The world of fashion is seen as a glamorous affair, with free clothes and endless parties.
But budding fashionistas were told about the reality of long hours and creative streaks being stifled by business restrictions, at an event on Saturday.
The Fashion Your Future event was part of Bath in Fashion, and saw dozens of trendsetters learning about the variety of roles in the industry.
The Chronicle-sponsored event saw Louse Pickles, whose roles include course leader and coordinator of fashion at Bath Spa University, and a panel talking about their experiences.
She is also creative director of the fashion festival
Bath Spa graduate and winner of Womenswear and Gold Award, Graduate Fashion Week 2012 Chloe Jones said her degree had stood her in good stead when it came to making it.
"The reason I took the course at Bath Spa was because it covered everything that you need to know.
"So when I left I felt I had the knowledge – basic knowledge – but everything I needed from cutting through to the final product.
"I found this very beneficial during my internship.
"It enables you to get more involved with the company because you can help with the samples, research, help the pattern cutters – everything."
Meera Stannard, who is now an assistant buyer at Liberty, said because the hours were long, it was important for people to love the industry.
She said: "I think the main thing is to have a real passion for the industry, that will really get you through.
"Whatever area you go into in fashion you will inevitably need to work long hours – that is just the way it is.
"If you enjoy what you are doing that makes it a lot more enjoyable."
Ms Pickles said talent would only get candidates so far.
"We have all come across graduates in our careers who want your job and it is like 'Hold on a minute, it took me 15 years to get here and you're not going to have my job because you've graduated.
"You have got to understand the business; if you are asked to go and make a cup of tea, go and do it with a smile on your face.
"Or even if you see everyone is busy and stressed and you ask if they'd like you to put the kettle on or offer to go out for teas, then that is great because they can see you are aware of what is going on.
"These are the people that employers want to employ.
"It is really important to be helpful and reliable
"No matter what role, you are all there to work on the same business and the same collection to get it where it needs to be on time and that means everyone respecting everyone else's role."
Ms Smart added that while Vogue's presence on the iPad was continuing to grow, the fashion bible was looking at ways to make its print edition more desirable and collectable.
People were able to pose questions to the panel and these included what tools or books to use and how to promote their own lines.
But when it came to advice, Marie-Therese Baluti, who is now a product developer at Ben Sherman, said she had just one key piece of wisdom.
"It's just clothes, we are not saving lives. Sometimes as interns you can feel under pressure – that isn't done on purpose, it is a really busy industry – and when that happens I say to myself 'It is only clothes.'"
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