Fashion & Style

Clothing Design

Fashion designers create original clothing, accessories, and footwear. They sketch designs, select fabrics and patterns, and give instructions on how to make the products they design. For some fashion designers, the first step in creating a new design is researching current fashion and making predictions about future trends, such as by reading reports published by fashion industry trade groups. Other fashion designers create collections using a variety of inspirations, including art media, their surroundings, or cultures they have experienced and places they have visited.

After they have an initial idea, fashion designers try out various fabrics and produce a prototype, often with less expensive material than will be used in the final product. They work with models to see how the design will look and adjust the designs as needed. Although most designers first sketch their designs by hand, many now also sketch their ideas digitally with computer-aided design (CAD) programs. CAD allows designers to see their work on virtual models. They can try different colors, designs, and shapes while making adjustments more easily than they can when working with real fabric on real people.

In order to release either the spring or fall collection, it generally takes 6 months of continuous work, from initial design concept to final production. Designers produce samples with the actual materials that will be used in manufacturing. Samples that get good responses from fashion editors or trade and fashion shows are then manufactured and sold to consumers. The Internet allows independent fashion designers to offer their products outside of traditional brick-and-mortar stores. These designers may license their work, and ship directly to the consumer, without having to invest in a physical shop to showcase their collections.

Education

Fashion designers typically have a bachelor’s degree in a fine arts or business field such as fashion design or fashion merchandising. These fashion-focused programs teach students about textiles and fabrics and how to use computer-aided design (CAD) technology. Students also work on projects they can add to their portfolio, which showcases their designs.

For many artists, including fashion designers, developing a portfolio, a collection of design ideas that demonstrates their styles and abilities, is essential. Students studying fashion design often have opportunities to develop their portfolios further by entering their designs in student or amateur contests. When making hiring decisions, employers rely on these portfolios to gauge talent and creativity.

The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits more than 360 postsecondary institutions with programs in art and design, and many of them award degrees in fashion design. These schools often require students to have completed basic art and design courses before entering a program. Applicants usually must submit sketches and other examples of their artistic ability.

Luxury Leather Jacket

Sewing a Bridal Gown

Bespoke Italian Leather Shoes

Taylor Hill Make-Up

Luxury Brands

Ask yourself if you can see yourself as a fashion designer, spending time decorating and planning out clothing illustrations. It can be rewarding to see your design ideas spring to life. While classes and internships will prepare you well, you need to develop and maintain a digital portfolio of your work.