What do fashion editors do

While curating products and introducing consumers to what's new and next has long been the duty of market editors, it's now being played out as much on their personal feeds — if not more — than in magazines themselves. Photo: Imaxtree.

Other editors, perhaps wary of their job security, have jumped ship to work at brands that are looking to develop their own content platforms in the vein of a Glossier or Goop. In the last year, for instance, companies ranging from Rent the Runway to SoulCycle have made hires from traditional media in an effort to build out their own editorial departments. These shifts beg the question: Has the traditional role of "fashion editor" — one whose coverage is not swayed by gifts or monetary compensation, whose online following is irrelevant and who works behind the scenes for a media company rather than a brand — become a thing of the past?

The industry is decidedly split on how to answer that question. Case in point? When she hired Laurel Pantin to be InStyle 's fashion features director last year, she had no idea the editor came with 37, Instagram followers on her personal account and brand partnerships to boot — something she claims to have discovered after the fact.

Editors at publications like The Cut and The Zoe Report agreed with Brown that social prowess is less important for on-staff fashion editors than it's often made out to be. However, Caruso is an influencer herself — one who has worked with big, corporate brands like Wells Fargo and Vicks on paid posts that look surprisingly chic and right at home in her minimalist feed. Juggling both roles has been a perk, she says; it keeps her abreast of new brands, many of whom reach out to her first, as well as new product launches, which influencers are often tapped to promote before anyone else.

Those who don't boast a sizable social media following like Caruso admit that they do feel the pressure to develop a so-called "personal brand" — and fear that the days of choosing to remain behind-the-scenes are swiftly coming to an end. A smaller following often means fewer perks, too: Ad sales departments at legacy publishers have been known to give monetary bonuses to buzzy editors who promote certain advertisers on their personal social feeds, offering them up as added value.

Additionally, brands are more inclined to reach out to this cohort for press trips and event invites — often planned specifically around sharable Instagram moments — a reality that can lead to lucrative networking and exclusive content for the chosen few editors. For Michelle Lee , the editor-in-chief of Allure , editors with a social following are definitely "nice to have," as their success can have a ripple effect on the larger publication, providing it with fresh ways to connect with and grow its audience.

It's helpful if you can build a network and get to know the top designers, publicists and other industry leaders. Knowing how digital media works and understanding how to use content management systems for updating and posting online content is a critical part of fashion editing. Employers often prefer candidates who know how to use technology like word processing software, photo editing software, social media platforms, search engine optimization techniques and content management systems.

Consider taking a class or watching videos online if you need more experience or practice with these programs and practices. There are many hard skills and soft skill that fashion editors need, including:. A fashion editor typically works during regular daytime business hours with an average of 40 hours per week.

There may be some occasions where they need to work evenings or weekends, like when there are big projects happening or deadlines to meet. Fashion editors most frequently work in well-lit and comfortable surroundings, like an office or stage for a photo shoot.

Some fashion editor positions may require travel to national and international fashion shows. The U. Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS doesn't have information specifically for fashion editors, it does have information for all types of editors, which includes fashion editors. The salary for a fashion editor varies depending on the level of education, amount of experience, geographic location, specific industry and job market demand. Find jobs.

Company reviews. Find salaries. Upload your resume. Sign in. Finding a Job. What is a fashion editor? What does a fashion editor do? Networking to develop reliable contract and sources with professionals in the fashion industry Attending national and international fashion shows like the famous Fashion Weeks in New York, Paris, London and Milan Planning, completing or attending photo shoots with notable fashion designers and models Traveling to designer clothing showrooms for tour and preview lines before they come on the market Collaborating with fashion directors, creative directors and public relations officers for major fashion brands Anticipating and preparing for future fashion trends that may become popular in the fashion world Assigning articles and projects to team members or freelance writers and overseeing their work Managing the writing, reporting, editing and publishing of their team's content.

How to become a fashion editor. Get an education. Contributing fashion editors often don't do any actual copy editing at all but, rather, are given the title "editor" out of respect for their reputation or the following they already have.

While managing editors usually expect articles written by contributors to be copy edited before they are submitted, many are more interested in the creative content and readership the contributor has to offer than editing skills. Still, writers should know and follow the writing formats and guidelines of the fashion magazine if they have a desire to become a contributing editor.

It's not unusual for contributing fashion editors to receive invitations to various exclusive events. Contributing fashion editors gain entrance into these events under the guise of the magazine or site they are writing for and are paid for the content produced from the event.

Events include Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, red carpet parties, collection viewings and other select soirees of that nature. For major fashion magazines, contributing fashion editors almost always appear on the masthead. The placement on the masthead indicates hierarchy, with the most senior editor at the top.