Futures Fund Case Study: Kim Walker
Kim graduated in 2014 with a degree in BA Fashion Journalism following an opportunity enhancing placement at one of the world’s top fashion magazines.
Kim, 31, originally from Whitley Bay, spent a two week internship at Elle Magazine in London last year following her outstanding application to the Futures Fund.
“I wrote to Elle enquiring about short-term internships but it was clear to me that the challenge was going to London where accommodation and living costs were massive.” Following a successful application, Kim was able to head out to the Capital to immerse herself in all things fashion.
Kim’s role mainly involved organising the smooth running of the fashion cupboard. She worked cover shoots with Amanda Seyfried and Rita Ora alongside fashion assistant Espe De La Fuente and fashion director Anne-Marie Curtis, organising all the clothes and accessories
“I gained a great understanding of the way a magazine works including the relationships with PRs, the constant commercial push for advertising and sponsorship together with how a fashion shoot is put together by the experts.”
London Fashion Week was not at all what Kim expected. “I genuinely thought that all fashion editors just turn up at the shows but it's so much more than that. They use fashion week to promote the magazine further with both in-print and online updates of what Elle are doing and wearing to fashion week. I managed to take in the Orla Kiely and TopshopxAshish shows which were amazing.”
Now Kim has taken all that she learned and has launched Conventions of Society, a website aimed at 21-35 year olds with a focus on style, events, culture and reviews and what’s happening in the North East.
“I learned so much with how not only the fashion world operates but how to make your own opportunities,” says Kim. “I have set up a Newcastle-based style and fashion website, and I’ll be using the experience I gained at Elle.”
The Futures Fund is made possible through the generous donation of individuals and organisations. Kim said “The Fund helped me go to London and experience my dream and gave me the priceless feat of being about to put a world leading fashion magazine on my CV. The scholarship is literally the best gift to give an undergraduate who is serious about their chosen career. It was instrumental in helping me realise my potential and gave me the confidence and support to conquer early stage career obstacles. I would like to thank all the donors to the Fund for making all the difference to me.”
