A fashion trainee is responsible for assisting fashion designers in their daily tasks as well as working with the management team of a design company to help implement various initiatives. The tasks assigned to a trainee can include creating new design ideas, determining pricing levels for various styles, and developing comprehensive product lines. Ultimately, a trainee will work on a variety of tasks in a fast paced environment in exchange for the opportunity to learn the mechanics of the fashion industry.
The specific duties of a fashion trainee will depend upon the company that employs him or her. A boutique formal wear fashion designer may require that a trainee be responsible for a set of tasks and duties that are completely unique and very different from what would be required by a causal wear designer. Regardless of the fashion niche, most fashion trainees will be required to work on the fundamental tasks critical to any fashion company. These tasks include operational duties, such as working with fabric material suppliers; marketing duties, such as helping to organize fashion shows; and basic administrative duties, such as following up with prospective clients.
It is not uncommon for a fashion trainee to be involved in the manufacturing process of creating garments. Often, a trainee will be responsible for creating sample mockups of outfits and presenting them to senior fashion designers and other industry executives. In addition to creating mockups, a fashion trainee will often visit fabric showrooms in order to stay abreast of the latest changes in the fabric industry as well as oversee the testing of the fabrics, which is used to create garment care labels.
At times it is necessary for a fashion trainee to assist in the fulfillment of product orders. This responsibility includes managing inventory and working with retail buyers to ensure that their orders are being fulfilled. In the event that production is not operating efficiently, the trainee will be required to develop new supply chains that will fulfill product orders in a cost-effective manner.
Fashion trainees also play an important role in developing fashion ensembles for celebrities and important figures for special occasions, such as award ceremonies or charity events. It is the responsibility of the fashion trainee to research and develop the correct outfit that fits the style of the celebrity and the formality of the event. There are also occasions when a fashion trainee will need to research and develop clothing solutions for a particular film or theatrical production when custom clothing is a necessity.