Becoming a fashion magazine editor is a dream job for many, combining a creative eye for style with a passion for journalism and publishing. This coveted role involves curating the latest trends, leading creative teams, and setting the tone for influential fashion narratives. But how do you break into fashion editing?
We’re joined by special guest Noa Nichol, Editor-in-Chief of VITA Magazine who shares an inside look at a day in the life of being a fashion editor. We’ll explore essential steps for getting started as a fashion editor, from relevant education and experience to networking within the industry, plus the highlights and challenges that come with the role.
What Does a Fashion Magazine Editor-in-Chief Do?
A fashion magazine editor oversees the creation and curation of content that shapes the publication’s aesthetic and voice. Their role involves selecting themes, guiding content, and collaborating with writers and designers to produce compelling articles and visuals. They stay current—or ahead—of industry trends, ensuring their magazine stays relevant and influential.
Fashion magazine editors also manage editorial calendars, set deadlines, and attend fashion shows and events to source fresh inspiration and content. Balancing creativity with leadership, a fashion magazine editor must have a sharp eye for detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to make decisive editorial choices that resonate with their audience.
Noa shares what a typical day on the job looks like for her. “As the editor-in-chief of VITA magazine, my role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities. After a HUGE cup of coffee, my day typically starts with reviewing emails and catching up on the latest industry news. I then have a series of meetings, from editorial team briefings to discussions with our design and marketing teams.
Planning content is a significant part of my job, so I spend a lot of time strategizing upcoming issues, assigning articles, and overseeing the overall editorial direction. I also review drafts, provide feedback, and ensure our content maintains the high standards our readers expect.
Afternoons often involve networking events, interviews, or attending industry functions. I wrap up my day by checking in on our social media strategies and planning for the next day.”
Getting Started as a Fashion Magazine Editor
Getting started as a fashion magazine editor requires a blend of education, experience, and networking. Many editors get their start with a degree in journalism, communications, or fashion.
Gain hands-on experience through internships at fashion magazines or related publications, where you’ll learn the ropes of editing, content creation, and industry dynamics. Building a portfolio showcasing your writing and editorial skills is crucial.
Networking with industry professionals through events, social media, and professional associations can open doors to opportunities. Stay updated on fashion trends and continuously refine your style and voice.
Noa tells about her journey to becoming a fashion magazine editor. “My journey into magazine editing started with a strong passion for writing and storytelling—in fact, I recall knowing I wanted to be a magazine editor (specifically) from as young as five or six years old.
I pursued a degree in journalism, which provided me with a solid foundation in writing, editing, and media ethics. Early on, I took internships at various publications, which gave me hands-on experience and a clearer understanding of the magazine industry.
Over time, I worked my way up from an editorial assistant to various editorial roles. Each position taught me different aspects of magazine production, from layout design to managing editorial calendars. This comprehensive experience eventually led to my role as editor-in-chief at VITA.”
She also shares her advice for fashion editor hopefuls. “For those aspiring to enter fashion journalism, my advice would be to start building a strong foundation in writing and reporting (even in lifestyle reporting, the need for solid investigative journalism is more important than ever).
Pursue relevant educational opportunities, such as journalism or communications degrees, and seek out internships or freelance opportunities to gain practical experience. It’s also crucial to stay informed about the fashion industry by reading extensively and following key trends and influencers—not to mention, having/taking a personal interest in fashion-related topics.
Building a portfolio of your work, whether through a personal blog or contributions to smaller publications, can showcase your skills and passion.”
5 Core Skills for Working as a Fashion Editor
Succeeding as a fashion magazine editor requires a diverse skill set to navigate the fast-paced and ever-evolving industry. Combining these skills will enable a fashion magazine editor to lead their publication to success, influencing fashion narratives and setting trends. Here are the key skills needed to excel in an editorial fashion role:
1. Leadership Skills
Being an Editor-in-Chief like Noa means you’re in charge of everything happening with the magazine, which requires strong leadership.
• Team Management: Leading a team of writers, photographers, designers, and other creatives requires strong management abilities to coordinate efforts and ensure cohesive output.
• Decision Making: Making decisive calls on content, themes, and visuals is essential for maintaining the magazine’s vision and quality.
• Inspiration and Motivation: Inspiring and motivating your team to achieve their best work, fostering a positive and productive environment
2. Communication
Like most other jobs in fashion, it’s critical that fashion magazine editors can articulate their ideas and vision to their team.
• Clear Instructions: Providing clear and concise directions to contributors, ensuring everyone is on the same page
• Collaboration: Working collaboratively with various departments and external contacts, including PR firms and fashion brands
• Negotiation: Negotiating contracts and deals with freelancers, photographers, and advertisers
3. An Eye for Detail
Any good editor is known for a razor-sharp eye and a focus on perfection.
• Content Quality: Ensuring every article, photo, and layout meets the magazine’s high standards
• Proofreading: Meticulous proofreading and fact-checking to maintain accuracy and credibility
• Consistency: Maintaining a consistent style and tone throughout the publication
4. Creativity
Being a fashion magazine editor is a creative role at the core, requiring forward-thinking and challenging convention.
