The Intern | A James Street Exclusive
The buzz of conversation and pop of champagne corks echo up the street, meeting with the click of heels crossing from one designer boutique to another.
Lit-up with fairy lights and enticing store window displays, Fortitude Valley’s annual event, marie claire Up Late, is a must-do this season.
As James Street Initiative invites us to the 6th installation of Up Late, we go behind the scenes of the glamorous event and look at a day in the life of an intern.
So what actually goes on behind those dazzling events we all love?
Here’s an exclusive rundown from an industry insider.
Photo credit: www.jamesst.com.au
10:00am - Arrival Time
An intern's’ survival kit consists of a nutritious brekkie, comfy shoes suitable for running up and down the street and cold water to beat the summer heat.
The interns meet with the directing team, welcomed by a street chaotic with workers adorning the trees with fairy lights and setting up the main attraction- centre stage.
11:00am - The Set Up
For the retailers, restaurants and cafes of the street, this isn’t an average day of trading.
Each of the businesses begin the day differently to any other - in event mode, organising final details, setting up promotions and preparing for the evenings specialties.
That’s where the interns step in.
Anything and everything they can help with, they do!
Whether it be moving furniture, setting up displays or sorting the gift bags.
1:00pm - Goodies, Goodies, Goodies
Ah yes, the gift bags.
Exclusive marie claire x James Street gift bags are handed out to the evening's first 1,000 guests.
If the customised bags aren’t enough to tempt you, the secret treasures on the inside sure will be.
The interns spend time packing seasonal goodies, generous vouchers, sought after beauty products and many other exciting treats into the exclusive bags.
Then the task of transporting begins.
I tell you what, this is the time you become thankful for any upper body strength, and if you have little, you soon find out!
Photo credit: James Street
3:00pm - Recoup and Unwind
After a day of hard work, it’s time to freshen up before the special guests arrive.
The intern team is presented with a stylish company tee-shirt to be paired with their favourite summer skirts, accessories and a killer pair of heels (maybe not so practical for the evening, but they look good).
Obviously downtime is required if they’re going to be perky and energetic come event time.
So the interns gather in one of the many eateries for some recuperation time.
It’s time to get into the event mindset.
5:00pm - The Grand Meeting
The moment they’ve all been waiting for!
The interns are paired with a member of the marie claire team or a well-known Australian designer.
This is the time where they get to mingle and “pick brains” of the ever-so exciting industry experts!
Others have important roles such as event and street style photography, guest assistance or client liaison.
Event-goers arrive and, dressed beautifully in seasonal summer trends, form long lines in anticipation for the gift bag hand out.
6:00pm – Go time!
The event opens and the madness begins.
Guests scavenge for a gift bag and the exclusive in-store promotions are launched.
The oh-so-glamorous, Nicky Briger, Editor of marie claire, takes the stage accompanied by her team and visiting designers.
Guests huddle around, gift bags in hand, to hear from the industry professionals.
Inspiring and engaging - the special guests introduce themselves to the crowd and welcome the event.
The interns escort their special guest to each of their allocated retailers - this ensures that every business is paid a visit.
Each of the retailers put on exciting in-store programs for the evening, offering their guests delectable treats and a glass of bubbles on greeting.
Photo credit: James Street
8:00pm – Thats a Wrap
As the evening comes to an end, the interns thank and farewell their special guests.
The fun doesn’t end there!
Lots of photos are taken as memories and the interns assist the managing team with event pack-down.
After months of preparation the evening seems to come and go too quickly.
With all the experience gained, contacts made and goodies collected along the way, we’re told being an intern for James Street is extremely rewarding.
Pull out a striking outfit and put on your dancing (or shopping) shoes and join the team of James Street Initiative for an evening of glamorous fun.
Promising “exclusive offers, entertainment, designer appearances and curated shopping experiences,” marie claire Up Late is on Thursday March 30 from 6-8pm.