From the first time I clacked into Pattern in my jet-black Steve Maddens, I knew that this summer would be nothing short of memorable. From the fashion shows to the trash service, the special events to the table cloth steaming, I’ve been able to be a part of almost every facet of the company. I have been able to experience the most glamorous world of the fashion community to the least glamorous depth of the industry. And this all began before I even graduated from my freshman year of college.
My relationship with the magazine started at nothing other than one of it’s biggest events of the year, the magazine’s launch party. With an unbuttoned tuxedo dress shirt, shiny grey pants, and a cascade of necklaces, I had finally entered the fashion community. The multicolored lights were blinding and the chandeliers shimmered like ice, and the only thing more stunning than the location were the people attending. And while the party was amazingly exciting, I learned my very first, and most important, lesson of event planning: it isn’t all about enjoying the party, because after everyone leaves, you’re the one cleaning up. You forget what you’re wearing, and the glamorous happening you experienced, because at the end of the night, you’re on your hands and knees picking up attendee’s discardings. And as an event planning intern, this single night threw me into the real world of party production. It showed me all that goes into planning, executing, and successfully wrapping up an event.
I was hooked.
Weeks later, after all of the other interns started, the atmosphere was pretty calm, when the Editor in Chief, Polina Osherov, gave me a big yet ambiguous assignment. I had no idea that this assignment would end up being one of the most valuable experiences of my life. I would have to obtain 8-10 luminescent dresses for a mysterious event, with 5,000-10,000 anticipated attendees. And I was given 2 weeks. To simplify it, I spent all of my free time trying to obtain these illusive dresses. These lighted, chic, illusive, dresses. I was a fundraiser for philanthropic organizations, so I’m no stranger to approaching people for things I need. But I had tried multiple tactics and strategies, and came up with very little. Then, over labor day weekend, which I spent entirely researching possible sources, I came up with an idea (but I can’t reveal all my tricks). I made some calls, and, through some hard work, ended up with 25 dress options when the original goal was 10. We are now featuring around 18 dresses in the show. You can say what you want, but I’d like to think I can get things done. And I couldn’t be prouder.
This internship has been enlightening, fast paced, and nothing short of exhilarating. And even though I’ll probably pull out most of my hair by the time I’m done, this has been an irreplaceable experience and one that will carry me into the future. This internship has helped me to gain skills in hiring, event planning, organizing and resource allocation, which will be essential in my future climb. Some advice to future interns would be to pay attention to detail, every detail. To get along with your fellow interns, as much as you can. It makes it much easier. And most importantly, to be resourceful. Don’t think that you have to follow roads that have already been laid. Construct your own roads from scratch, there will be much less traffic.
I’ve had an amazing time here at Pattern and I am unendingly thankful for all the things I’ve gained. I want to keep working with them going into the future, but for now, a new crop of interns will enter, new tides coming in.
And me and my jet-black Steve Maddens will clack their way on out.
