Edna E Mode
Please note: Although this post was written in 2011, this post’s topic is Mercedes Benz is no longer partner with NYFW.
2015 – The new partners of NYFW are IMG & CFDA. you can email those companies directly or you can email the designers. Email designers so you can speak to them directly, have a resume to attached to the email. If you have time, go on NYFW website and get the list of the shows & designer and just start emailing them (updated frequently via comments on upcoming shows and information).
“Well, I am sure I don’t know, darling. Luck favors the prepared!”
I am going to bring you as much as I can, the NYFALL 2011 runway shows will begin in about 20 days. Fashion designers are doing the last preparation for their six months of planning; which consists of model selections, hair, makeup, SHOES, accessories, lighting design, sound and music. A lot of hard work!
I’ve received about 10 – 15 e-mails this evening, asking how do you go about volunteering for Fashion Week. Unfortunately the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Volunteer Program is no longer accepting volunteers for the NYFALL 2011 shows, the deadline was December 17th.
So what do you do? You go for the 2012 Spring Collection! Start getting you resume together now and work on your cover letter; outline who you are and why YOU should be considered < a brief summary; not a book>.
Begin checking the site at http://www.mbfashionweek.com; as NYFALL2011 ends. This is when you can begin to find out when resumes can be sent to mbfw_volunteers@cfda.com and be considered for the collection the site is requesting volunteers for at that time.
Remember it is a lot of work, but such a great opportunity!
- Help keep up the main event Information Desk
- Assist in the Volunteer Center
- Various other tasks for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Staff
- Runway Venue Preparation
- Designer Guest Ushers
- Backstage Assistance and Set Up
- Assemble Gift Bags and Press Kits
Don’t forget the seating arrangements for the whose who’s, press, seating ; you name it! So, if you get star struck, then re-think whether you can be professional in this venue.
I would also pay attention to the sponsors for NYFALL2011 show, getting yourself familiarize helps and review some of the runway videos on my blog to see what are the happenings backstage, can definitely help. 🙂
Upcoming Show!
Good Luck!
Letia
Edna ‘E’ Mode photo & quote by Disney for Pixar Films. Backstage photo of Christian V Siriano.
Letia Mitchell LifeStyle & Design® 
Hi Letia, my name is Lara, I’m from Argentina. I would like to apply for the NYFW on September of this year but I cant find an email address to send my resume. Apart from that I already know that the interviews must be in NY, I would be for holidays in NY on April, do you think they would do an interview so early?
Thank you so much!
Please read the latest comments on this post to provide you with the key steps to apply! Good Luck! 😊
Is it too late for me to apply to be a volunteer in September?? If not, where do I apply?
You will have to check the MBFW website.
I have been emailing almost everyone to see how I can be a volunteer in the 2016 fashion week runway show ? I also emailed Andrew but I received no response . Am I to early ? And if so when is the best time to send my cover letter and resume ?
On work efforts have been focused on 2015, but it’s all communicated via their MB website.
Mercedes Benz is no longer partner with NYFW. The new partners of NYFW are IMG & CFDA. you can email those companies directly or you can email the designers. I think it’s best to email the designers so you can speak to them directly. Make sure you have a resume to attached to the email. If you have time, go on NYFW website and get the list of the shows & designer and just start emailing them. That’s what I did and I receive a couple of positive response. I hope this helped you.
Elton…thanks for the information! 😊
Does anyone know if it Is it too late to apply for February?
Adding to this. The CFDA and IMG no longer offer an official volunteer program. The last round of volunteers worked this past winter’s fashion week in February. However, there are many other ways to get involved with fashion week. Reach out to PR agencies and production companies in NYC. Best of luck! 😀
Is there a way to apply/volunteer as a makeup artist for fashion week? I am a makeup artist in Australia, i have worked on makeup teams for mercedes benz fashion week australia. Would love to experience NYFW!!!
I do not know…Sorry!
Is MBFashion Week still accepting volunteers for Fall 2015 ? I’ve tried every link but have had no luck, did the deadline pass or has it not been announced yet because of the venue changes of this upcoming fashion week ?
Diamond, you may Be a little early. See http://mbfashionweek.com/press/23. If no link is displayed contact Andrew.serrano@ing.com for information! Good Luck! 😊
Ook i want to volnteer but having trouble with what to put on my resume. I attended Teen Vouge Fashion U & I know that will look good on there. Also the cover letter where to start! Help!
http://resumecompanion.com/resume/fashion-stylist-resume-example. Hope this helps!
