FASHION CAREERS

Assist apparel companies and retailers by helping them build and maintain a favorable public image.

Fashion Public Relations Specialist

Also called: Fashion Publicist, Fashion Media Relations Specialist

Job Description: Fashion Public Relations Specialists and Publicists help apparel companies and retail stores build and maintain a favorable public image. Because they do not pay for publicity or media coverage, Public Relations (PR) Specialists must find creative ways to keep the company's brand name in the public eye. PR specialists select information that they want to share with the public and write up press releases or conduct press conferences to distribute the news through television, newspapers, radio and direct mail. They are also responsible for interacting with media when questions or crises arise from outside sources. As such, PR specialists must maintain strong professional relationships with media personnel.

Salary Range: $20,000 to $100,000 or more
Entry level pay may range from $20,000 to $35,000
Experienced pay may range from $40,000 to $60,000
Top level pay may range from $75,000 to $100,000+

Outlook: Good to Excellent. The market for PR specialists focused solely on fashion is growing quickly. In addition to working on staff for design houses and retailers, PR specialists may also work at PR firms that handle work for a variety of clients. After 3-5 years of experience in the field, PR specialists often move into more senior PR Coordinator positions.

Qualifications: Education - A 4 year degree in Public Relations or related field has become increasingly necessary. Coursework in fashion and journalism is very helpful.
Experience - An internship or some experience working at a fashion publication or other media outlet is key.
Personal Characteristics/Skills - Knowledge of journalistic basics including proper news release formats; excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills; good interpersonal skills; good time management and multi-tasking skills; ability to maintain an even temperament under stress.

Career Path: Promotions Assistant > Public Relations Specialist > Public Relations Coordinator > Director of Public Relations

To find a fashion design school location near you and learn more about the fashion programs available, click on any of the school links below:

Get your fashion degree ONLINE!

Westwood College (Online)

Arizona Fashion Design Schools
Tucson Design College (Tucson)
The Art Institute of Phoenix (Phoenix, Tucson)

California Fashion Design Schools
The Art Institute of California (Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Orange County, Sacramento, San Francisco, Sunnyvale)
International Academy of Design & Technology (Sacramento)
Brooks College (Long Beach)
Brooks College (Sunnyvale)