My First Delaware Fashion Week as an Intern

Designer Michael L Lewis Jr. poses with models for Delaware Fashion Week.

As you probably heard through the grapevine, fashion week can be an overwhelming experience for a guest. Crowded venues, long lines, blinding cameras, cramped spaces, and no one ever knows what’s going on (sigh).

Imagine being an intern during this; It’s much more stressful.

I was lucky to have a supportive team of five to guide me through my Communication and Marketing internship, with the privilege of working aside with Delaware Fashion Week (DFW) President, Maria Beauchamp. During the internship, my responsibilities included managing Facebook and Instagram platforms, email marketing, creating content, recruit interns, attend model castings, cast models for the fashion show, and assist with organizing the DFW Gala to ensure it was an enjoyable experience for the guest.

The DFW is an annual affair held in Delaware every summer season. Normally DFW is a full week in the summer but, the fashion organization decided to try something new this year with the fall Gala on Sunday, November 17th celebrating five years of production. Designers, models, musicians, and organizations gathered at the Sheraton Hotel in Wilmington, Delaware, to witness the DFW fashion show and performers in rotation during the evening. The event also had New York entertainer Latin Prince, who works with Sirius XM and Pitbull’s Globalization radio channel as a music producer. Latin Dj Drozer was the Gala's official DJ, who traveled from Puerto Rico to attend the formal affair.

Local Delaware socialites were present at the Gala as well. India Sage was a guest and speaker sharing her new book 100 Better Days. Keynote speaker Shané Darby represented Network Delaware and introduced the non-profit organization to the community. Delaware musician Elia Torres performed live and graced the audience with her sweet-sounding vocals.

As an intern, I was able to network and interact with these amazing individuals throughout the Gala (perks of being an intern). However, working for a fashion week requires not only knowledge of the fashion industry but talent, problem-solving, and event management skills, which are transferable into other professions.

My communications and marketing skills have developed tremendously since the beginning of my internship. I feel more than prepared to tackle more projects and take on more fashion weeks in the future.