I have commented in the past about fashion week. I made some connections and will be volunteering through a stylist coordinator at this years fashion week! FINALLY…I will be backstage and a dresser for a couple of shows! I know this is an older post but I’ve always had hope that one day I would get the chance. Your page was the first inspiration to get me motivated and making moves towards my goal! Thanks!!
Katie! That’s absolutely wonderful! It’s such great news to hear, that you kept at it! I wish you the best and enjoy every minute of it! Also…Thanks for your kind words! This post; although is old, I try to update it and have the people that are interested, as yourself have a starting point! This will be last year that MBFashion week will be at Lincoln Center, so it’s great that you are going to be there! Let me know about your experience, I am so excited for you! Letia 😊
Hello Letia!
I just wanted to know how strict is it to assist the interview? The email I received clearly stated that no phone or skype calls were allowed. The thing is I’m on class and it’s really difficult for me to go, plus the money I need to spend just for a 10 min interview.
I wouldn’t want to miss the chance, but I find it difficult for me to be in ny in a week.
Thank you!
You will have to follow their interview guidelines. ☺️
Tell me about it, I’m from Australia haha it will be a super expensive trip for 10mins, but totally worth it! I hope you can make the interview lovely 🙂
Thanks! I hope I can make it too! Haha
Good luck! 😘
Hey lovely! I got my interview spot and emailed kate just to confirm there was no way around the in person interview, because you know, it’s half way around the world for me, but she said unfortunately there wasn’t. Guess they have the in person interview for a reason 😦 I better go book some flights 😛 when is your interview time?
I have an interview on the 4th of august, I am extremely nervous. What questions should i be prepared for? ahhh im so excited 🙂 !!
Hey Kenley! That’s awesome!!! Has your interview time been confirmed yet? I got the confirmation email asking me to fill in preferred interview times. I know they sent out more invitations for interviews than actual interview times so hopefully we get our interviews!!! Would be so awesome if we get in, chance of a lifetime! 🙂 I think they said times will be confirmed no later than the 31st august and that you had to put in your times by 5pm on the 28th….so maybe we hear after the 28th but before the 31st? I just want to know now!!!! 😛
Thanks for your information! 😊
Hi!
i am so glad that you post an amazing article like that. I’ve been looking for this and it actually push me to volunteer in Fashion week more. Fashion is something that i always wanted to do, but at some point in my life things were not going right and i have to give up. Not totally now i am looking for next opportunity. I remember in high school i wanted to volunteer and no one could have give a straight answer. Please give me all the information that i need to know so i can start preparing. But i have some questions 1. How do you apply? 2.Do you have to have experience in fashion to apply? 3.Do you have to send resume and picture when sending the e-mail?
Hi Samantha! The post has all the information to go to the MB website, if you also read the post’s many comments you will see most of your Q&A answered! Good Luck! 😄
Hello,
I want to volunteer for FW but i live in louisiana, do you know if they do phone interviews if you dont live in the areas! And by looking at previous comments i dont want to go all the way to NYC for a 5min interview! But i am willing to go for a week to volunteer!
The interviews are by phone first. If you are accepted, then you make arrangements to be available for the event’s scheduled location. 😊
I Want to volunteer this year is the door still open!
Hi Toya,
You will have to try by checking the website and sending a note to the e-mail address provided, which is mbfw_volunteers@cfda.com. Fall Winter starts Feb 6 – 13….so it may be late… but try anyway. If late, you will have to wait to Sept. for the Spring/Summer .Good Luck!!!!
Hi! I was scheduled an interview on the 10th of January at 12:30 p.m. What sort of questions do they ask you? I want to make sure I am 100% prepared.
Hi Olu! The interview will be only about 5 – 10 minutes, confirmation of who your are, availability and why do you want to volunteer! Good Luck!
How did you make your application stand out to ultimately get picked? How was the interview?
Please read the comments for answers to the frequently asked questions, the interview involves a few question. 😊
Do you happen to know if volunteer work is still offered for the next upcoming Fashion Week?
