VOGUE editor turned author Kirstie Clements will speak about vanity, fashion writing and pride when she visits Bendigo for this weekend's writers festival.
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Ms Clements will be involved in two sessions - one on narcissism on Saturday and an open discussion about fashion on Sunday.
She said one of the main challenges for young writers was to focus on fashion, not themselves.
"It's important to not make yourself, or your opinions, the main point of the piece - which is a trap a lot of writers fall into," she said.
"There's a saying that you can't be too proud in this new generation and it's important to write about fashion and what the specific piece means for the industry, rather than what you personally think about it."
And while she admits it's very hard to get a break in the industry, she encouraged people to keep trying.
Things are definitely in a state of turbulence.
- Kirstie Clements
"It's about making the most of the opportunities you are given and staying constantly curious," she said.
"Mostly in offices there are really experienced people and interns - there's no middle ground.
"But there are ways to make it if you want it and are very good."
Ms Clements said while the fashion writing industry was changing, the main objective remained the same - deliver a good product.
"A lot of publications are moving towards an online focus and this is changing the industry dramatically," she said.
"Things are definitely in a state of turbulence.
"It's a matter of wait and see with where to go from here but as long as you get the same message out there, it doesn't matter what medium you use."
She was editor for Vogue for 10 years before moving into writing.
She said it was like stepping backwards - in a good way.
"As an editor you don't get to write anymore but it's been great to write my biography and dabble in fiction and non-fiction," she said.
Ms Clements will join Anne Manne to talk to Fiona Parker about the rise of the narcissistic society, what is fuelling it and whether self-obsession can only end in tears,
The Me, Me, Me session will be at The Capital theatre from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
On Sunday, she will talk to Gabriella Coslovich about the best and worst of couture, and how she unstitched it in her new novel.
The Art of Fashion session will be held from 10am to 10.45am at the Visual Arts Centre.
To see the full program of the writer's festival go to www.bendigowritersfestival.com.au
Her novels include Tongue in Chic and The Vogue Factor.
