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What to Expect as a Fashion Week Intern: Onboarding, Dress Code & Event Day Guide

Updated

This article is intended for prospective interns and industry applicants. If you're looking for tickets or general public information, please visit our main event pages here: https://thebureaufashionweek.com.

Overview

Congratulations on being selected as an intern at The Bureau Fashion Week. Whether you will be working at New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Miami, or Dallas, TX, this guide covers everything you need to know before your fashion week intern first day — from onboarding and dress code to backstage etiquette and what to bring on event day.

Haven't applied yet? Start here:
https://thebureaufashionweek.com/fashion-week-interns/

Fashion Week Intern Onboarding & Orientation

All selected interns go through an onboarding process before their assigned Fashion Week event. This ensures you are fully prepared and confident on day one.

What Is Included

  • Department-specific orientation with your team lead
  • Overview of the event schedule, venue layout, and key contacts
  • Introduction to communication tools and protocols used during the event
  • Review of professional conduct expectations and confidentiality guidelines
  • Q&A session to address any questions before the event begins

Timeline

  • Onboarding typically begins 1-2 weeks before the event
  • Remote onboarding sessions may be offered for interns traveling from out of town
  • You will receive your event schedule, department assignment, and call times before arriving

Fashion Internship Dress Code

Your appearance reflects The Bureau Fashion Week brand. All interns are expected to maintain a polished, professional look throughout the event.

General Guidelines

  • All-black attire is the standard for all departments unless otherwise directed
  • Clothing should be clean, pressed, and free of visible logos or branding
  • Accessories should be minimal and not distracting
  • Hair and grooming should be neat and professional

Department-Specific Notes

  • Event Production & Operations: Prioritize comfort and mobility. Closed-toe shoes are required. You will be lifting, moving, and on your feet all day.
  • Public Relations & Designer Relations: More polished presentation expected, as you will be guest-facing and interacting with designers and press.
  • Marketing & Social Media: Fashion-forward styling is encouraged as you may appear in behind-the-scenes content.

What to Avoid

  • Athletic wear, sneakers (unless specifically approved), flip-flops, or overly casual clothing
  • Strong fragrances — you will be working in close quarters with many people
  • Clothing that restricts movement — you need to be able to move quickly

Your Event Day Schedule

Event days at Fashion Week are long, fast-paced, and rewarding. Here is a general timeline of what to expect.

Call Times

  • Call times vary by department and are communicated in advance
  • Production and Operations interns typically arrive earliest (6:00-8:00 AM)
  • PR and Marketing interns may have slightly later call times depending on the show schedule
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before your call time — punctuality is non-negotiable

Preparing for your first event? Make sure you have applied:
https://thebureaufashionweek.com/fashion-week-interns/

Pre-Show

  • Team briefing and department check-in
  • Venue walkthroughs and final setup tasks
  • Collection check-in and backstage organization (Designer Relations, Production)
  • Media arrival and press pit setup (PR)
  • Guest list finalization and door management prep (Operations)

During the Show

  • Execute your assigned role — every intern has a specific responsibility during showtime
  • Communication is handled via radio, text, or designated team channels
  • Stay at your post unless directed otherwise by your team lead
  • Multiple shows may run back-to-back with brief turnaround periods

Post-Show

  • Collection strike: garments are returned to designers
  • Venue breakdown and cleanup
  • Team debrief — what went well, what to adjust for the next show
  • Post-show networking and after-party coordination (if applicable)

Fashion Week Backstage Etiquette & Professionalism

Working backstage at Fashion Week is a privilege. Professional conduct is expected at all times.

Interacting with Designers, Models & VIPs

  • Be professional, courteous, and helpful at all times
  • Address designers and VIPs by name when possible
  • Do not initiate personal conversations, selfies, or autograph requests
  • If a guest has a request or issue, help directly or escalate to your team lead

Photo & Social Media Rules

  • Do not post backstage photos or videos without explicit permission
  • Collections are confidential until they walk the runway — no previews, no leaks
  • Marketing interns with content responsibilities will receive specific guidelines on what can be captured and shared

Confidentiality

  • Guest lists, seating arrangements, designer details, and production plans are confidential
  • Do not share internal information with anyone outside the team
  • If press or guests ask about confidential details, direct them to the PR team

What to Bring on Event Day

Come prepared. Here is your event day checklist:

  • ☑ Fully charged phone with backup charger or power bank
  • ☑ Small notebook and pen for quick notes
  • ☑ Water bottle (staying hydrated during long days is essential)
  • ☑ Snacks — you may not have time for a full meal break
  • ☑ Comfortable, professional shoes (you will walk 10,000+ steps)
  • ☑ A small bag or backpack for personal items (stored backstage)
  • ☑ Any tools specific to your department (camera, laptop, tablet as directed)
  • ☑ A positive attitude and willingness to jump in wherever needed

Tips for Making the Most of Your Internship

  • Say yes to everything: The more you volunteer for, the more you learn.
  • Ask questions: No one expects you to know everything. Asking shows initiative.
  • Introduce yourself: Network with everyone — designers, press, other interns, senior staff.
  • Take notes: Write down what you learn each day. It will be invaluable for your resume and portfolio.
  • Stay until the end: The post-show hours are when the best networking happens.
  • Follow up: After the event, send thank-you notes to your team lead and key contacts.

Ready to begin your Fashion Week internship journey?
https://thebureaufashionweek.com/fashion-week-interns/

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