Volunteer is offered for every Fashion Week. You would have to check periodically on the mbfashionweek.com website to get the announcements and dates. The same procedure would be the same to apply! Good Luck! 🙂
Hi Letia,
I have a few questions and I am sure you could know the answer to them! I am very passionate about fashion and grew up very young loving it. I am currently in my first semester at a community college and plan on transferring within the next year to FIT. I have not done any work ever interning/volunteering or have a portfolio. I want to major in Marketing and Advertising. Doing PR and on the side freelancing as a stylist or something. I do not have too much knowledge in PR yet. I work in retail as a sales associate. I know it is all about experience in the fashion world. Knowing you must be smart knowing the basic key points you have to hit to get where you want to be based off of connections, interning etc. Also, dressing the part, being outgoing and talkative. I wanted to volunteer for New York Fashion week. I am good at whatever involves fashion and a hard worker. The only problem I am struggling in is how to start off. What do I say in the email for volunteering. Do I keep it short or do I explain why I love fashion week and the passion I have working in this field?
Hi Katie! You are doing all the right things! And you definitely show passion! For your e-mail, keep it short and when a return call is granted, then you can elaborate….but it is usually just five to ten minutes a interview will last! To answer additional questions on working on the field, go back to my blog and in the SEARCH area type, Mary Alice. This is a great post on how fabulous she is, plus a link on how to land a job in the Fashion industry! It can give you some pointers! Congrats on FIT! Wishing you the best and let me know how you are progressing ! Letia😊
Dear Lethia,
Im JC 50years old musician from south east asia Indonesia,just like to explore my other interest in fashion photography and like to share and learn more from the fashion week NYC and the world to the fullest
This site was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I have
found something which helped me. Many thanks!
Hi Letia!
So I would like to know if you absolutely have to be eight-teen, or if some designers/ stlyist would be willing to hire a six-teen year old? I would really like to be invovled in Fashion Week and feel really discouraged when it comes to career such things, because there’s an age limit.
Hi Elizabeth, for volunteer inquiries, please send a email to mbfw_volunteers@cfda.com. They will be able to provide with their guidelines. Good Luck! Letia 🙂
I have an interview for NY fashion week and I wanted to know what do they ask during the interview?
Hi Diamond! Congrats! ? About fashion, age and availability! From all the previous interviews my readers have had, it’s brief. See comments below for ideas and good luck! 🙂
Hi Letia,
I love this post makes me feel on the right track. Should my first email to MBFW just be an inquiry email, asking for more info or should I include my résumé and cover letter right off the bat? I would love to volunteer for the upcoming September show! 🙂
Hi Sindy! Send all your information at once, when sending your e-mail. Let me know how it went! Good Luck, Letia 🙂
Hi,
I’m from Australia and have an interview for Melbourne spring fashion week. I’m just wondering what I should wear? Do the interviewers want to see my personal style or should I dress for a formal job interview?
Thanks kaitlin
Hello Kaitilin! Go with your personal style and just be professional! Be prepared to answer their questions. Good Luck, let me know how it went!
hi!,I really like your writing so so much! proportion we keep in touch extra about
your article on AOL? I require a specialist in this house to unravel my problem.
Maybe that’s you! Taking a look ahead to look you.
Please send me the article please do I can verify. Thanks !
Hey is their an age limit ? And where can I get an application ?
Please go to the MBFF website and access the e-mail address to request the additional info, I believe there is no age limit but the individual does have to be at least 18 years old of age (adult). Thanks, Letia 🙂
Hi Letia!!
I sent an e-mail to mbfw requesting info to volunteeer in MBFW nyc is going to be on september 5th 2013, and i got a response that said i should apply on summer and i sent an e mail and no response, im from Mexico, i would really really love to go as a makeup volunteer, what do i have to do? thank you!!
Hello Valentina…you have to keep checking the website on when the application process is open for volunteering and submit then. It is usually around July. Don’t be discouraged! 🙂
Thank you very much!! :D:D
Hello Letia,
I will be turning 18 in July, so I can apply for Spring/Summer 2014, but is it too early to apply now for Spring/Summer 2014? or is it too late? because I heard that people apply months before the show. By the way, I do not have any fashion/clothing etc. background, but I want to try for this because I want to know if this is the industry I want to be in (find myself).
You have a little time, but I would send an email to mbfw_volunteers@cfda.com and inquire about when is the best time to apply to volunteer for the event.
MBFW SS 2014 is usually held in September – so the last week of July and beginning of August is about the time, volunteering applications are accepted.
