Life Experience

My First Interview
My first major interview as a journalist came at an unexpected time, and was unsurprisingly nerve-wracking.

In the summer after my first year at university I managed to get myself some work experience at one of the best-selling international women’s magazines. It was quite an experience, and gave me an invaluable insight to magazine and fashion journalism. Though the most valuable of all my experiences came out of the office, and at a fashion launch party.

An invitation came into the office for a cocktail party celebrating the launch of Justin Timberlake’s clothing range William Rast. Having been a fan of his since I was a young teenager I had to find a way to go, and managed to cheekily get myself on the guest list for the event.

Justin Timberlake Live at Hammersmith Palais – © Laura Callan Photography

I went on my own and got chatting to a few people from different publications and enjoyed a glimpse into the glitzy life of fashion and showbiz. It was all champagne and vol au vents, with various models and socialites strutting around for the photographers.

The whole mood changed when Justin arrived; even though many people in the room were usually unphased by celebrities there was still a feeling of awe around the room, and around him particularly.

I found myself amazed at how surreal the situation was, but even more by how calm I was. There was Justin Timberlake, someone I’d admired for years, standing a few feet away from me, and not at a concert or in a fan situation that I would’ve seen him in otherwise. It was completely amazing and for most of the time I just stood near his reserved section and looked on at him, like most of the people in the room.

I soon heard that people from magazines were being allowed to go through and talk to him about the range, and that they were letting people from fashion magazines through first. I saw this as a huge opportunity and kept talking to the PR women to let me through. As soon as I mentioned the publication I was with one of them whisked me straight through. I had no idea it would happen that quickly and felt completely unprepared but soon enough I was standing in front of Justin himself, and best friend Trace Ayala who he designed the range with.

Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala with their mothers at the London event

If I’d ever imagined a moment where I was standing in front of someone like Justin and had their full attention I would’ve thought I’d be shaking with nervousness and stumbling over my words, but there I was and I kept my composure and just started to chat away.

I was introduced to them both and then started by asking them about the style and design of the clothing range, how well they thought it was going to do here, what their influences were and what plans they had for the future. I managed to hold a full conversation with them, and they were engaged in what I was saying and had their attention on me, even if it was only for those brief few minutes. Despite nerves, lack of preparation and the extremely loud music blaring through the venue I managed to hold my own and conduct a proper interview on the spot.

It still feels so surreal that it ever happened, and I am still amazed and immensely grateful that my first major interview was with such a huge and widely-admired star.