2 answers
Olivia
Student
Clive, Iowa
1
Question
Asked
1027 views
How can I get into fashion design?
If I were to go out and design outfits or items for company’s or stores how would I get to that point and what would I need to do to get to that point in my future career
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2 answers
Meredith Yasek
Consultant in the retail industry
1
Answer
Amenia, New York
Updated
Meredith’s Answer
Hi Olivia,
I agree with everything Michelle said and would add that there are so many different avenues to pursue a career in fashion.
If you haven't already, definitely start designing your own clothing and use online tutorials, books etc. to learn basic sewing and drawing - or even start researching what are some of the most common design tools for future. Future technologies like AI will likely open up more design opportunities for those without the technical craft - so the industry is constantly changing and the more reading you do about it, the more you may be able to imagine where your skills position you best. Reading up on the background of your favorite designers will give you an idea of their career path.
In terms of education, fashion school is certainly a strong option if you already know you love the design process and the type of skills it requires. Most companies hire their designers out of fashion / art / design schools. However, because those schools are often expensive and your skills coming out of it will be very specific - I would encourage you to choose a school that has other programs as well if you don't have as much firsthand experience designing to date or aren't 100% sure that this is the only path of interest to you.
If it's the creativity + industry combination you like most, there are many roles that can be really fun that are not just designing clothing (think: marketing, buying, visual merchandising or store design). To get into many of those, a business or liberal arts college experience is also a strong option and leaves you with a wide set of options if you change your mind at any point.
Many roles in the retail/fashion industry start with getting internships at a given company, and then doing a great job once you get there. There are many internships posted on BoF careers or the Muse.
Best of luck!!
Read as much as you can about the industry - through publications like WWD, Business of Fashion, magazines and blogs (reddit / social media)
Build and practice the craft of designing clothing
Build a portfolio (you will need for art/fashion school if you decide to go that route)
Reflect on your experiences and skills and confirm if being a designer is the role you want - and if there are other roles in fashion companies / stores that might also interest you
I agree with everything Michelle said and would add that there are so many different avenues to pursue a career in fashion.
If you haven't already, definitely start designing your own clothing and use online tutorials, books etc. to learn basic sewing and drawing - or even start researching what are some of the most common design tools for future. Future technologies like AI will likely open up more design opportunities for those without the technical craft - so the industry is constantly changing and the more reading you do about it, the more you may be able to imagine where your skills position you best. Reading up on the background of your favorite designers will give you an idea of their career path.
In terms of education, fashion school is certainly a strong option if you already know you love the design process and the type of skills it requires. Most companies hire their designers out of fashion / art / design schools. However, because those schools are often expensive and your skills coming out of it will be very specific - I would encourage you to choose a school that has other programs as well if you don't have as much firsthand experience designing to date or aren't 100% sure that this is the only path of interest to you.
If it's the creativity + industry combination you like most, there are many roles that can be really fun that are not just designing clothing (think: marketing, buying, visual merchandising or store design). To get into many of those, a business or liberal arts college experience is also a strong option and leaves you with a wide set of options if you change your mind at any point.
Many roles in the retail/fashion industry start with getting internships at a given company, and then doing a great job once you get there. There are many internships posted on BoF careers or the Muse.
Best of luck!!
Meredith recommends the following next steps:
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Olivia !
I am very impressed with your question because you have included the idea that you would be doing both clothing and accessories (items) which is a sign of an all round wonderful designer !
I would first advise that you go to fashion school. This could be a fashion only school or you could take an academic route for a Bachelors Degree. I say this because you will need to get a formalized education on the various aspects of the fashion industry. Not only will this be great for meeting people in the business, it will also teach you how to communicate, collaborate and interact with industry people and understand the jargon and people and things they may refer to .
If you go to an academic college for a Bachelors Degree, you can take courses in business and marketing and advertising which will help you. The personal growth you will experience in any school will be an asset and your degree may help you in ways you have not yet imagined. You also need to get professional connections and college is a perfect way to do this.
What you can start doing now is finding out what consignment shops are near you and sell through them. Why wait ? Start selling your creations now - at fairs, bazaars, events that have booths for craftspeople, any opportunity that puts you in direct contact with people. I knew someone who lived in a large building, made jewelry and went to the tenants to sell her jewelry, more or less door to door, but she did it. Once you start selling your creations, you are a professional and it can be done now. You can also make a website or place your items on a host website and sell on line, but that will run into some expense with paying fees and also shipping to the customer. Think about it and the choice is up to you.
Photograph everything you make and keep a portfolio of everything. You may even want to do alterations part time for some income now so that people will get to know you as the person who sews and designs. You may get opportunities from this. People need to know your name and your work, so whatever you can do now, take an active step to accomplish this networking venture. Once you enroll in college, though, you will focus on school and the projects they will assign to you.
So basically, you have a skill that you can do now, I advise going to fashion school or college and getting your name out there in your current community and than perhaps expanding to major cities if that is what you want. Keep your inspiration, determination and unique style and you will go far !
I hope that this was of some help and I wish you all the best in such a fabulous venture !
I am very impressed with your question because you have included the idea that you would be doing both clothing and accessories (items) which is a sign of an all round wonderful designer !
I would first advise that you go to fashion school. This could be a fashion only school or you could take an academic route for a Bachelors Degree. I say this because you will need to get a formalized education on the various aspects of the fashion industry. Not only will this be great for meeting people in the business, it will also teach you how to communicate, collaborate and interact with industry people and understand the jargon and people and things they may refer to .
If you go to an academic college for a Bachelors Degree, you can take courses in business and marketing and advertising which will help you. The personal growth you will experience in any school will be an asset and your degree may help you in ways you have not yet imagined. You also need to get professional connections and college is a perfect way to do this.
What you can start doing now is finding out what consignment shops are near you and sell through them. Why wait ? Start selling your creations now - at fairs, bazaars, events that have booths for craftspeople, any opportunity that puts you in direct contact with people. I knew someone who lived in a large building, made jewelry and went to the tenants to sell her jewelry, more or less door to door, but she did it. Once you start selling your creations, you are a professional and it can be done now. You can also make a website or place your items on a host website and sell on line, but that will run into some expense with paying fees and also shipping to the customer. Think about it and the choice is up to you.
Photograph everything you make and keep a portfolio of everything. You may even want to do alterations part time for some income now so that people will get to know you as the person who sews and designs. You may get opportunities from this. People need to know your name and your work, so whatever you can do now, take an active step to accomplish this networking venture. Once you enroll in college, though, you will focus on school and the projects they will assign to you.
So basically, you have a skill that you can do now, I advise going to fashion school or college and getting your name out there in your current community and than perhaps expanding to major cities if that is what you want. Keep your inspiration, determination and unique style and you will go far !
I hope that this was of some help and I wish you all the best in such a fabulous venture !