And if fashion is your passion..Aziza..then go for it! 🙂
I know you are looking forward to your birthday..wishing you the best and lots of luck.
hi,
my name is Anna and i’m 22. I’d love to gain some new experience in the fashion world after finishing my apprenticeship as a clothing engineering assistant. I’m not too sure about how I should apply? How should an application for the fashion week look like? I don’t want to look like a typical german kraut, that doesnt’t even know what to write or not;-) Could you please give me some advice?
Thanks
Hello Anna!
First, I would suggest you go to the web page as instructed in the post and indicate you are interested in being a volunteer. The MBFW representatives will respond with the requirements and merely just a phone call. Taking information from the ladies who have already applied, its just a few questions they will ask (5 minutes). Try that first and since you are already a clothing engineering asst you may fit right in! Viel Glück! Letia 🙂
I have been looking all over the interney for more info on volunteering for MBFW in NYC and your blog has been the most informative! I’m so excited/nervous because I have an interview tomorrow to volunteer at the Fall/Winter 2013 Fashion Week. My email said it would be very brief (5 minutes!) What kind of questions will they ask in that amount of time? I also clinched the very last interview time slot. Any suggestions on how to make a lasting impression in just a few minutes?!
? will be why are you interested in MBFW and how is your personality! And will you be star struck? IT’s a lot of work too! Just be yourself and know that it is a wonderful opportunity for you! You will do fine! For lasting impressions – just have your hair done and makeup done lightly – not to heavy. Again….You will do fine!! And Jaime , let me know what happens and best of luck!
Letia 🙂
Hi Letia! I had my interview yesterday and when I woke up this morning I had an email that I was chosen to volunteer! Thanks for the advice and provided a forum where I could find out more details on this subject, it really helped prepare me for yesterday and now for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2013!
Hello there! Jaime!!!! That was a wonderful wake up e- mail! Did you do a happy dance? :).
I am so happy for you and wish you the best! Most of all have fun! When you finish, I would love to know how was the experience for you! One again Yayyyyy! And CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!
Hey Jaime. I’m sure your interview went well. I too was a little nervous that it was so short. They offered me a position today! Did you get picked?
CONGRATULATIONS to you too! Let me know how the experience for you too! 🙂
Woo Hoo!
Due to the ever increasing number of people requesting to be placed on the list for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York F/W 2013 invitations and credentials, they have had to limit the number of Press and Industry representatives being accredited. Therefore, I will not be attending any runway shows for this season! However, I will be attending through livestream and bring some of the hot fashions. For those who did get in to volunteer; Congratulations and have fun; plus give me some feedback! Oh! Those interested for the Fall, keep trying!
Cheers! Letia
Usually I do not read article on blogs, however I wish
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Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thanks, very great article.
hi my name is Thira Seifert and I want to become a fashion designer or an even planner for fashion. I would like to get as much experience as possible, ESPECIALLY fashion week. I have no experience in the industry but I have an insane passion and drive to do what I can do get such experiences. Where can I start? And how can I work up to volunteering at MBFW? Or interning when my resume doesn’t have a lot to offer whereas I do.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated 🙂 thanks 🙂
To be a volunteer for fashion week, the post gives you most of the answers. However, if you want to become a designer…start sketching and drawing your ideas on what you create. Followed by learning and reading about today’s designs..As you see from many of the responses, you can submit a paragrah simply like your queston to me and that would be enough. The only way to know if you give it a try! Good luck! Letia ! 🙂
Awesome thanks so much 🙂
Hi Letia,
I will be volunteering tomorrow at my local Fashion Night Out Salt Lake City, this would be my first time and I still don’t know what to wear? My contact, one of the coordinators said that there are no dress requirements but most everyone will be wearing dresses and heels, I’d be probably backstage but that’s not for sure either =$ Should I wear a dress a heels too? =O Any suggestions would be very appreciated, Thanks so much! Susan.
Good Morning Susan, it’s around 5:30 am here on the East Coast! Congratulations ! What to wear? I would wear a dress and comfortable heels, where your feet will not be hurting!
Usually, a sheath type dress would do and play it up with accessories…a bold necklace, bracelet and conversational cocktail ring! Sometimes, if I don’t have a bold necklace….a silk scarf around the neck! Go shopping in your closet and lay the pieces on the bed with the accessories plus shoes to get an idea (sometimes I lay the clothes right there on the carpet floor to get a visual). Hair, makeup done, then you will be ready!
If you are still wondering about the heels, have a back up Like foldable flats that fit in your purse…just in case! More questions, just le me know. But I have a feeling you are going to be looking fabulous !
You are going to have a wonderful time and let me know how everything went!
