Australian fashion interns will have the opportunity to work for the likes of Tom Ford, Christian Dior, Prada, Giorgio Armani and Balenciaga under a new mentoring program.
Fashion Future has extended its domestic mentoring service, which has linked emerging talents with distinguished industry names such as Carla Zampatti and David Jones executive David Bush.
The organisation is offering 20 global fashion opportunities across New York, London, Milan and Paris and is open to those in Australia who work within the industry – from fashion designers to fashion journalists.
Fashion Future director Pamela Trantalles said the program allows the successful candidate a 'hands on’ global experience and flights and accommodation is paid for by sponsors of the initiative.
“Fashion Future's core philosophy is professional skills capability development, career progression, business strategy and innovation which in turn facilitates a highly productive textile, clothing and footwear industry and Australian economy,” Trantalles said.
There are 10 international internships at brands such as Balenciaga, Christian Dior, Diane Von Furstenberg, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Herve Leger, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tom Ford and Viktor & Rolf.
Internships are for a minimum of three months, however some mentors have suggested up to six months, but anything beyond this Fashion Future encourages employment.
The total prize package is worth more than $250,000 and there is also 10 mentor VIP experiences at New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week and a Paris Trade event.
Fashion Future's Australin program has 60 leading designers, industry professionals and fashion businesses donating time to support, nurture and encourage emerging talent.
Applications for the international program are short-listed by the Fashion Future team in consultation with sponsors and are then presented to an advisory board.
“There is an identified international business skills gap in emerging talents,” Trantalles said. “This program provides as opportunity to provide further skills and talent development/crucial succession planning and the continued pipeline growth of design talent.”
To apply for an international mentor opportunity, head to fashionfuture.com.au