After I returned to Guyana from studying overseas, I was always met with stunned expressions when persons found out that I was pursuing a career in fashion. Most see it as a pointless career option in the Caribbean. I remember trying to convince my parents that I wanted to do a fashion related course at the BSc level and was immediately shut down. They too didn’t see it as a practical career choice.
I finally got around to doing a Masters in something fashion related later on and I recollect taking a job as a sales girl at a Next retailer one summer. I wanted to get an insight into the behind-the-scenes action and appreciate how campaigns are developed and merchandised. It was then I truly realized that working in fashion is the total opposite to what people would expect and only those who work in the industry would be able to truly appreciate and understand the diligence it takes to make it.
The possible reason for the misconception that fashion is for the frivolous minded is based on the fact that fashion has to sell you aspirational products and not unattractive behind-the-scenes realities.
