Internship Testimonial – Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode
This summer, Naya El Ahdab (Fashion Design 2024), completed a Paris Fashion Week internship for FHCM. Read on to learn about her experience.
“During a long exchange with Virginie in June, I told her about my desire to have a work experience this summer since I had a lot of free time. I was open to anything that would take me out of my comfort zone, namely something not linked to the creative side of fashion.
A few days after, she very nicely put me in contact with Christelle Cagi Nicoleau in charge of merchandising and brand development at the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. I then had a 40 mins interview with Christelle during which we talked briefly about my CV, but also about her job and her professional career. She finished by highlighting my assigned tasks for these 3 days internship.
I worked in the palais de Tokyo for SPHERE, a showroom during fashion week organized by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. 7 emerging designers were part of it, and each had a day to present their collection in a short fashion show. I had the chance to watch Jeanne Friot, Arturo Obegero and Steven Passaro shows during these few days. From 10am until 7pm visitors would come write their contact on a paper and I would then have to transcript all their information on an Excel sheet. Moreover, I had to inform everyone part of the SPHERE, in a WhatsApp group chat, whenever a buyer would arrive. I had to be very organized, vigilant and fast.
There was often a lot of tasks that had to be done at the same time. But thankfully, 3 other interns where here to help and make sure we were not overloaded. I improved at working in a group and got to meet people with different backgrounds and work experience.”
