How does a fashion designer stay inspired to design?

One thing I think is important, is to try and gather inspirations from a wealth of sources. Don't just look at fashion blogs, gain inspiration from everything!

One other thing of note is, you should push through on days you're not feeling inspired! I set a goal for myself to sketch two pages a day, and to be honest, most days I don't feel inspired. But once I tough through it, and start sketching, things start to flow, and I end up making something pretty good most of the time!

It take a lot of self discipline to become a successful artist, and discipline is often "just do it, even if you don't want to".

Hope that helps!

Inspiration is fleeting, and so best sketch and and make notes when it strikes you.

You can't count on inspiration to be there when you need it. One methodology to help get some ideas is trend research and then extrapolating on that theme.

In my experience of design for fashion, luckily the briefs were pretty specific and I was often given a look to emulate.

Travel! Travel! Travel!...the more you see in the world, be it nature, cultures, streets, food, etc...the more inspired you feel. All the best!

Set yourself goals, specific deadlines, and constantly seek out new information from-- everywhere. It helps to keep your viewpoint fresh on a variety of subjects and continually develop your skill sets. The old saying that inspiration is 99% perspiration is also true. When I worked as a writer and editor, facing a blank page could be daunting. Developing and relying on a sound work discipline can make all the difference. And no matter how much you love what you do, you still need to give yourself tools and experiences that inspire you -- whether you use an idea wall, keep a journal, or treat yourself to an adventure that fuels you.

Loads of people from all different disciplines suffer from mental block so you aren't alone! Here are some things I can suggest to keep your inspirational juices flowing -

Take a trip! There's nothing worse than when you get mental block and you're just sat at home, staring at a blank wall. As a fashion designer, you could go to maybe your local high street or shopping centre and take a wander around all the clothing stores. Take in all the designs, styles, patterns, anything! Hopefully you'll find something that will help you with your own inspiration and designs.
Find a Muse. Think of someone who represents the ultimate in fashion design and creativity to you. Are you a big fan of Christian Dior? Or maybe even Ralph Lauren? Read up on them, follow their trends, whatever gets you in the mood!
Surround yourself with creative people. Staying inspired has a lot to do with finding people that have similar goals. Make sure that the people you surround yourself with are the ones that inspire you and don't kill your ideas.

I hope this helps!