4 answers
Alex
Student
Antwerp, Ohio
1
Question
Asked
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where do you begin in the fashion world?
I have lots of ideas and plans but no way to start or not knowing how to start. I have the things and money but I am very lost when it comes to starting it.
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4 answers
Irene Smolyanskaya
Designer Creative Draper Educator
13
Answers
Boulder, Colorado
Updated
Irene’s Answer
Hi Alex!
Happy to hear that you have what it takes to get yourself immersed in the fashion industry.
As a former New Yorker who had a 25 year career in the garment industry of New York, I would strongly recommend that you look into fashion schools over there.
My first choice for you would be the FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) which is a well known training ground for the fashion professionals of the future. It is part of State University system, and is more affordable than the private schools of New York. The fashion scene of NY offers so many opportunities for a student: to attend the runway shows, to intern with some new or established fashion houses, to shop in the best fabric stores, to get inspired by your fellow students, or just by watching theater-goers in the evening.
Before you even start your college education, I would recommend taking some sewing classes, perhaps locally where you live. Many fabric stores and sewing machine supply stores offer sewing classes for the residents. The truth is, you can’t graduate from a fashion college without sewing up your capstone collection at graduation. So, the sooner you get friendly with the sewing machine, the easier it is going to be for you to study in college, to complete your homework assignments, and literally to express your ideas thru prototypes.
If you can’t find a sewing class in your area, you could just watch some YouTube tutorials to begin with. Same goes for the sketching skills: there’s plenty of tutorials online to guide you thru the first steps.
I hope this helps. I wish you all the best in your journey. Don’t give up. The industry needs you more than you need them ( the best kept secret of all time)…
https://www.fitnyc.edu/
Happy to hear that you have what it takes to get yourself immersed in the fashion industry.
As a former New Yorker who had a 25 year career in the garment industry of New York, I would strongly recommend that you look into fashion schools over there.
My first choice for you would be the FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) which is a well known training ground for the fashion professionals of the future. It is part of State University system, and is more affordable than the private schools of New York. The fashion scene of NY offers so many opportunities for a student: to attend the runway shows, to intern with some new or established fashion houses, to shop in the best fabric stores, to get inspired by your fellow students, or just by watching theater-goers in the evening.
Before you even start your college education, I would recommend taking some sewing classes, perhaps locally where you live. Many fabric stores and sewing machine supply stores offer sewing classes for the residents. The truth is, you can’t graduate from a fashion college without sewing up your capstone collection at graduation. So, the sooner you get friendly with the sewing machine, the easier it is going to be for you to study in college, to complete your homework assignments, and literally to express your ideas thru prototypes.
If you can’t find a sewing class in your area, you could just watch some YouTube tutorials to begin with. Same goes for the sketching skills: there’s plenty of tutorials online to guide you thru the first steps.
I hope this helps. I wish you all the best in your journey. Don’t give up. The industry needs you more than you need them ( the best kept secret of all time)…
Irene recommends the following next steps:
Elizabeth Edu
political Scientist
5
Answers
Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hi Alex,
It's great you have all the resources needed to start up in the Fashion World and even super that you have identified with the Fashion Industry. Well now you need to take another important step, which is by investing in the technical know how of the Fashion World.
There is no great designer out there without the fashion skill, as a potential Designer you need to acquire as much fashion skills as possible. Your skill will define you out there and carve out a niche for you in the industry.
How do you go about this? I will advise you to register in any Fashion Academy, and more so, you can download the very basic tutorials on YouTube that will guide you on how to make your very first dress. You will make mistakes, don't be scared, but the great thing in mistakes is that, it avails you the opportunity to learn. You can equally study Fashion designing as a Course in the University and become an authority in the field
All the best,
Edu
It's great you have all the resources needed to start up in the Fashion World and even super that you have identified with the Fashion Industry. Well now you need to take another important step, which is by investing in the technical know how of the Fashion World.
There is no great designer out there without the fashion skill, as a potential Designer you need to acquire as much fashion skills as possible. Your skill will define you out there and carve out a niche for you in the industry.
How do you go about this? I will advise you to register in any Fashion Academy, and more so, you can download the very basic tutorials on YouTube that will guide you on how to make your very first dress. You will make mistakes, don't be scared, but the great thing in mistakes is that, it avails you the opportunity to learn. You can equally study Fashion designing as a Course in the University and become an authority in the field
All the best,
Edu
Elizabeth Edu
political Scientist
5
Answers
Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hi Alex,
It's great you have all the resources needed to start up in the Fashion World and even super that you have identified with the Fashion Industry. Well now you need to take another important step, which is by investing in the technical know how of the Fashion World.
There is no great designer out there without the fashion skill, as a potential Designer you need to acquire as much fashion skills as possible. Your skill will define you out there and carve out a niche for you in the industry.
How do you go about this? I will advise you to register in any Fashion Academy, and more so, you can download the very basic tutorials on YouTube that will guide you on how to make your very first dress. You will make mistakes, don't be scared, but the great thing in mistakes is that, it avails you the opportunity to learn. You can equally study Fashion designing as a Course in the University and become an authority in the field
All the best,
Edu
It's great you have all the resources needed to start up in the Fashion World and even super that you have identified with the Fashion Industry. Well now you need to take another important step, which is by investing in the technical know how of the Fashion World.
There is no great designer out there without the fashion skill, as a potential Designer you need to acquire as much fashion skills as possible. Your skill will define you out there and carve out a niche for you in the industry.
How do you go about this? I will advise you to register in any Fashion Academy, and more so, you can download the very basic tutorials on YouTube that will guide you on how to make your very first dress. You will make mistakes, don't be scared, but the great thing in mistakes is that, it avails you the opportunity to learn. You can equally study Fashion designing as a Course in the University and become an authority in the field
All the best,
Edu
Anna Cantella
Student studying occupational therapy
16
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Hey Alex,
It's fantastic to hear about your passion for fashion! I've known quite a few folks who share your enthusiasm and are even studying fashion in college. Speaking of which, Kent State offers a remarkable program if you're considering college. But hey, if college isn't your cup of tea, that's cool too! There's a myriad of online programs available. Plus, if you're up for some adventure, you could consider heading to New York or other fashion hotspots.
Starting with college could be a great way to test the waters. Studying fashion there often comes with the opportunity to minor in communications or business. Who knows, you might end up launching your own fashion business someday - how exciting would that be!
I'd suggest starting by exploring different colleges or programs. Don't worry, there's plenty to choose from. Making a pros and cons list for each option could be a handy tool to help you decide.
Hope this advice helps! I have no doubt that we'll see you rocking the runway someday.
Best,
AC
It's fantastic to hear about your passion for fashion! I've known quite a few folks who share your enthusiasm and are even studying fashion in college. Speaking of which, Kent State offers a remarkable program if you're considering college. But hey, if college isn't your cup of tea, that's cool too! There's a myriad of online programs available. Plus, if you're up for some adventure, you could consider heading to New York or other fashion hotspots.
Starting with college could be a great way to test the waters. Studying fashion there often comes with the opportunity to minor in communications or business. Who knows, you might end up launching your own fashion business someday - how exciting would that be!
I'd suggest starting by exploring different colleges or programs. Don't worry, there's plenty to choose from. Making a pros and cons list for each option could be a handy tool to help you decide.
Hope this advice helps! I have no doubt that we'll see you rocking the runway someday.
Best,
AC