into the fashion industry can feel like a dream. But Tallinn Fashion Week (TFW) is proving to be more than just a runway show – it's a starting point for aspiring creatives.
Imagine this: fresh out of fashion school, you're assigned with the smooth running of a fashion show backstage. That's the magic of TFW.
After 4 years of volunteering or working at established shows like London and Milan Fashion Weeks, where you are assigned small roles and tasks only on the day of the event, Tallinn provides a unique opportunity: to gain hands-on experience and learn from the ground up.
My journey with TFW began in 2015. Completely by chance visited with my cousin one day and I was fascinated by the atmosphere. The world of fashion shows was completely new to me. That day started a passion for fashion, and I owe gratitude to Anu Kikas, who unknowingly set me on a life-changing path. Through mutual connections, I managed to contact Anu and express my enthusiasm to be involved.
From 2017 until I started my university in the UK studying Fashion Marketing and Branding in 2019, I volunteered as a backstage coordinator, offering a helping hand wherever needed – before, during, and after the shows.
This year's 2024 Spring/Summer show was unlike any other. The venue, the people, the audience, the media – everything with fresh energy. I had the incredible opportunity to join the team behind Amanjeda by Katrin Kuldma's Amanjeda collection, where I handled fittings, model coordination, and volunteer management.
Two months of planning guaranteed everything ran smoothly, from coordinating model fittings to scheduling their arrival times for makeup, hair, and of course, the grand finale on the catwalk. Clear communication was important. We needed to ensure everyone involved understood their roles perfectly. Who was responsible for which model and outfit, whole knew the audience and media. There were moments when my communication style might have come across little too intense, but it's all about setting clear expectations and showing exactly how things need to be done. And guess what? The stereotype of "lazy Gen Z" couldn't be further from the truth. The young volunteers around us were absolute rock stars.
So, to all the aspiring fashionistas out there, don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and get involved. You might just surprise yourself with the incredible things you can achieve.
Tallinn Fashion Week serves as a valuable platform not only for Estonian designers but also for young, aspiring individuals. The behind-the-scenes experience provides graduates with practical skills and industry knowledge, pushing them towards careers in the world of fashion. TFW is empowering a new generation to turn their fashion dreams into reality.
Pictures of me in 2017, my first volunteering experience and 2024 Spring.
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