Plum Sykes, the lifestyle blogger and former personal assistant to Anna Wintour who is said to have inspired a character in The Devil Wears Prada, is drawing criticism over her use of unpaid student interns.
The issue has revived a broader discussion about the creative industries, where internship opportunities are often seen as a route into competitive jobs but can also create barriers for people who cannot afford to work without pay.
Sykes is well acquainted with the pressures of the fashion world. As a former assistant to Wintour, she has firsthand experience of the long hours and demanding expectations that can come with the industry. That background has added to the attention surrounding the unpaid positions linked to her own work.
The controversy has prompted questions about fairness and access in sectors that rely heavily on internships. Critics say unpaid roles can limit who gets a foot in the door, favouring those with family resources or other financial support.
In this case, the use of unpaid student interns has renewed concern that the same system once criticised for its exclusivity continues to operate in practice. The debate is not only about compensation, but also about what counts as acceptable labour in the creative economy.
Sykes comes from a prominent background, with her family owning a Yorkshire estate, which has also fed interest in the story. Her profile, combined with her links to fashion and publishing, has made the issue particularly high-profile.
While internships are often presented as opportunities for learning and experience, the dispute over unpaid work has once again highlighted the tension between access, ambition and basic pay. For many observers, the case is less about one individual than about a wider culture in which unpaid labour remains common.
The renewed attention around Sykes reflects a continuing unease in the creative industries, where the promise of opportunity is often matched by the reality of low or no pay. As the discussion develops, it is likely to add pressure to long-running calls for fairer treatment of interns across fashion, media and related fields.
