✨ Let’s get into it ✨
💡 TLDR
Former Anna Wintour assistants reveal surviving fashion’s chaos isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being human and knowing when a mistake doesn’t matter. Their tips? Stay calm, move on, and don’t stress over tiny errors.
Okay but like, who knew being Anna Wintour’s assistant was basically a crash course in adulting? If you’ve ever watched The Devil Wears Prada (or rewatched it like, 100 times), you’ve probably wondered what it’s like to work in her orbit—until now. Former assistants Sammi Tapper and Marley Marius, now power players at Vogue, spilled the tea on surviving the cutthroat world of fashion, and their advice is basically the ultimate cheat code for anyone starting out. Spoiler: It’s not all about being perfect. It’s about being human.
First off, mistakes? They’re part of the job. Tapper says you’ll make a million tiny ones early on—like, “Oh my god, I feel so distraught over this thing.” But here’s the kicker: Ask yourself, “Will this matter in a week? A month?” If not, move on. No one’s perfect, and Wintour’s office is a place where you’re learning, not being judged. Plus, if you’re constantly stressing over minor blunders, you’re basically sabotaging your own vibe.
Team dynamics also matter. Marius says working with a squad that gets you (even if you’re not BFFs) is key. In Wintour’s office, you’re mostly interacting with your fellow assistants and her, so having a support system makes all the difference. It’s not just about the work—it’s about the vibe. And honestly, that applies to any job. If you hate your coworkers, your days are gonna suck.
But here’s the real secret: Ask questions. Both Tapper and Marius admit they were terrified of looking clueless, but the truth? People are happy to help. If you’re scared to ask, you’re basically setting yourself up for more stress. Plus, the more you ask, the faster you’ll learn. And if you’re not sure what you don’t know? Own it. Procrastination? Often it’s fear. Shift your mindset: “How can I figure this out?” instead of “I can’t do this.”
💫 Some actions pay off in a year, others in seven.
And don’t forget: Persistence pays. Marius says it’s all about planting seeds—LinkedIn DMs, coffee chats, whatever. Some actions pay off in a year, others in seven. Just keep grinding. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the only way to build your skills.
So, what’s your biggest fear when starting out? Let’s chat in the comments!
❓ People Also Ask
What’s the most important advice for fashion assistants?
Focus on being human, not perfect. Mistakes are part of the job. Ask if an error matters in a week or month—then move on.
How do you survive in fashion?
Prioritize tasks, stay adaptable, and don’t take everything personally. Learn from small errors and keep moving forward.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