A year and a half ago, I seriously dove into the fashion industry and started working in fashion styling. Since then, my biggest dream hasn’t been just to attend Tallinn Fashion Week, but to get backstage as a designer’s assistant. Back then, I was only taking my first steps in this field, and any experience—even unpaid—felt incredibly valuable to me. Especially considering that opportunities like this are pretty rare in Estonia.
My first attempt was in the fall of 2023. That year, Tallinn Fashion Week took place in November and lasted three days. I sent emails to several designers whose schedules theoretically aligned with mine (I was still studying at university at the time). No one replied. Skipping the event wasn’t an option, so my friends and I went as guests for the first time.
Since the event happens twice a year, I decided to try my luck again in the spring of 2024. The spring edition of Tallinn Fashion Week is shorter—just two days—and features fewer designers. As usual, I sent out emails with my portfolio and waited. Silence again. Though this time, one brand did respond, saying they’d keep me in mind if someone from the backstage team couldn’t make it. I’d nearly given up hope when I suddenly got a reply from designer Siret Esko.
From her very first message, she was very friendly and said she’d be happy to have my help. It was a total surprise for me. Siret turned out to be an amazing person. From the moment we met until the end of the show, she treated me with warmth and gratitude—I lost count of how many times she thanked me. Working with her was a joy, and I’m still so grateful for that opportunity.
A couple of days before the event, Siret sent me photos of the outfits and the models who’d be wearing them. Some of the girls had two or three looks per show, so I also helped with quick changes. What else did I do backstage? I helped steam clothes, organize the model line up, and took photos and videos for the brand’s social media. Typical fashion assistant tasks—almost like “The Devil Wears Prada,” but without the coffee runs or a tyrannical boss.
At the end of the day, as I was leaving, I felt a mix of sadness and emptiness because it was over. Despite the hectic atmosphere and the heat backstage (around 30°C, since the show was held at Kalev Spa!), I felt completely in my element. That’s when I realized where I truly want to work (sorry, economics degree).
If you’re dreaming of a career in fashion, volunteering at Tallinn Fashion Week is a must! Beyond connecting with designers, you get to see how everything works behind the scenes. But the real goldmine is the networking. That day, backstage was buzzing with people: designers, managers, models, stylists, beauty pros, volunteers, and the media. It’s the perfect place to meet new people and lay the groundwork for future collaborations.
So, be persistent and don’t be afraid to offer your help. Trust me, active and reliable people always get noticed!
