I started my journey in fashion school equipped with determination and creativity. After having 10+ years of experience bringing to life my own designs, I believed I possessed all the qualities required to build a name for myself in the world of fashion. Little did I know that I was far closer to the beginning of brand establishing than I was to setting up my shop. The daunting reality of the fashion world unfolded as I attempted to launch my brand during college. It was then when I faced the harsh truth that success in this field demanded more than just passion.
In an effort to gain valuable experience, I secured an internship with a production company supplying major brands like Forever 21 and Fashion Nova. My expectations of designing cutting-edge styles were quickly shattered when my responsibilities revolved around sorting and categorizing sample clothes on an endless rack. What initially seemed fine enough tasks soon became a mundane daily routine, involving meticulous organization by style, color, and size.
However tedious as the internship was, my eye-opening experience extended beyond the physical tasks. A significant portion of my time was spent navigating the intricate world of fashion forecasting. I was expected to delve into the latest trends and industry trajectories on platforms like Worth Global Style Network, also known as WGSN. Surprisingly, my employers lacked access to such resources which led me to realize that my internship was not only about gaining hands-on experience, but also providing crucial insights into upcoming colors and trends.
As I dove deeper into the fast-paced environment, I found myself immersed in a new layer of the industry that was much more nitty-gritty. From counting and categorizing garments from production in Mexico to liaising with buyers in the heart of Los Angeles' fashion district, I was exposed to the inner workings of major fashion players. The realization that the garments “designed” in Los Angeles were actually crafted by underpaid workers in Mexico was my introduction to the dark underbelly of the industry.
The most striking revelation came when I observed the exploitation of skilled sewers in Los Angeles who produced ten or more garments an hour and earned less than $16 an hour. The fact that many of them were working under the table for less than minimum wage further exemplifies the unfair labor practices prevalent in the industry. I could not turn a blind eye to the ethical and environmental concerns that plagued the industry. This sobering reality fueled my decision to distance myself from fast fashion.
While I was assigned to finance duties I meticulously tracked the financial transactions between the company I worked for and its textile suppliers as well as the payments received from major fashion retailers. Despite the varying amounts of transactions, one consistent truth emerged – the profit margins were staggering and shed light on the stark contrast between the industry's financial success and its ethical shortcomings.
My internship left a mark on me and reinforced my resolve to never again work for a fast fashion company. The issues I encountered there like the unfair labor practices, environmental concerns, and questionable working conditions convinced me that it was crucial to address these challenges and advocate for a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
In retrospect, my journey through the fashion industry during college became a catalyst for personal growth and a commitment to promoting positive change within the realm of fashion.
By Uchka Jimsee, Jimsè Founder and CEO