Are you dreaming of working with top fashion brands like Sabyasachi, Manish Malhotra, or Zara? Want to see your designs come alive on a real ramp or be part of a big styling shoot? Then fashion internships are your golden ticket!

In today’s competitive fashion world, having an internship on your resume is not just helpful—it’s essential. Whether you’re studying at a reputed fashion designing institute in Ahmedabad or learning fashion through online platforms, an internship gives you the practical exposure that theory can’t teach.

So, let’s dive into how you can land that dream internship in a top fashion brand—step by step!

✨ Why Internships Matter in the Fashion Industry

Fashion isn’t just about drawing pretty designs or stitching a dress. It’s about working in real situations—tight deadlines, demanding clients, fast-changing trends, and creative challenges.

According to a LinkedIn India survey, nearly 85% of employers in the fashion industry prefer candidates with internship experience, even for fresher roles. An internship helps you:

  • Build a strong portfolio

  • Understand industry workflows

  • Get noticed by professionals

  • Learn professionalism and teamwork

🧵 Types of Fashion Internships You Can Apply For

Depending on your interest, you can go for:

1. Fashion Design Internships

  • Assisting designers in sketching, draping, fabric selection

  • Working on samples and final outfits

  • Creating mood boards and design presentations

2. Fashion Styling Internships

  • Working on photo/video shoots

  • Styling models for events or magazine features

  • Organising accessories, makeup, and wardrobes

3. Fashion Merchandising/Buying

  • Understanding the business side of fashion

  • Selecting items for collections

  • Studying market trends and customer behaviour

4. Fashion Marketing/Social Media

  • Content creation for Instagram or YouTube

  • Managing brand promotions and influencer shoots

  • Writing blogs or captions for fashion campaigns

👗 Top Brands and Designers Offering Fashion Internships in India

If you're aiming high, here are some top Indian fashion houses and companies where students frequently intern:

  • Sabyasachi Mukherjee (Kolkata)

  • Manish Malhotra (Mumbai)

  • Anita Dongre (Mumbai)

  • Tarun Tahiliani

  • FDCI-affiliated brands

International fast fashion brands like:

  • Zara India

  • H&M India

  • Mango

  • Fabindia

  • Biba

Many fashion influencers and celebrity stylists also offer internships during wedding and fashion seasons.

📅 When and Where to Apply for Internships

Internships generally open up:

  • April to July (summer internships)

  • October to December (festive fashion season)

Apply through:

  • Internshala, LinkedIn, Glassdoor

  • Directly on brand websites

  • DM on Instagram to designers or stylists

  • College references and alumni connections

🎨 Build a Powerful Fashion Portfolio

Top brands want to see your work, not just your resume. Your portfolio is your visual resume. Here’s what to include:

  • Fashion sketches (hand-drawn or digital)

  • Mood boards and colour stories

  • Draping photos or stitched garment images

  • Design software projects (CorelDraw, Illustrator, CLO3D)

  • Any college event work, styling, or freelancing samples

Tip: Keep your portfolio clean, consistent, and limited to your best 10–12 works only.

📄 Resume & Cover Letter Tips for Fashion Internships

Your resume should show creativity and clarity. Here's how:

Resume:

  • Keep it to one page

  • Highlight skills like fabric knowledge, trend spotting, Adobe skills

  • Mention college projects and certifications

Cover Letter:

  • Make it brand-specific. Talk about why you want to work with that designer/brand

  • Add personal flair but keep it professional

  • End with a request for a portfolio review or meeting

💬 Fashion Internship Interview Tips

Once you’ve been shortlisted, prepare well for the interview.

Common questions:

  • "What inspires your design style?"

  • "How do you stay updated with trends?"

  • "Why do you want to intern with us?"

  • "Can you show us your recent work?"

Interview Tips:

  • Dress fashionably but not flashy

  • Carry both printed and digital versions of your portfolio

  • Be confident and show genuine enthusiasm for fashion

📱 Use Social Media to Get Internships

In India, Instagram is the new resume—especially in creative fields.

  • Post your designs consistently

  • Create short reels of your design process

  • Tag brands and use hashtags like #fashioninternship #indianfashiondesign

  • Follow and engage with stylists, designers, and boutique brands

Many designers post internship openings directly on Instagram Stories or Highlights!

❌ Don’ts While Applying for Fashion Internships

  • Don’t use generic email templates

  • Don’t send portfolios in random Google Drive folders—use Behance or PDFs

  • Don’t spam the same message to multiple designers

  • Don’t copy famous designers’ work in your samples

Keep it original, honest, and professional.

🔍 What if You Don’t Get Into a Big Brand Immediately?

No worries! Start small and work your way up.

  • Intern with local designers or boutiques

  • Assist on college fashion shows or styling events

  • Take online internships with fashion startups

  • Join workshops or advanced courses to upgrade your skills

🎓 Looking for a Fashion Designing Institute in Ahmedabad?

If you’re in Gujarat and looking to build a strong foundation before applying for internships, check out Kalapurnam Institute—a reputed fashion designing institute in Ahmedabad.

Why Kalapurnam?

  • 📚 Practical training in garment construction, draping, styling, and CAD tools

  • 🧑‍🏫 Experienced mentors from the fashion industry

  • 🎓 Real-world exposure with fashion events, shoots, and exhibitions

  • 💼 Assistance in internships and career placements

With over 18+ years of experience, Kalapurnam Institute has helped hundreds of students get placed in top fashion brands and start their own labels too.

✅ Final Thoughts

Fashion internships are your stepping stone to a dream career. Whether it’s creating your own label, working with a celebrity designer, or managing fashion shoots—experience is key.

Be bold, be prepared, and be original. And if you’re looking for the right training before you apply, consider a reputed fashion designing institute in Ahmedabad like Kalapurnam Institute to kickstart your journey the right way.