If you’re a fashion student, chances are you’ve heard of Vogue, WGSN, Women’s Wear Daily and so on. These are the best resources for anyone trying to get into the industry — or just wanting to gorge themselves on new collections, trend analysis and runway reviews. Entering my third year, I thought I knew just about every big site. Though, just as life continues to teach us, there’s always more to know.
Apparently I had been missing out on a resource that offers another great perspective on the fashion industry. Business of Fashion is an online media source that provides informed, analytical and opinionated views of the fashion business. The BoF has evolved into a global platform delivering business intelligence, coverage of new designers and revolutionary technologies. The BoF is also home to the BoF 500, which is a curated selection of professionals who are shaping the fashion industry.
You probably already check five other sites to the point where you almost get sensory overload. But, even if you have your go-to’s, there’s a couple reasons why you should pay attention the BoF 500, even if you don’t utilize the rest of the site.
So many times we only know the names of the big designers and creative directors. Normally once someone reaches a certain status within the fashion industry, they continue to stay within that caliber. Someone from Chanel moves to Fendi, someone from Vetements moves to Balenciaga. It can be discouraging and confusing to students when we don’t know how to even take a step towards working for a company like that. Somewhere between entering college and graduation, there’s a lot of information that gets left out. When we finally enter the workforce, we have no idea where to go or what path to take.
What’s so great about the BoF 500 is that it spans a range of professions within the industry. You’re able to explore multiple facets of the fashion industry — including tech, media and even innovative designs. Some categories you may not have known existed. That’s why it’s so interesting. Fashion is a huge business, but there’s so much that goes on behind the scenes that keeps everything together. You’re able to see who exactly is behind some of our favorite brands and resources. It’s crucial to us as students to understand the entire scope of the business and realize there are many ways to get to wherever we’re trying to go. Seeing a variety of people from multiple countries offers a diverse perspective and allows us to appreciate their work and be inspired.
Many of the honorees on the list are still growing their business as well. They may not be the huge brand, or even have attended Fashion Week shows this year. But seeing designers and other creatives in various stages of their process gives a sense of relatability. When you look further into someone’s path, you can see firsthand how they’re getting to where they are, what steps they’re taking and how they’re developing. The BoF 500 is an amazing resource to discover new talent and gain insight to help us along the way of our journey.
To check out this 2018’s BoF 500, click here.