• Trendspotting: Identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends to keep the magazine fresh and relevant
• Innovative Ideas: Bringing innovative ideas for features, layouts, and brand collaborations
• Visual Aesthetics: A strong sense of visual aesthetics to create captivating and stylish content
5. Adaptability
Fashion changes from moment to moment, making it crucial for a successful magazine editor to stay current and have the ability to pivot when needed.
• Industry Changes: Adapting to rapid changes in the fashion industry and media landscape
• Technology: Embracing new technologies and platforms for digital and print content
• Crisis Management: Handling unexpected challenges and deadlines with grace and efficiency
Noa echoes these required areas of expertise and shares her own thoughts on what makes a great fashion magazine editor. “Success as a magazine editor-in-chief requires a blend of several key skills. Strong leadership and management abilities are crucial for overseeing a diverse team and ensuring smooth editorial operations.
Excellent communication skills are necessary for conveying ideas clearly and collaborating with writers, designers, and other stakeholders. A keen eye for detail helps in maintaining the quality and accuracy of the content.
Creativity and a forward-thinking mindset are essential for keeping the magazine relevant and engaging. Additionally, being adaptable and having a deep understanding of the target audience is vital for responding to industry trends and reader interests.”
Highlights of Being a Fashion Magazine Editor
There are many perks to being a fashion magazine editor, and Noa lets us in on her favorite parts of her role. “The best part of my job is seeing our ideas come to life in the pages of VITA and knowing that our content resonates with readers.
I find great joy in the creative process, from brainstorming new themes and concepts to working with talented writers and designers. It’s incredibly fulfilling to produce a magazine that inspires and informs our audience.
Additionally, the opportunity to attend fashion shows, and industry events, and meet inspiring people in the fashion world adds an exciting dimension to my role.”
Challenges of a Career in Fashion Journalism
Being a fashion magazine editor comes with its challenges and it’s not all glitz and glamour. Balancing creativity with tight deadlines can be stressful and navigating the rapidly changing fashion industry requires constant adaptation to new trends.
Managing a diverse team of creatives and coordinating with various contributors demands strong leadership and communication skills. Financial constraints often necessitate making tough decisions about content and resources. Additionally, staying relevant in a competitive market means constantly innovating and delivering compelling, high-quality content.
Noa acknowledges there are some tough aspects of being a fashion magazine editor that anyone in the business faces. “The most challenging part of my job is balancing creative vision with practical constraints, such as deadlines and budgets. Managing a team with diverse perspectives and ensuring everyone is aligned with the magazine’s goals can also be demanding.
To overcome these obstacles, I prioritize clear communication and foster a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued. I also rely on meticulous planning and time management to ensure we meet our deadlines without compromising on quality. Staying adaptable and open to feedback helps me navigate the inevitable challenges that arise.”
Like anyone who works in fashion, Noa is quick to point out that many unglamorous tasks come along with the job. ”While there are certainly glamorous aspects to working at a fashion magazine, such as attending fashion shows and industry events, there are also many behind-the-scenes tasks that are less glamorous.
For instance, a significant amount of time is spent on administrative work, editing drafts, and even ad sales. Meeting tight deadlines and managing the nitty-gritty details of magazine production can be stressful. It’s a fast-paced environment that requires a lot of hard work and dedication, which might be surprising to those who only see the glamorous exterior.”
Staying Current as a Fashion Magazine Editor
Noa knows the importance of staying ahead of the curve to succeed in her role as Editor-in-Chief. She highlights the importance that networking plays in helping her maintain contacts to keep on top of the industry.
“Networking with industry professionals and attending fashion events can also open doors and provide valuable insights. Networking is incredibly important in my role. It helps in building relationships with industry insiders, discovering new talent, and staying informed about emerging trends.
To build a strong professional network, I recommend attending industry events, joining relevant professional associations, and actively engaging on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram.
Building genuine relationships by offering help and sharing insights can also go a long way. Follow up with contacts regularly and stay connected to maintain and strengthen your network over time.”
In addition to maintaining a roster of close industry contacts and constantly reaching out, Noa emphasizes the need to keep up with the industry in other ways. “Staying current in the fashion industry requires a proactive approach. I regularly read industry publications, follow influential fashion blogs, and keep an eye on social media trends. Attending fashion shows, industry conferences, and networking events helps me stay connected with the latest trends and innovations.
I also engage with our readers to understand their interests and preferences. Collaborating with our editorial team to brainstorm fresh ideas and perspectives ensures that we cover stories that are both relevant and engaging.”
The Bottom Line
A career as a fashion magazine editor is demanding yet rewarding, blending creativity, leadership, and industry knowledge. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a keen eye for fashion, this career path offers a unique and influential platform to shape style narratives.
A special thanks to Noa for sharing her insights on the ins and outs of being a fashion magazine editor. Be sure to check out VITA magazine and follow along for the latest in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.
Thinking of pursuing a role as a fashion editor? Book a Career Meeting with Style Nine to Five’s Founder, Christie Lohr. She’ll offer her expert advice on growing your career and tips for excelling in any role.
Jeanine Gordon is a freelance content marketer with a passion for creating stellar strategies for global brands and small businesses alike, specializing in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.