5 Essentials for Being a Successful Fashion Editor

There are tons of jobs in the world of fashion. However, many of us have a restricted view of the industry and forget that it is much more than just about fashion designers. A very important role is played by fashion editors who are responsible for delivering superior quality content to you.

These are the professionals under whose supervision the content of many prominent fashion publications are published. If it weren’t for them, you wouldn’t be able to understand fashion in the first place. Their job is to tell you about the various things associated with fashion—to tell you about these things in an attractive, sensible, and purposeful manner. Mind you, this in itself is a job not easy to undertake.

A gamut of factors works in tandem to make what you call a successful fashion editor. A few things are absolutely imperative for a fashion editor to survive. With time and experience, you should be able to embrace all those things, but you might want to know what they are in the first place. Let us take a look at what they are.

1. Journalistic streak
   A strong sense of journalism is a must for anyone to be a fashion editor. This means you should have knowledge and skills pertinent to journalism such as excellent command of the language, engaging style of expressions, knowledge about the world you belong to, a solid temperament for details, and robust critical thinking. Usually, those with a degree in journalism or writing are hired as editors of fashion magazines. Coupled with that, previous experience doubles your chances of being hired. Also, and quite obviously, the reputation of your alma mater will be a determining factor of your credibility.
2. Excellent managerial skills
   An editor’s job is a hectic one. You have to pitch ideas, review several articles, take interviews, etc. There will a number of people working under you, and you will have to take responsibility for the work being done. From ensuring that your staff meets the deadlines to undertaking an extensive evaluation process, you need to be able to manage yourself and the people around you effectively. Throughout your job, you will most likely face conflicts regarding ideas, etc and you will have to resolve them like a leader.
3. Well-connected network
   I will repeat myself, no one survives the fashion industry without networking. Networking is the soul of the industry. The entire industry operates on knowledge about others and their place in the industry. You, as an editor, are expected to know people, especially those who exert influence. If you want your magazine to attract a greater readership, you will have to produce high-quality content that often involves interviews with the most established personalities. In case you don’t know a certain personality personally, your network can help you arrange an audience with him. This was just an example to show how networking helps; there are myriad other scenarios where networking could be of great utility to you.
4. Knows inside out the industry
   Knowledge is the most powerful asset to possess. To thrive in any profession, you must arm yourself with knowledge. The world expects a fashion editor to deliver the truth as well as the most honest opinion backed by facts. You cannot be a fashion editor with half-baked knowledge about the happenings in the industry. You must keep yourself updated with the past, present, and future of the industry; this means, you will have to read, read, and read. Anything that you write or review should be backed by substance and should not encourage lies or stereotypes. Nobody will trust in your abilities if you don’t know how things work in the industry.
5. Offer something new|
   Fashion allows you to break taboos and test creativity. You can be anything and anyone here, and this means that there is no room for stereotypes. Remember that people from across the globe will be reading your magazine. The articles you edit will encourage the development of opinions about the industry so you have to act responsibly. At the same, you must not feed them with regularity and offer them unconventional perspectives that can enhance their outlook. Don’t write anything just because people want to read about them. Your aim is to educate them, broaden their mindset, and have them confront the various facets of the industry.