fashion communication

Jessica Robertson | Fashion Communicator

Portfolio: Jessica Robertson

Jessica Robertson:

Fashion Communication | Concept Development | Event Management | Branding

www.jessicarobertson.co.uk

[email protected]

+44 (0) 7857166757

@jessxrobertson


TH

E : FASHION : COMMUNICATOR

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The Fashion Communicator: Concept Development | Networking | Communication | Business


The Fashion Communicator is the official online black book for Communicators. Providing a tailored service for the individual, we specialise in networking and aim to use our talent to get you further in your professional career.

The Fashion Communicator works alongside professionals with the fashion communication industry. Aiming to expand the opportunities within the industry, the Fashion Communicator aspires to be the fundamental factor in gaining you that dream career. By offering a base for networking within the industry and the opportunity to be headhunted within the industry, the job is yours.


The Fashion Communicator gives clients the opportunity to showcase their professional profile online, allowing communicators to network toward their future. Initially based online the Fashion Communicator plans to develop and expand to become the leading networking outlet for Communicators. Aspiring to hold networking events within universities and Graduate Fashion Week, the Fashion Communicator will become the industries leading networking black book for Communicators.


Creative Strategy Document

Layout | Branding

The creative strategy document for the Fashion Communicator.

Newcastle Fashion Week: Personal Assistant | Events | Management | Planning | Orgamising

“Jessica has taken a much more senior role in her working environment and taken to it well. High responsibility tasks have included the recruitment of new work experience members; this is further to the 2012 task of finding relevant hair and makeup for each event. Along with another colleague to help with the work load, Jessica conducted interviews and was responsible for choosing who was successful. This often included interviewing on a one on one basis, although after personally over seeing a handful of interviews, this is an environment in which Jessica is more than capable.

Jessica’s influence is very much appreciated throughout numerous tasks leading up to the events. She has a great eye for detail and gets her opinion across while taking into account other factors which will eventually affect the outcome. For example, when choosing cover images for posters and brochures, Jessica’s eye picked out what would work in symbiosis with the sponsors and the relevant text that would overlay the image.

Organisation is key, especially when overseeing numerous tasks, often delegated to Jessica. No matter what the event or the detail, Jessica manages to keep on top of each responsibility with ease and I have no problem in challenging her with new responsibilities, as I am confident that she can ahandle them. Jessica’s role has become similar to that of a personal assistant, especially when the events are underway. I have no hesitation in leaving charge to her for various events, which may include being responsible for the work experience team, or larger groups including the designers and hair stylists.

Sandra Tang - Event Co-ordinator

Fashion Intern: Jules B | Fashion Writer | Polyvore Creator | Visual Merchandiser | Photoshoot assisting


N Publication:

Fashion Writer | Layout Design | Networker

N Publication is the official guide to fashion in the North East.The introductory issue celebrates Northern creative individuals.

N Publication: Fashion Writer | Layout Design | Networker


N Publication:

Photographer | Stylist | Creative Director

N publication photoshoots, highlighting the creative side of the North East.

N Publication: Photographer | Stylist | Creative Director

Portfolio; Jessica Robertson

N Publication:

Lights, Camera, Action | Creative Thinker | Creative Writer

Lights, Camera, Action is a creative writing piece focusing on the day in the life of a model during Fashion Week.

Three, two, one; Lights, cameras, all eyes on me, like a moving target I strut that runway as the many faces follow and try to keep up. The life of a model is far less glamorous than others presume, except there is nothing else in the world quite like it; the organised

chaos, the adrenaline rush, the experience, the beauty and the fashion.

I enter a sea of people. You can’t move for models, make up artists, hair stylists, fashion interns - I can’t hear myself think with the radio on full, supposedly to keep people calm, but alongside 15 hairdryers all going at once, I can’t help but think it’s having the oppo-site effect. Banks of chairs, mirrors, tables and lights, collections hanging in their final running orders and masses of naked flesh on show; the storm of the day has officially

begun.

I sit in my ‘models’ area, awaiting my turn for hair and make-up, with constant question-ing ensuring I know what I’m doing, what I’m wearing and in what

order. With copies of the schedule posted everywhere I should hope I know what’s going on, if not then I’m in trouble. A young girl with a clipboard starts barking models names, trying to be heard over giggling girls, hairdryers and designers having last minute melt-downs; she’s trying to tick off us models one by one ensuring we are all here. I fear what would happen if one were not to be, the whole place would come to a sudden stand still

of panic.

