Wales Bonner Internship Program: Championing Diversity in Fashion
The fashion industry, often criticized for its lack of diversity, is taking a step towards inclusivity with the launch of the Wales Bonner Internship Program. This initiative, a collaboration between designer Grace Wales Bonner, footballer David Alaba, and Mentoring Matters, aims to provide opportunities for Black graduates seeking to break into the fashion world.
A Unique Collaboration
The partnership between Wales Bonner and David Alaba is particularly noteworthy. Alaba's growing interest in fashion, coupled with Wales Bonner's rising presence in the football scene, creates a unique synergy. This collaboration offers a "once in a lifetime opportunity" for individuals passionate about both fashion and football.
Addressing Homogeneity in Fashion
The fashion industry is undeniably a "heavily homogeneous space to navigate." Black graduates often face significant hurdles in securing opportunities without established connections. The Wales Bonner Internship Program seeks to address this imbalance by "championing diversity in showrooms and studios." This program aims to build an "unmatched foundation" for successful candidates to launch their careers.
Internship Details
The Wales Bonner and David Alaba Internship Program offers two six-month paid placements at the Wales Bonner studio in London. Interns have the opportunity to work either on the design team or in marketing and communications.
The program is designed to provide work experience and professional support for two graduates from Black or Black mixed-heritage backgrounds. The internships also include mentoring touch points throughout the process and invite successful candidates to become part of the Mentoring Matters Alumni program, offering long-term support and access to a variety of exclusive benefits, events, workshops, paid opportunities, and a global creative community of peers.
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Design & Product Internship (Applications Now Closed)
The Design & Product Internship applications are currently closed. The chosen candidate will work across the design, product development, and production departments. This provides exposure to the full product lifecycle. Typical tasks include:
- Design research
- Updating design and colour boards in the studio
- Organising raw materials
- Liaising with factories and suppliers
- Technical drawings
- Sample management
- Updating various digital files
Final interviews for this internship were held on October 22nd, with the internship running from late October to April.
Marketing & Communications Internship (Applications Open in March)
The Marketing & Communications Internship offers a chance to learn about marketing and PR within the brand's communications department. Typical tasks include:
- Design, brand, and social media research
- Preparing decks and briefs
- Coordinating sample loans
- Event planning
- Social media support
Applications for this internship open on March 7th and close on March 21st, with the internship running from late April to September.
Internship Details
- Hours: Full Time - 10 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday
- Location: Wales Bonner Studio, London N1, UK
- Salary: London Living Wage
- Benefits:
- Daily Vegetarian Lunch
- Mentorship from industry leaders
- Participation in Wales Bonner team activities and events
- Membership of the Mentoring Matters Alumni programme
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
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- Over 18 years of age
- From a Black or Black mixed heritage background
- Graduate with a relevant degree
- Have the legal right to work in the UK
- Available for the full duration of the internship
Application Process
To complete the application form, candidates need to submit the following:
- A photograph of themselves
- A PDF document (maximum size 10MB) containing:
- A short biography
- Answer to the question: why do you want to work for Wales Bonner?
- Examples of your work or a portfolio
- A copy of your CV
A Mission to Elevate Blackness
Wales Bonner welcomes applications from individuals eager to further their mission: "To elevate the location of blackness within culture, infusing European luxury with an Afro-Atlantic spirit."
Since its inception, Wales Bonner has been devoted to infusing European luxury with an Afro-Atlantic spirit. Thanks to the generous support of David Alaba, Wales Bonner is delighted to collaborate with Mentoring Matters in providing opportunities for young, underrepresented graduates as they begin their careers.
Quotes from the Partners
- David Alaba: "I’m aware that there are many young, underrepresented Black fashion graduates who possess the level of fashion excellence required to work at an incredible brand like Wales Bonner. However, they still remain underrepresented within the industry. My hope is that this internship enables these young Black students to showcase their excellence to the world! It has been a great honour to partner with my friend Grace and her wider team on this endeavour.”
- Grace Wales Bonner: “I am very glad to play a part in this initiative with David Alaba and Mentoring Matters - it is truly rewarding to be able to support these young talents and to continue supporting diversity in the industry.”
- Mentoring Matters: “Mentoring Matters is proud to partner with Grace and David on this exciting internship initiative. Together we strive to redress the balance of equity and opportunity within the creative industries, championing a more inclusive, informed and exciting workplace for us all.”
Data Protection Rights
Applicants have several rights under data protection law, including:
- Your right of access: You have the right to ask for copies of your personal information.
- Your right to rectification: You have the right to ask to rectify personal information you think is inaccurate and to complete information you think is incomplete.
- Your right to erasure: You have the right to ask to erase your personal information in certain circumstances.
- Your right to restriction of processing: You have the right to ask to restrict the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances.
- Your right to object to processing: You have the right to object to the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances.
- Your right to data portability: You have the right to ask that your personal information be transferred to another organisation, or to you, in certain circumstances.
Exercising these rights is free of charge. Data is stored on a secure cloud-based drive, accessible only to selected internal staff, except during the selection process when selected data and application documents are temporarily visible to selectors. Consent can be removed at any time, leading to the permanent deletion of information from the database.
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Positive Action and UK Law
The internships are in accordance with UK law, where under the Equality Act 2010, positive action allows employers to promote opportunities to candidates from disadvantaged and under-represented groups in the recruitment process.
tags: #wales #bonner #internship #opportunities
