A fashion design intern’s daily routine can be a mix of glamorous and mundane, but every task contributes to their holistic learning.

Trend Research and Analysis:

• • What they do: This is often a foundational task. Interns spend time researching current fashion trends, forecasting future styles, analyzing competitor collections, and identifying market gaps. This involves scouring fashion magazines, online portals, social media, runway shows, and even street style.
  • Why it’s important: Helps designers stay ahead of the curve and informs new collection development. Interns learn to identify patterns, interpret trends, and translate them into actionable design insights.

Assisting in Design Concept Development:

• • What they do: Interns assist senior designers in the initial stages of a collection. This might involve creating mood boards, compiling fabric swatches, sketching initial ideas (digital or hand-drawn), and organizing inspiration imagery.
  • Why it’s important: Provides exposure to the creative brainstorming process, conceptualization, and how design ideas evolve from abstract thoughts to concrete visuals.

Fabric and Material Sourcing:

• • What they do: A crucial task that involves visiting local fabric markets (like Delhi’s Chandni Chowk or Mumbai’s Mangaldas Market), interacting with vendors, sourcing specific fabrics, trims, embellishments, and accessories based on the design brief.
  • Why it’s important: Interns learn about different fabric types, their properties, cost, availability, and the intricacies of vendor relationships and negotiation – vital for practical design.

Pattern Making & Garment Construction Support:

• • What they do: Interns often assist pattern masters with basic pattern alterations, cutting fabric pieces, preparing samples, and sometimes even basic stitching or hand-finishing garments.
  • Why it’s important: This hands-on experience solidifies theoretical knowledge of garment construction, fit, and the technical aspects of bringing a design to life. It also instills appreciation for craftsmanship.

Technical Drawing & CAD Work:

• • What they do: Translating sketches into detailed technical drawings (flats or tech packs) using software like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW. These drawings are essential for communicating design specifications to pattern makers and manufacturers.
  • Why it’s important: Develops precision in design, familiarity with industry-standard software, and understanding of the production process.

Fittings & Sample Management:

• • What they do: Assisting during garment fittings on models or mannequins, taking notes on alterations, adjusting pins, and helping organize and maintain samples.
  • Why it’s important: Teaches critical observation skills for fit and silhouette, understanding how garments drape, and the iterative process of refining a design.

Studio Organization & Administrative Tasks:

• • What they do: This often includes organizing fabric swatches, maintaining design archives, labeling samples, managing supplies, preparing presentation boards, sending emails, or running errands related to design projects.
  • Why it’s important: While less glamorous, these tasks are fundamental to a smooth-running design studio. They teach organization, responsibility, and the importance of supporting the team.

Assisting in Photoshoots & Fashion Shows:

• • What they do: Interns might help with preparing garments for shoots (steaming, ironing, packing), organizing accessories, assisting stylists, or working backstage during fashion shows (dressing models, managing garment flow).
  • Why it’s important: Provides a thrilling glimpse into the high-pressure world of fashion presentations, teaching adaptability, quick thinking, and teamwork.