10 Things I Learned From Cosmo’s Fashion Director

So, the coolest thing happened to me yesterday! As a requirement (pfffft. more like a belated Christmas present!) for my internship with CollegeFashionista, I was able to speak with Aya Kanai!

Aya Kanai is internationally known in the fashion industry as the Fashion Director for Cosmopolitan and Nylon magazine. In addition, Kanai is the Senior Fashion Editor for Teen Vogue and Head Stylist for Shopbop.com.

The conversation #fashiontalk started at 4 p.m. CT on Twitter and was hosted by the wonderful ladies at CollegeFashionista. As an intern for CollegeFashionista, my official title is “Style Guru.”  (For more info. click here)

Anyhow, the conversation lasted an hour and all Style Guru’s were required to participate and ask Kanai questions about the fashion industry and more!

Here is what I learned:

1. The fashion world isn’t always pretty.

Things go wrong on shoots ALL THE TIME! its about taking a mistake and making it right. #fashiontalk

— aya kanai (@ayakanai) January 12, 2015

2. Everything takes time.

Just rememeber that everything takes time, especially a career in fashion. It took me YEARS to get my first editor job #fashiontalk

— aya kanai (@ayakanai) January 12, 2015

3. Persistence is key.

if you want a company to call you for an interview, CALL THEM! people forget, you have to chase them #fashiontalk

— aya kanai (@ayakanai) January 12, 2015

4. How to take notes at fashion week.

during fashion week i take notes on my phone and by writing in a book. i gather it all the end of the season and plan my shoots #fashiontalk

— aya kanai (@ayakanai) January 12, 2015

5. Stay Calm and Network.

dont worry about rookie mistakes. be enthusiastic and meet as many people as you can. fashion is about connections #fashiontalk

— aya kanai (@ayakanai) January 12, 2015

6. Extra time, money and effort is worth it. Sometimes.

When building your professional wardrobe you would be amazed what $20 in tailoring can get you. fix the stuff you already own #fashiontalk

— aya kanai (@ayakanai) January 12, 2015

7. Real recognize real.

the most important thing that i have learned in my career so far is that being real is essential and fakeness is transparent. #fashiontalk

— aya kanai (@ayakanai) January 12, 2015

8. Competition is fierce.

Trends, street style, blogger content, magazines…. ALL of it is important now, fashion is a DEMOCRACY! #fashiontalk

— aya kanai (@ayakanai) January 12, 2015

9. She’s my soul sister.

one of my favorite stylish celebs is ashley olsen. she was so smart and impressive. #fashiontalk

— aya kanai (@ayakanai) January 12, 2015

10. Aya. Kanai. Loves. Me.

I love everyone @collegefashionista you all have a leg up just by being part of this community #fashiontalk

— aya kanai (@ayakanai) January 12, 2015

*FANGIRLS*

xoxo,

The Blonde Ensemble