FASHION WRITING MENTORSHIP

APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED

Our Fashion Writing Mentorship programme provides a concrete pathway for aspiring journalists to gain real-world industry experience while making invaluable connections within the fashion media landscape.  

Programme mentees will be handpicked by a distinguished panel of Australian journalists to take part in a 4-week Fashion Writing Mentorship. Mentees will have their mentorship assignments, including long and short form written work and social media video content, published across the Festival's own digital platforms, reaching dedicated audiences and influential media outlets.

The Festival embraces a diverse spectrum of journalism styles, inviting applicants to submit a selection of writing and video content samples for consideration.  

Applications closed.

Please reach out to the Programming team if you have any questions.

KEY INFORMATION

  • Applications closed.

  • 8 October 2024 – Applications open  

    8 November 2024 – Applications close    

    20 November – 4 December 2024 - Judging period  

    6 December 2024 – Applicants notified of outcome  

    13 January – 17 February 2025 – Mentorship period , 1 hour sessions weekly

    22 February – 8 March 2025 – Festival period

    Please ensure you have ample availability during the Festival period to attend and report on Festival events and complete your mentorship assignments.   

    • Your CV including: 

      • Cover sheet (including your personal approach to writing, the writing styles or genres you prefer, your personal connection to fashion as a theme, and your ambition for your future in writing). 

      • Professional summary (including writing experience and any publications your work has been featured in) 

      • Name of your course and institution, and the year you graduated (if applicable) 

    • 1 x existing sample of your fashion related writing (400 words) 

    • 1 x existing sample of your writing (can be fashion related or other) (400 words) 

    • 1 x example of video content you have created for social media (published or unpublished, for personal or professional use) (max 60 seconds) 

    • 400-word written runway wrap up piece (video link provided in application form) 

  • To be considered for Fashion Writing Mentorship, applicants must meet the following criteria:  

    1. Aspiring writers aged 18+ 

    1. Keen interest in fashion journalism, writing and content creation

    1. Applicants must be available during the Mentorship Period (13 January to 17 February 2025) to take part in the mentorship programme and complete assignments

    1. All applicants must be available in Melbourne during the Festival Period (22 February to 8 March 2025) to attend and report on Festival events

  • Each weighting number denotes the maximum number of points attainable within the respective category. 

    • Unique perspective: The Applicant brings a fresh, original perspective to fashion related topics through their work [30]

    • Understanding of fashion: The Applicant demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the fashion industry and its cultural context through their work [30]

    • Clear expression: The Applicant’s work is clear, concise, and engaging [20]

    • Storytelling style: The Applicant has a distinctive voice and displays a creative use of language and narrative structure [20]

  • Finalist will be given access to a selection of 2025 PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival events:

    • 4-week fashion writing mentorship programme led by an esteemed Australian fashion journalist 

    • Suite of VIP invitations to the 2025 Festival’s premium events, including the 2025 PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival official launch event 

    • Editorial integration of written and video content across Festival’s own social media and digital platforms  

  • View full terms and conditions HERE.

JUDGING PANEL

JANE ROCCA

Jane Rocca is a Melbourne journalist and author who writes for The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, Sunday Life Magazine, Domain National and Domain Review.

Jane has written four books - The Cocktail, Cocktails and Rock Tales, The Fashionable Cocktail and Groundbreaking Fashion: 100 Iconic Moments. She hosts ‘Some of my Best Work’ - a Mushroom Group podcast. Jane’s work has appeared in Harper’s Bazaar, The Face UK, i-D UK, WWD New York, ABC, and New York Times T Magazine online.   

Freelance Journalist and Author

MELISSA SINGER

National Fashion Editor,
The Age and Sydney Morning Herald 

Melissa is National Fashion Editor of The Age and Sydney Morning Herald, specialising in reporting on business, Australian designers and manufacturing, consumer affairs, retail, and social trends in fashion.

In a career spanning more than 20 years, Melissa has profiled some of fashion's biggest names including Christian Louboutin and Elle Macpherson. Melissa is also a regular commentator on radio and has appeared on numerous podcasts. 

RACHELLE UNREICH

Rachelle Unreich has been a journalist for 40 years writing for publications in Australia, the US and UK including Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, The Age and The Australian.

Her first book, A Brilliant Life: My Mother’s Inspiring Story of Surviving the Holocaust, was published in Australia at the end of 2023. It has since been published in territories including the US and UK and has been shortlisted for four literary awards including The Age Book of the Year. 

Freelance Journalist and Author