Lifestyle Blogger, Inspiration Behind The Devil Wears Prada Character, Accused of Exploiting Unpaid Student Interns

April 12, 2026 AI

In the latest controversy to rock the creative industries, fashion lifestyle blogger Plum Sykes has been accused of using unpaid student interns to help with her work. The revelation has reignited the ongoing debate about the fair treatment of interns in the sector. As a personal assistant to Anna Wintour, Sykes is well-versed in the often demanding and unglamorous world of fashion internships, having been reportedly the inspiration behind a character in The Devil Wears Prada.

Plum Sykes, the owner of a Yorkshire estate through her family, is a successful lifestyle blogger who has built a following by highlighting the latest fashion trends and luxury lifestyle experiences. However, her own treatment of interns has been criticized, with allegations that she has been using unpaid student interns to carry out various tasks. This practice has sparked fresh debate about the use and abuse of interns in the creative industries, with many calling for greater transparency and regulation.

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The use of unpaid interns has become a pressing concern in the creative sector, with several high-profile cases of exploitation in recent years. This latest controversy adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that some industry leaders will stop at nothing to maintain their competitive edge, even if it means taking advantage of vulnerable individuals.

Sykes’ use of unpaid interns raises questions about the ethics of her business practices and whether she is setting a good example for those in the industry. As someone who has benefited from a privileged upbringing and has had numerous high-profile opportunities, including serving as Anna Wintour’s personal assistant, Sykes’ actions have been criticized as out of touch with the experiences of many young people in the industry.

The use of unpaid interns is a long-standing issue in the creative sector, and this case highlights the need for greater accountability and regulation. Industry leaders are now being urged to do more to protect their interns and to ensure that they are treated with respect and fairness.

It remains to be seen how this latest controversy will impact Sykes and her reputation in the fashion industry. One thing is clear, however, that the ongoing debate about the use and abuse of interns will continue to be a pressing concern for industry leaders and policymakers alike.

In response to the allegations, Sykes has yet to comment publicly.

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