To become successful in this exciting competitive industry you will need more than creativity. You must be prepared to work hard and use your talents wisely. Fashion designers conceptualize and create new clothing and accessory designs. They analyze fashion trends and work closely with production, marketing, and sales departments to design, produce, and promote a finished, ready-to-wear product for clothing manufacturers, specialty and retail stores, and individual clients.

Fashion designers usually specialize in a specific line of clothing such as women, men, kids, maternity, bridal, sportswear, and so on. Generally, a fashion designer assumes a variety of tasks which include creating dresses, suits, shoes, and accessories. In larger fashion houses, individual designers may work in very specialized areas, such as t-shirts, evening dresses, maternity clothes, baby outfits, or denims. They need to undergo formal training from accredited fashion design schools in order to practice as a professional. As a fashion designer, you have to be knowledgeable about the latest fashion trends. In addition to that, you have to be well-versed in creating unique sketch designs for clothes and accessories, selection of fabric, and conceptualization of the final product.

Fashion Training, Education, Advancement

Most employers seek for fashion designers who were able to satisfy at least a 2-year or 4-year degree. Additionally, those who have broad knowledge about textiles, fabrics, ornamentation, fabrics and current fashion trends will definitely have the advantage.

In terms of educational requirements, an aspiring fashion designer should get formal training from a credible fashion designer school. Enrolling in either a 2-year program or a 4-year Bachelor course program is also a must. Aspiring fashion designers who want to run their own fashion design business should also have a degree in business, marketing, or fashion merchandising.

A standard coursework of fashion design programs would normally include the following:

• sewing and tailoring
•  textiles and colors
• pattern making
• fashion history
• Computer-aided designs
• various types and designs of clothing

Career path

Employers usually seek designers with a 2-year or 4-year degree who are knowledgeable about textiles, fabrics, ornamentation, and fashion trends. Keen competition for jobs is expected as many applicants are attracted to the creativity and glamour associated with the occupation.

A career in fashion design is not for the weak hearted. For every designer who achieves success and recognition, many more have failed. Entry into this highly competitive occupation will require presentation of a portfolio of your work, so try to get one underway as soon as possible. And for those people interested in opening their own business, they are strongly advised to gain some firsthand experience about retail management.

Sources:

•   Fashion-schools
•   Bls
•  Tafesa

Fashion design schools:

• Easyinfo
• ileadtrainingcourses

Page Created: 27 October 2010

 by Zanele Matshotyana