Once successfully ticked off the register, I scale the rails of garments searching for my face on a Polaroid picture; an array of stiff black leathers, soft cashmeres, heavy embel-lishments and the occasional colour blocking, it’s a style visionary. Statement heels sit neatly underneath each outfit, they complete the look. My fingers caress each individual piece, it’s art in the form of fashion, and I feel like the fashion elite. I know from expe-rience that my face along with a thousand others will be seen in every major magazine, ready to inspire the masses of loyal fashion followers. That’s the purpose of me as a mod-el, to sell my garment to the world, to be a walking blank canvas displaying this fabulous

piece of art hoping for the highest bids at auction. Sold.

We sit by the finest collection, my personal favourite anyway, the food; tables of Coca Cola ranging from diet to full fat, endless jugs of water, bowls of sweets, chocolate and boxes of cupcakes. You may as well take what you can at the start and stock up, as come

Showtime there is no time to stop and take a nibble.

Stage one, it’s my turn for hair and make-up, time to immerse my alter ego. My face sits nicely in the hands of a MAC professional, ready to make me look beautiful along with hoards of others. I take advantage of this time of the day, the only time I can sit in one place for more than 5 minutes. My face is painted and my hair is scraped back so tight

my facial expression is forced to stay put, I’m all set to go.

N Publication: Lights, Camera, Action | Creative Thinker | Creative Writer


Fittings. This is the last chance for the designer to see you before your thrown to the wolves. I’m then expected to walk for her, so she can see her clothes in action, how they move and lay on me, the routine never alters. It works in my favour also, from past experience I have learnt not all fashion forward garments are designed to actually be walked in or even worn for that matter, therefore getting a chance to test it out before all eyes are on you, could save

my reputation.

Run-through. I walk beyond the door, dividing the two worlds, the catwalk is covered to ensure it’s pristine for the show; lights are so bright even seeing your foot in front of the other becomes a difficult task. Who said modelling was easy? They really had never given it a test drive had they? The technical crew are at work, testing everything as we strut their way. The music is fierce, as a model this is code to be ‘fierce’, your attitude expected to compliment the chosen music; an unwritten rule in modelling. I’m enjoying this run-through, the venue empty looks intimate, as the catwalk cuts the room in half, this simple catwalk ticks the box

for trips and falls to be less likely.

I take a break, needing some fresh air, stepping outside into a mist of cigarette smoke isn’t exactly what I needed. Inside it is hot, steamy and full of half-naked bodies, there’s something about this image that screams strip-club. I step back for a second and take in the scene; we are two hours from Showtime, it’s a whirlwind of panic. Make-up brushes are chasing models, fashion interns are running after any noticeable mess and models are seen strutting in any empty space available. An army of photographers enter our world; this is the opportunity to get some backstage shots and collection snaps before their seen moving up and down the catwalk. This scene in front of me now, caught on camera must make for a beautiful image;

you can’t fake this hectic mess of fashion.

“Doors open, Doors open” is screeched by a small crazed woman wearing a headset, followed by ‘First Looks everyone, first looks!” It all resembles a field of war, the disorder I mean, not violence. It’s as though somebody hit fast forward. Fashion interns running after models, tweaking, pulling and smoothing to perfect their first outfit; hair stylists are seen releasing hair spray randomly into the atmosphere hoping to keep their works of art in place, as make-up artists use their brushes as weapons to attack any model that comes in their path. I’m suddenly grabbed; hands go up my dress, my bra then pulled down to sit perfectly straight, as I just stand there, chewing a sweet. This is when us models leave our dignity at the door and

pick it up again at the end.

I look down at what I’m wearing, how can one, off the shoulder printed, silk dress transform you in a second? It’s perfectly handcrafted, it’s true what they say, the beauty is in the detail. The music starts to blare from front of house, the heat back here starts to rise, I can feel my face being to shine slightly, pulling clinging fabric from our armpits, to stop any mishaps right before entering the mist of the fashion circus. We begin to line up in the straightest line, an army of colour and prints, all set and ready for action. Backstage begins to empty as others

take their place to coveted front of house; the backlight goes on, this is it. Showtime.

