Fashion Designers
Fashion designers design clothing and accessories. They create original designs or adapt fashion trends.
The job duties of a fashion designer entail the responsibilities of developing artistic or design concepts for decoration, exhibition, or commercial purposes. They design activities, draw detailed or technical list illustrations, write informational material, and collaborate with others to develop or refine designs.
Fashion designing is a highly competitive industry and one would typically need a degree in a subject that combines both technical and design skills. An aspirant should pursue subjects of art and design, fashion design, fashion business, marketing and communication, garment technology, graphic design, or textile design.
Work experience in a design studio, retail or on the job internship is vital to start a fashion designer career to develop skills and build up a network of contacts within the industry. The majority of fashion designers work independently for independent labels or high street stores.
Fashion designers have some prerequisite skills to naturally make a mark. They have an eye for colour, a feel for fabrics and materials, and the ability to generate ideas and concepts using creativity, innovation and flair. Besides, they have computer-aided design skills, including pattern cutting and sewing.
Salaries of fashion designers vary depending on the level of experience, geographical location and type of employer.
To succeed in fashion designing, fashion designers should be updated with garment technology knowledge, have a proactive approach, have networking and team working skills, good organisation, time management and the ability to negotiate and influence others.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- M.A. Fashion Design
- M.Des Master of Design
- Bachelor's Any Subject
- B.Des Bachelor of Design
- Diploma Fashion Design
Tasks
- Direct and coordinate workers involved in drawing and cutting patterns and constructing samples or finished garments.
- Examine sample garments on and off models, modifying designs to achieve desired effects.
- Sketch rough and detailed drawings of apparel or accessories, and write specifications such as color schemes, construction, material types, and accessory requirements.
- Confer with sales and management executives or with clients to discuss design ideas.
- Identify target markets for designs, looking at factors such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status.
- Attend fashion shows and review garment magazines and manuals to gather information about fashion trends and consumer preferences.
- Select materials and production techniques to be used for products.
- Provide sample garments to agents and sales representatives, and arrange for showings of sample garments at sales meetings or fashion shows.
- Adapt other designers' ideas for the mass market.
- Purchase new or used clothing and accessory items as needed to complete designs.
Progression Routes
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