FAQs

THE PROGRAMME​

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What is AtelierNTWRK?

AtelierNTWRK is a career custodianship operating at the intersection of fashion week, talent development, and creative industry access. We are not a volunteer programme. We are not a fan experience. We are a structured professional entry point into the global fashion circuit– with real screening, real placements, and real career support before, during, and after every season.

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What is included in the programme?

• Backstage access working directly with designers, PR agencies, and glam teams.

• Accommodation, local transport, city logistics, and on-ground coordination for the full duration.

• Pre-show orientation and briefing.

• An official invitation letter for visa purposes.

• A completion certificate from the show organisers.

• A letter of recommendation from AtelierNTWRK.

• Access to our global community.

• And post-programme career custodianship– meaning we don't disappear when the show ends.

• Flights are not included. More on that below.

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What does self-sponsored mean?

It simply means you bear your own expenses for the duration. Accommodation, local transport, access coordination, and everything on the ground is handled by us. Flights are excluded because candidates travel from different cities, have different airline preferences, and many choose to stay on in the city after the programme ends. We won't force a flight schedule on adults.

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How long are the programmes?

New York and Paris are 7-day programmes. Milan and London are 2-day programmes prioritising locally based candidates. Working hours are typically 8–10 hours per day depending on the Run Of Show.

 

What roles are available?

Backstage Dresses– You assist designers and PR teams with model fittings, quick changes, steaming, maintaining look order, and supporting backstage flow throughout show hours.

MUA– You work directly under the head makeup artist on model looks.

Guest Check-In– You manage attendee arrivals, verify invitations, handle digital ticketing, and assist with seating.

Photographer– Front of house and backstage. Your run of show briefing is provided closer to show days. You work directly with our PR partners across both show days.

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A full briefing and orientation is provided before show days for every role, every season.

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APPLICATION & SELECTION

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How do I apply?

Through The Atelier Clearance — our formal intake process on the website. Fill it out completely and honestly. Incomplete responses are not reviewed. Attention to detail is part of the screening, and missing information signals misalignment before we've even spoken.

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What are the eligibility requirements?

You must be 18 or older. A working understanding of fashion, styling, or makeup is preferred depending on your role. Strong communication, reliability, and the ability to function under pressure are non-negotiable across all roles. We are not looking for the most impressive CV. We are looking for the most self-aware candidate.

 

What is the screening process?

Four stages. Primary screening happens based on your application. Secondary screening is done by our internal team based on your CV and application responses. Third stage — your profile goes to our PR team for approval. Final stage — a screening call to understand your career trajectory and whether you're a genuine fit for the crew. The full process takes 2–4 days depending on how quickly your application moves. Your invitation letter is issued after the final stage.

 

Do I need experience?

Not necessarily. We train our candidates and provide resources in advance so you know exactly what to expect before you arrive. Before the programme begins you'll meet your team and the Atelier organisers virtually for a full briefing and orientation. What we cannot train for is attitude, reliability, and clarity of intention — those have to be yours already.

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I don't have a passport yet. Can I still apply?

We can only move forward once you have a valid passport. If you're willing to apply for one, it typically arrives within 15 days. Come back to us once it's in hand and we'll walk you through the next steps.

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VISA & TRAVEL

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Do you help with visas?

Yes. We provide an official invitation letter from our PR partner or designer, which is required for your Schengen or UK visa application. We guide you through the full process step by step.

 

Is my visa guaranteed?

No. Visa approval is at the sole discretion of the relevant embassy. We provide every document required to support a strong application, but we cannot guarantee the outcome.

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What is your refund policy for visa rejections?

If your visa is rejected, the visa application fee is deducted and the remaining programme fee is refunded. This is the only circumstance under which a refund is issued. Everything else is non-refundable — details in the full refund policy below.

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DEPOSITS, CONTRACT & INVOICE.

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Why do I pay to participate?

This is not a pay-to-volunteer setup. The fee covers accommodation, access coordination, PR alignment, local logistics, transport, field access, on-ground programme support, and full execution for the week in a foreign city — in addition to career guidance before and after the show, for life.

We only onboard candidates with genuine potential because our name goes with them into every room.

The crew is kept to 12 members per season intentionally. This is the entry point into an ecosystem, not a one-time experience.

If you're looking for a one-off experience, this may not be the right fit. You're always welcome to approach designers independently.

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Is this paid work?

No. It is illegal to receive payment on a tourist visa. This programme is a structured professional experience — not employment. The return on participation is access, connections, portfolio, and post-show career custodianship. In cases of exceptional performance, our PR partner may extend a letter of recommendation or a future freelance offer. Some candidates have received permanent positions through connections made during the programme. That is the ecosystem at work, not a guarantee.

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DURING & AFTER THE PROGRAMME

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What are my daily responsibilities?

Depends on your role — full briefing is provided before show days. Across all roles, expect to show up on time, follow instructions without requiring repetition, work under pressure without drama, and treat every person in that backstage environment as a professional regardless of their title. Fashion week is fast, unglamorous, and unforgiving of people who aren't paying attention.

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Will I meet designers and industry names?

Backstage is a working environment, not a networking event. You will be in close proximity to designers, PRs, stylists, and models. Whether those encounters become meaningful connections depends entirely on how you conduct yourself during the week.

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What happens after the programme ends?

A closing call and an invitation to our global community of 200+ professionals, where resources, job alerts, and collaboration opportunities are shared regularly. A certificate of participation from the show organisers and a letter of recommendation from AtelierNTWRK. A career custodianship call to map what you're building next and how Atelier can support it. In exceptional cases, our PR partner issues their own letter of recommendation and in rare instances extends a direct work offer.

The programme ends. The relationship doesn't.

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Is this official Paris Fashion Week?

There is no single "official" Paris Fashion Week certification. The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode governs the established houses — Kering, LVMH, and their associated labels. Those houses work in closed networks inaccessible without a deep industry history. We work with independent designers who showcase during Paris Fashion Week.