Student Internship Spotlight: Nicolette Contoursi at Byronesque
Where is your internship? Who is it for? What is the company known for?
I am interning with Byronesque in Paris. Byronesque acts as a marketplace for contemporary vintage fashion from subculture’s most relevant designers. Having the largest network of contemporary vintage buyers and sellers in the world allows Byronesque to play a key role in curating the future of fashion. The company also works on re-issue collections with iconic brands, reviving iconic vintage pieces.
What are your roles within the position?
As an intern, I assist with a variety of roles within the company. I assist on photoshoots, research influential designers and pieces, date and price vintage pieces, help with organization and work on general task work.
How long is your internship? What are you hoping to learn during this time?
I have been interning with Byronesque since February 2019. I am really interested in the concept of achieving contemporary fashion and the general questioning of what is important/influential and what should be saved. Byronesque focuses on all of this and more, creating an emphasis on why the past is important for us to use as a tool to build the future of fashion.
What is the coolest/ most intriguing part of your internship?
The Byronesque team is relatively small, so with that, I am able to work directly with the owner, Gill Linton, and creative director, Justin Westover. I have received a lot of amazing opportunities for work that I would not receive at a larger company. Also, working with vintage pieces is always exciting, so that is definitely an intriguing aspect.
How did you find and secure the internship? What was the process? What was ideal within your resume for the position?
My program director, Marco Pecorari, introduced me to Gill, as she needed help on an upcoming photoshoot. From there, I expressed my interest in working further with Byronesque, and I’ve been working with them since.
What advice would you give to others looking for an internship at this company or in this industry?
I think the most important thing to always remember is that you never know who you’re going to meet and where they will lead you. Networking is key, especially in the fashion industry. Even if you’re interning for a short term job, such as during fashion week, always be respectful, punctual and hardworking. Those are the people who are remembered and asked back the following season.