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Behind the scenes picture by Maddie Clews at Paris Fashion Week
Published on: Thursday 19th February 2026 2:18 pm
News category:
Student success
Authored by: Dani Bacon

Last year, Nottingham College Fashion student Maddie Clews turned her passion and studies into an unforgettable experience at one of the world’s most prestigious events — Paris Fashion Week. 

Through determination and hard work, 20-year-old Maddie secured an internship with luxury fashion house Elie Saab, spending March 8–16, 2025, in the fashion capital of Paris. During her time there, she took on multiple roles to help ensure the collection came together seamlessly for its grand presentation. 

In time for the 2026 fashion season, we caught up with Maddie to hear how this incredible opportunity shaped her ambitions and what it was really like working behind the scenes at fashion’s biggest stage. Maddie created a magazine spread to visually display her time at Paris Fashion Week:

Could you tell us how you secured an internship at Paris Fashion week? My fascination with French fashion and Parisian culture began when I was young and it became a driving force behind my determination to secure a role at Paris Fashion Week. As much as I value academic learning, I was eager to get a real taste of the fashion industry. I started drafting countless emails and cover letters, refining my CV and constantly checking fashion-focussed job sites. I ended up applying to Paris Fashion week and honestly, I almost talked myself out of applying, I think I was scared of rejection, of stepping outside my comfort zone. But when I was offered the opportunity after months of not finding work, saying yes to this made all the effort worth it, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. I loved every single second of the experience and learned so much. What did you value most about being part of Paris Fashion Week? I loved how culturally diverse the event was. Working alongside volunteers from different countries and backgrounds – with varying experience levels and aspirations – helped me develop strong communication and listening skills. It pushed me to be adaptable and collaborative, skills I know I’ll carry into any future role in the industry. The experience also inspired me to learn French alongside my studies! Did you enjoy the experience of working in a different country? Every time I visit Paris, I fall more in love with it. I honestly can’t remember where my obsession with the city began. Even as a child I was drawn to its elegance and artistic flair. Paris has always been the backdrop in my mind when imagining my future in fashion and working at Fashion Week only solidified that. What was your role and responsibilities in the show? As an intern, I supported the general operations of Elie Saab’s showcase. My tasks ranged from dressing models and ensuring the stylist’s vision was executed, to transporting and organising the collection. It was hands-on, fast paced and incredibly insightful. I got to see how all the different teams – from designers to stylists, buyers to merchandisers – come together to make a show happen. It gave me a much deeper appreciation of how a brand functions behind the scenes.
Tell us a little about yourself? I’m originally from Nottingham, where I first studied fashion at Nottingham College and I’m now continuing my education at Nottingham Trent University. While my international fashion experiences have been some of the most impactful of my life, I feel really fortunate to have access to such a strong fashion education close to home. My love for fashion has always been deeply rooted in the history, storytelling and cultural influence clothing can hold – and that’s what continues to drive me. Has the internship influenced your plans for your future? At Elie Saab, I had the chance to observe how different departments operate, but it was the design team that really captured my attention. Hearing about the creative process behind the FW25/26 collection was incredibly inspiring. It reaffirmed my own passion for design and solidified my goal of one day being part of a team that brings collections to life. How did your time at Nottingham College prepare you for your internship? Whilst at Nottingham College, I enjoyed getting to build upon a wide range of fashion related and industry relevant skills; CAD, visual communication and professional practice – to name a few. This has supported my confidence levels when thinking about my future career plans and place within the industry.

Since graduating from Nottingham College in 2025 and continuing her studies in Fashion at Nottingham Trent University, Maddie is paving the way for an exciting future. Her journey is a testament to how passion, persistence, and hard work can open doors to opportunities beyond imagination. 

Photos and magazine pages designed by Maddie Clews.

For details on studying fashion at Nottingham College, please visit: 

Study Fashion at Nottingham College