This month, we caught up with DOLLY's very own fashion team to find out their thoughts on what's hot, what's not and what it's like to work for the coolest mag on the planet! Get to know the girls in this NYDC exclusive interview …
DOLLY fashion forecast
- Must-haves for this summer: "Shorts and short dresses. Fresh retro floral prints — dressed up or down — will take you right through to autumn."
- Look out for: "The whole 'Nu Rave' trend — bright neon colours, bold print tanks, leggings and trainers with 80s influenced silhouettes and lots of lycra and jersey fabrics."
- Stay away from: "Some 80s fashion should really never be revisited — shoulder pads and tight dresses in shiny fabrics with puff sleeves are not flattering on anyone!"
What does a typical day in the DOLLY fashion team involve?
It really varies depending on how close to deadline we are! It can involve anything from viewing the latest clothing collections, researching trends online, going to fashion launches, holding model castings or shooting the final product in studio.
What are the perks?
Definitely working with such an inspiring and fun group of people. Oh, and playing dress-ups in the closet is an added bonus too!
What are the hardest parts of working at DOLLY?
Probably the deadlines! And, trying to keep the fashion pages continually looking fresh for each issue.
What cool events do you get to attend?
We're very lucky to attend a whole range of range launches and parties for fashion labels — which are always fun — as well as the annual Fashion Week parades in Sydney for the new season collections. DOLLY also hosts the DOLLY School Formal and the DOLLY Teen Choice Awards every year which are a blast.
Where can I start my career in fashion?
Work experience really is the most important way to get your foot in the door, as you get to see what the job really entails and make important contacts within the industry.
What courses can I do?
There are no specific courses for becoming a Fashion Editor, but there are some that will help you get there. In Sydney, there's East Sydney Tafe, FBI and the Whitehouse Institute of Design which have a range of fashion related courses for all sorts of positions within the industry.
DOLLY's tips for looking and feeling confident
- Look after yourself. Eating well and being healthy will help your mind and body feel its best, and when you feel good your confidence will soar.
- Try out a new look occasionally. Fashion is meant to be fun — so every now and then experiment with some new colours or a different hairstyle.
- Know that everyone is different and no one looks great all the time! Models are airbrushed and spend hours being prepped by hair and makeup artists and stylists — even for DOLLY pages — so give yourself a break and love yourself and your flaws.
- Keep up to date. Know what's in for the coming seasons by reading fashion mags or looking at overseas websites (style.com) to keep you up-to-the-minute with fashion trends.
- Figure out what your wardrobe needs. Work with the more classic pieces you already own and then update with less expensive trend pieces. Look at buying from markets or op-shops as you can often find some amazing vintage pieces for much less than you'd normally pay in a store.
- Always wear what suits your personality and your shape. Slavishly following trends for the sake of fashion won't make you feel better about yourself. Put an individual twist on whatever you're wearing. Anyone who stays true to their own sense of style is an inspiration.