Letia. 🙂
Hey Letia,
I’m 21 and I really want to volunteer for MBFW for Spring 2013. But, I don’t have any experience in this industry but just love the fashion world. How do you think I should go about it? Your feedback is valuable.
Thank you.
Abhi, it does not matter if you are in the industry, it matters how you represent yourself on your application to the coordinators for their review process.
Fashion Week is to start and you application should have been submitted around the beginning of August! However, I would still submit one, so you know their process and you can prepare for the next one. Also, start tracking your favorite designers, so you can perhaps write and or refer to them also in you applications.
If you read some of the comments, there are a few people who got a spot, you can utilize also to get some feedback too!
Hope this helps!
I submitted my resume in the last week of august to the MBFW and got called in today for an interview for the 2013 spring show, before i could get home they called me and told me i was accepted. I found it to be easy. It’s not hard like people are making it out to be at all.
Jenny ! Congratulations! Thanks for sharing! Please let me know how the experience, once the Spring 2013 show has concluded! Once again congratulations!!! 🙂
thank you
Jenny how was the interview process? what type of questions did they ask? thanks
I had an interview this Wednesday. They only asked two questions. What do you hope to get out of this experience and what do you bring to the table. Very brief.
Heyy I just got accepted for an interview for MBFW next week 🙂 yay!!! But now I really don’t know what to wear. Please Help!!!
oMG! That is so wonderful! I am so happy for you! You should be yourself! I know that’s not helping you! Ok. Wear a skinny pants, black with a nice flat or heels, and a nice top, but do accessorize! Keep in mind you will be working and you don’t want them to get the impression you want to be on the runway and get discovered! Your makeup should be fresh and practice your smile. Be yourself and you will do fine! I have my toes crossed , as well as my fingers.! Please let me know how you did! Is this for the Fall. September!? It doesn’t matter good luck! Yaaaaaaay!
Yayyy!! Okay Thank you soo much 🙂 and yess it’s for the September. I’ll let you know how it went.
I recently sent in my application for volunteering for September fashion week of this year in ny but its too early to request that….They say the opening date is july 26th so will try back then!
Kasheema.. I wish you the BEST OF LUCK!!!!! Before you know it, it will be July….I am looking forward to it this year. If you get selected (fingers crossed), please let me know all about it from your point of view. Letia 🙂
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hey!could you give me a link where i can submmit my application for volunteering in fashion weeks?
Marsu, here’s the link! Good luck! 🙂
http://www.mbfashionweek.com/volunteer
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Hey Annisa! I got selected to! I don’t think those accommodations are provided… I am actually looking for a roommate so if you or if you know any other volunteer that want to split a hotel let me know! I am staying for the whole week 13th-19th(fly out)
I was accepted for the volunteer program next month for MBFW Miami and I’m so excited! However, I have not received any itinerary or any follow up information (travel and hotel arrangements, etc) after confirming and haven’t had any luck getting in contact with anyone! Help?! It’s less than a month away!
Call MBFW and get a confirmation…it’s getting close!
Leticia!!! My heart is so broken. I haven’t been able to land this gig, this is my 2nd time applying!!! Should I give up this dream?
Sindy! I am so sorry you did not get selected! Please do not let that discourage you! You probably an excellent candidate to volunteer, however there may be other factors, the quota is filled, limitations on events, etc. ! I too try every year to get invited to a specific designer’s show and don’t get it in…..however I still try. So don’t be discouraged? 😉
Hey, My niece is 20 and she would be interested in applying. She lives in the UK though, is this going to be a problem? She has college experience and would just stay with me for 2 weeks as I live over here.
Thanks Faye
That would not be a problem! Apply and indicate her address abroad; also with your address in States showing she would be available! Good Luck! Letia 🙂
Hi Letia,
I was just curious to know. Would age possibly make a difference?
I’m 18 and I would most definitely love to volunteer. But knowing I have to send a resume and cover letter makes me assume I need to have much experience and as said I’m only 18 so unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of experience as I would want to.
I would truly appreciate any feedback.
Thank you
Your age is fine! Just keep checking periodically to know when they are accepting applications. In the meantime, you can work on having your resume and cover letter completed. As a FYI, the cover letter is the clincher to getting picked or not, so be open to tell the reader about yourself, why you love fashion and how this volunteer opportunity is wonderful! Good Luck! Remember keep checking the website; before you know it will be Fashion week again! 🙂