Fashion Designer

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A fashion designer creates clothing, accessories and footwear. Some fashion designers make their own pieces for sale, while others are employed by brands to make pieces anonymously. 

Responsibilities

• Researching fashion trends and determining what consumers will like 
• Using the research data to develop new product ideas 
• Collaborating with the design team to sketch new products, select seasonal themes, and make edits to existing lines
• Creating clothing patterns for mass production 
• Ensuring that the products being presented are accurate for fit and style 
• Presenting product samples to buyers
• Testing and deciding on fabrics, colors, patterns and textures for each design
• Overseeing the design production process, including the fittings, pricing and marketing

Requirements

Most fashion designers have a bachelor’s degree in fashion design or a related field. Creativity and technical knowledge of the production process for clothing, accessories and footwear is an added advantage.  

History of the industry

The fashion design industry can be traced back to the 1820s, with Charles Frederick earning the title of fashion designer with his work running between 1826-1896. Charles began as a draper before setting up a fashion house in Paris, thereby starting the tradition of fashion houses and working with clients to recommend them clothing choices. The 20thcentury saw an increase in the number of fashion designers, as more tailors joined the manufacturing industry. In the 1950s, designers began to feature their own names on the apparel they created. Since then, fashion design has moved from being a luxury among a small elite group to being more accessible in today’s world. 

How to become a fashion designer

Step 1: Get your degree 

You will need a degree in fashion design or a related course such as fashion merchandising. Your degree will give you the theoretical information necessary, as well as the hands-on experience you will need to establish your career. You will cover the history of fashion, figure drawing, pattern making textiles, as well as computer-aided fashion design which is one of the most important skills in today’s fashion design. Fashion merchandising will teach you how to market products, retail management, consumer behavior and sales promotion. These will benefit you especially if you decide to run your own business. You can begin your search for a good school here

If you are wondering what it is like to be a fashion design student, watch: A Week in The Life of A Fashion Student

Step 2: Get some work experience 

You can apply for an internship at a design firm, volunteer at a fashion house, or apprentice with an experienced designer. You may also consider freelance jobs as you continue with your degree. Your internship will not only help to improve your employability, but it will give you some insight into the industry and help you make professional connections. 

Step 3: Learn design technology and fashion business

Besides the basics of creative fashion design, you will need to learn how technology works in the fashion business. Also, you will need to learn finance, sales and marketing to keep a business running. 

Step 4: Create a portfolio 

You will use this to show your skills to employers and potential clients. Put together work from your degree and internship projects as well as anything impressive you have worked on while freelancing. Your portfolio should show a mix of skills, including sewing, pattern making, sketching, flexibility and originality. Here is how to create a portfolio.

Step 5: Stay up-to-date with trends in the industry

Fashion is constantly changing, and designers need to keep up with new developments. Ensure that you are regularly reading fashion magazines and journals, as well as maintaining a social media presence that exposes you to new trends.