FORWARD MARCH: After a successful run in New York City earlier this month, the Sarabande careers fair “What Now?” will take place at the foundation’s home in Haggerston, east London, on June 16.
The fair helps arts and fashion graduates navigate their way to jobs, internships and career paths in the creative industries and the aim is twofold, according to Sarabande. The fair wants to provide emotional support and solidarity to young creatives, “reassuring them that they are not alone in feeling directionless, post-graduation.”
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Sarabande also wants students to get industry advice from members of the media, marketing companies and brands large and small. The fair is extremely popular, with students lining up around the block, waiting to get into the fair.
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Last year’s fair saw brands including Burberry, Saint Laurent and Victoria Beckham take part.
The sixth iteration of the London fair comes at a critical time in the U.K., which is facing a major youth unemployment crisis, with more than one million people aged between 16 and 24 years old not in education, employment or training.
With AI fast replacing jobs in the media and design industries, even those with an education are finding it difficult to find entry-level work as they struggle to pay off student loans.
Earlier this month, Sarabande reprised its “What Now?” event in New York City at The Standard, High Line in the Meatpacking District. Some 11 brands took part, including WWD parent Fairchild Media Group, with more than 600 tickets sold.
“Creative careers rarely follow a straight line, and breaking into the fashion industry in particular isn’t always straightforward. There’s a common misconception that the only path after studying fashion or the arts is to become a designer or launch your own label, when in reality the creative industries offer a vast range of roles and opportunities,” said Trino Verkade, director of Sarabande, the arts charity established by Lee Alexander McQueen in 2006.
“‘What Now?’ was created to help young people see the breadth of those possibilities and connect them directly with the professionals who can help guide those first steps,” she added.
The one-day fair is free of charge, and will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sarabande Foundation, 22 Hertford Road, London N1 5SH.