Que Sophie, Lydia, Lauren, then me, I’m off. The music is on full volume, the atmosphere is electric, I can only feel my heart pounding in my chest, and a rush of excitement passes through me. I hit centre stage, stood under the lights, and look out at the sea of faces, this can’t be beaten. I strut my stuff; hoping no one can tell that I can’t see a thing in front of me. Light’s flashing at you from every angle, as all eyes are on you following your every move, I feel like a goddess. No sooner than I’m out, I’m backstage having unknown faces ripping clothes off me and chucking my next look over my head, there’s no time to breath, think or even speak. The quick change is done in seconds, hair spray aimed at me for what feels like the hundredth time today, and I’m ready to be lined up again. It’s all go, go, go. A model in front of me messes up on her timing, in a state of panic a hand is on my back, pushing me, as another girl ush-ers me onto the catwalk, gritting her teeth and mouthing the word GO! It was all going so well, fingers crossed nobody noticed. One by one, we walk together an army of models, in a militant straight line clapping as we strut, showing the collections for the last time. It’s done.

Backstage we hear the audience applauding, we have to assume it went well. Champagne corks are popping all over the place back here, as a serge of people come backstage congrat-ulating everyone and anyone on how ‘fabulous’ it was. The make-up artists and hair stylists finish collecting up their tools and interns clear up the left over mess, as the collections are left dumped in heaps all over the floor, as if they never mattered. It’s awful to say but I’m glad it’s not my responsibility to clear up this mess. As my feet feel like they are on fire, my face is numb and my ears are ringing from a day of constant loud noise but at least my face paint is still intact, so I leave looking more decent then my body feels. My heart is still racing, my body is exhausted and my mouth is dry, I can’t stop smiling. I just love what I do. I can’t wait

for the next chaotic day to begin.

N Publication: Lights, Camera, Action | Creative Thinker | Creative Writer

Personnel Director: Wrist Candy | Business | Sales | Marketing | Operations | Human Resources

Personnel Director:

Wrist Candy | Business | Sales | Marketing | Operations | Human Resources

Wrist Candy was a successful start-up business, selling handmade charm bracelets. During the duration of the business the Wrist Candy team conducted a number of trade fairs, an online store, and social networking sites. As Personnel Director I was responsible for ensuring all tasks were completed, overseeing each aspect of the business and the planning and organisation of business meetings.

Cirriculum Vitae: Jessica Robertson

Jessica [email protected]+44 (0) 7957166757

Aspiring to work in Fashion Communication, events or marketing, with over two years experience as personal assistant to Sandra Tang of NE1, Newcastle Fashion week. Honest and reliable with an excellent attendance record, can work equally well alone or as part of a team.

Newcastle Fashion Week, NE1ltdMay 2011 – Present Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Following Newcastle Fashion Week 2011, I was asked to return for 2012 to be a PA for the event organiser Sandra Tang. Therefore I have been heavily involved in the build up to NFW12 and moving forward for NFW13. Tasks involved: • Recruitment- Work Experience team- Make Up Artists- Hair Stylists • Applying for tickets for London Fashion Week.• Booking venues and appearances.• Contacting businesses regarding involvement and sponsorship opportunities.• Setting up a work experience team to work throughout the week.• VIP Management• Guestlist• Managing and organising the work experience team for each event, setting up schedules and work tasks.• Ensuring each event runs smooth and manage the backstage area during live events.• Ensuring all details of the event is covered in the planning process.• Assist the online presence on both Twitter and Facebook.

Personnel Director, Wrist CandySeptember 2012 – PresentNorthumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne

Tasks Involved:• Manage the workload of the Wrist Candy team.• Manage the reflection diaries of the team.• Work closely with the Managing Director.• Online promotion and marketing.• Manage the social networking sites.

Jessica Robertson: Personal Assistant | Personnel Director | Deputy Supervisor | Fashion Intern

Twilight Deputy SupervisorNewcastle Building SocietyMay 2010 – PresentPortland House, Newcastle Upon Tyne

• Outbound calls to borrowers of the Building Society dealing with mortgage accounts and finances.• Take monthly payments by Debit Card from borrowers verbally over the phone.• Communication within the team of Twilight to ensure throughout the month all work lists are completed and targets have been met.• Ensure all banking throughout the shift is checked.• Training new staff, teaching them the basic skills and also the more complicated tasks to be under taken within the job.

Fashion InternJules BSeptember 2012 – September 2012Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Two week placement covering all aspects of communication within the Jules B Head Office.Tasks included:• Daily online visual merchandising• Researching product layouts for future changes to magazine• Writing brand descriptions and guides for the website• Assisting styling on photo-shoots• Blogging for their Style File blog• Updating Polyvore account

fashion communication | portfolio

Documents

fashion communicator

graduate fashion week

networking events

jessica robertsonportfolio

leading networking outlet

official online black

professional career