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FRIDAY, APRIL 4
It’s my last day at FLARE and I can’t believe my internship has gone by so quickly! It’s been a rewarding experience and I’ve learned so much. I feel really fortunate to have won the Flare.com Intern Search because it gave me the chance to intern in 5 unique and exciting departments with talented and inspiring individuals. For my final blog as a Flare.com intern, I thought I’d reflect on my experience in each department.
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| Anja Rubik’s cool crop |
Beauty
I’m a beauty product and skincare fanatic so pulling products from the beauty closet was like being let loose in Sephora after mall hours. I cannot emphasize how many variations and brands there are. I think it’s fascinating to see how runway trends are translated into beauty looks, so it was interesting to see how the Editors, Juliette Baxter and Carlene Higgins, interpret the international trends (which are often outrageous) and make them wearable for FLARE readers. It was the photo of Anja Rubik in ‘The Latest Crop’ from the February issue (pg. 52) that inspired me to chop my long brown locks for a fresh look!
Interning in the Beauty Department involves pulling products, organizing the beauty closet, compiling press kits, calling PR reps for requests, transcribing interviews and research. You gain valuable career experience as you work closely with the Editors and observe how the stories develop and the section comes together. I was lucky enough to go on set for the story ‘The Big Tease’ where I got to interview hairstylist Greg Wencel!
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| Emilio Pucci Fall RTW 2008 |
Fashion
If you’re passionate like me about the newest styles and designers, the Fashion Department is for you! Imagine spending your days with Lanvin dresses, Chanel blazers and Marni platforms. Dream worthy right? Although the bulk of the work is administrative – tending to couriers, receiving and shipping merchandise, and organizing the fashion closet, you work directly with the merchandise and are the first to see all the latest styles. You gain valuable experience contacting PR reps and on occasion interns have the opportunity to go to photo shoots with the Editors. Learning from Editors Elizabeth Cabral and Tammy Palmer was pretty amazing. I excitably open the new issue each month to see the way they have interpreted the runway trends.
I loved working with the other Interns in the Fashion Closet because they are incredibly talented and got equally excited every time we unpacked a new box from one of the designers. The environment is fast paced and there is never a dull moment. The senior interns offered valuable insight and who knows, our paths may cross again some day!
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| Toronto Alternative Fashion Week |
Entertainment
Alex Breen and Elio Iannacci, the Entertainment and Features Editors were so fun to intern for. They are incredibly passionate about film and music. It was a great learning experience to sit with Alex and see how a typical day for her unfolds. She showed me the editorial process for the Features Department and I got to chat with her about her experience when she was an intern and she gave me great advice.
I had the opportunity to do some research for the June and July issues. This involved navigating through tons of websites to source information on album release dates, summer music tours, DVD releases, upcoming summer flicks, new books, art exhibitions, and exciting events across Canada. It really helps if you are pop-culture savvy so you know exactly where to look on the web. Afterwards Alex would go through all the research with me so I could see how they decide on what is most appropriate to be featured in FLARE. Interning in the Features Department teaches you to be resourceful and you definitely become an insider to all the cool events happening across the country!
Marketing
There is always a buzz in marketing with all the FLARE events happening – from the FLARE and H&M exclusive shopping event to the FLARE Gala during Fashion Week. It was exciting to see all the planning and strategizing that goes on for the publication. Interns learn about marketing, promotions, media relations and advertising functions. You also may assist in promotional planning and events. It’s important to be organized and to excel at multitasking as you assist the department with any daily duties or administrative tasks from arranging mailing distributions and couriers to research.
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What I loved most about the Marketing Department is their dedication to the FLARE Volunteer Awards. Each year they recognize 6 Canadian women who contribute to bettering the lives of people in their communities. The event encourages volunteerism across the nation and celebrates the achievements and difference these 6 influential women have made for others. While interning in Marketing I researched organizations across the country for the next FLARE Volunteer Awards. I encourage you to get involved and make a difference in your community.
flare.com
As you can see my experience as a flare.com intern has been a unique one. It’s given me the advantage of learning how other departments operate and the chance to provide you, the readers, an insider’s perspective. With the web being such a strong component in the fashion world blogs are becoming ever more popular. I really value flare.com for its strong presence in the Canadian fashion community and contributing to the site has been so rewarding.
Thank you to the judges: Lisa Tant, Liz Cabral, Juliette Baxter, Elio Iannacci, Amanda Virtanen, Tracy Finkelstein and Janet Stern for giving me the amazing opportunity to intern with FLARE. Thank you to Zdenka Turecek for your guidance and the chance to work on so many exciting assignments. Finally thank you to all the readers who watched my video and voted for me. I hope my intern experience will inspire you to go out and pursue your dreams. Thank you FLARE Magazine and flare.com for making mine a reality!
Stephanie Trendocher
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