A few weeks ago, I welcomed my first intern for my brand : Anna

She’s currently studying the same Design and Applied Arts Baccalaureate as I did a few years ago, and would like to work in fashion one day. Straight away, we found we had things in common, and as the days went by, we kept discovering even more shared interests and ideas.

Having a young intern, especially someone who hasn’t yet set foot in the fashion world was very insightful. I really wanted to make her time with me something meaningful, that would serve her in the future and give her a solid base to build on. So I created a personalised planning for her, to take her through all the different aspects of what it means to create a fashion brand and develop a collection.

Here’s a little glimpse of how our week went…

We began the week with a brainstorming session for my next newsletter theme: Dolce Vita Style. We searched for images that captured that spirit and created a brainstorming with words that reflected the mood such as lifestyle elements, fabrics, patterns, colours, movies, places and fashion icons.

Then I taught her how to create a style mood board on Photoshop and how to use the different tools. We worked on a polka dot pattern theme for the Dolce Vita Style newsletter. I was very pleased with the result and her contribution.

In the afternoon, we chose, tried on and organised vintage outfits for each model for an upcoming photoshoot that week as well as researched our styling inspiration for the hair and makeup. (Photoshoot backstages coming soon…)

That evening, we dived into the more technical (but equally essential) side of fashion. I walked her through all the core documents I’ve created over time for my 1st fashion collection : my brand platform, my social media structure, benchmarking analysis, fabric tables, product costings, my business plan, and even all the tools I’m using to prepare for my crowdfunding campaign. She got to see the big picture, how creativity meets structure.

We finished the day with a picnic by the river with my family while the sun was setting.

We started off the morning with a trip to the post office to send my fabric parcel to my pattern maker in Paris. Then we treated ourselves to breakfast at the local café.

Throughout the week, I tried to implement a balance between more technical computer work and more creative and manual work.

In the morning, we researched, noted and organised the contacts for trade shows and showrooms, fashion journalists, magazine editors and Facebook communities dedicated to vintage icons and actresses.

In the afternoon, we sorted through different paper options for my brand cards and posters. We noted texture, thickness, size and cost, and found the perfect ones that were high quality with a nice feel and at a good price. It’s a small detail, but one that sets the tone.

We wrapped up the day with a drawing atelier. I taught Anna how to draw a realistic portrait with all the different details of facial features and she chose to do one of iconic 90s model Kate Moss.

Drawing faces and silhouettes is such a core skill in fashion design, and I know it’ll help her with her current studies too.

Instead of jumping straight into work, we took a slower start and did a pilates session. Anna had mentioned she wanted to try it, and since I love it too, we rolled out our mats and took the time for it.

It was actually such a special moment and made me realise how important it is to share not just work, but also moments of self-care and balance.

We then had to go to the store to buy some hair mousse and gel to create the “wet look” for the photoshoot happening that night

We spent the afternoon experimenting with fabric lengths and widths to see what felt just right for the headband.

Then we chose some white lycra as our base fabric to make the first tests for the headband prototype. We spent time figuring out the best technical way to make it adjustable to different head sizes, while keeping it comfortable, discreet, and elegant.

That evening, my friends Angélique and Zoé came over and we all got our makeup and hair done for a nighttime shoot. The sky was moody and stormy—just how we wanted it. The perfect end to a full, creative day.

We measured, cut, ironed, sewed… then cut and sewed some more, until we finally had the first prototype of what I’m calling the “Bardot Headband”.

It was so fun to see it slowly come to life step by step, and we were lucky it actually worked on the first try!

Of course, there’s still one or two adjustments I’d like to make but overall I’m really happy with the result.

In the afternoon, we went through all the photos from the night before’s urban shoot and selected the best ones for each model.

We worked on photoshop again and I taught Anna how to edit fashion photos and portraits this time.

Later in the evening, Anna was motivated to do a second photoshoot by the river, with my dad behind the lens as the photographer again. The tones of the sunset were pink, the energy soft and dreamy… it created a beautiful contrast and balance between the two photo sessions.

On our last day, we only had the morning to work together, as I had to take Anna to the train station before heading off to my summer job at a château for the weddings.

I thought it’d be a lovely way to close our week by doing an interview together. I asked her questions about how she felt during the internship, what she learned, how she’d describe my first collection, and which icon inspires her most.

Having an intern for the first time, even just for a week, was such a valuable and special experience. We both learned a lot and bonded in a really genuine way. It reminded me how powerful it is to share knowledge, creative energy, and time.

Her fresh perspective and honest feedback were so valuable throughout the week. It gave me even more motivation to keep building this brand with heart and intention.

And now… I’m already looking forward to welcoming a future intern for a longer adventure hopefully sometime soon !

Thank you for following along with this behind-the-scenes journey. I hope you enjoyed it, and I can’t wait to share more with you soon.

All the best,
Jamila Wilson xx