This final week at my internship has come to an end. I have both happy and sad feelings leaving this summer and experience behind me, and I couldn't feel more accomplished! I really think that I've learned quite a bit as a Zac Posen intern including things about myself, the city, and the fashion world in general. I've come to realize that I can do basically anything if I put forth the effort and keep my mind on the goal. This has been tested in small situations (such as getting through the crowds in the garment district while running an errand) or in bigger situations (such as when given a project to complete by one of the designers in a shorter amount of time than I imagined possible). I have also learned that even though people in the city are rumored to be terrible and rude, they actually aren't that different from anyone else- only forced to sometimes act mean and scary because they're in a rush. The city is also so full of culture and beauty, that you sometimes need to look past the dirty sidewalks on Canal Street and smelly subway stations at every corner to truly appreciate it. Finally, I've learned that the fashion world isn't as glamorous and fun as it looks on TV and in the magazines. It involves a lot of long hours, stress, and constant trips to the garment district. However, it is still a crazy and exciting world of creative people that I hope to join after graduating this May.
My best experience during the internship had to be interacting with Zac Posen himself. He makes such a presence whenever he is in the atelier and shows that he truly loves to be involved in the many processes happening in the office. Also, I was happily surprised by how organic and creative the design process is at the company. I was able to see gowns upon gowns being created from sketched idea to the actual product right in front of me- it was amazing. On the other end of the scale, my worst experience may have to be the time in the beginning of the summer when I had to wait for 3 hours (in a HOT sweatshop) for a Resort 2014 dress to be finished for press day the next morning. I didn't get home until 11pm that night. Aside from that time and a week or two of very slow days at the office, my experience was great. I learned a lot about design, how a big company works, different job titles that are available in the industry, and about the fashion world in general. I am happy that I took on this internship and am very grateful that I was able to gain so much experience in such an amazing city.
the sign on the entrance door to the offices
