Fashion designer
Fashion designers work on the design of items of clothing and fashion ranges. Some may focus completely on one specialist area, such as sportswear, childrenswear, footwear or accessories.
They produce designs for the haute couture, designer ready-to-wear and high street fashion markets. Developments in technology mean that a design can be on sale as a finished product in the high street within six weeks.
Depending on their level of responsibility and the company they work for, designers may work to their own brief or be given a brief to work towards, with specifications relating to colour, fabric and budget.
The main areas of work for fashion designers are:
Tasks depend on the market the designer is working for, but core responsibilities include:
Experienced designers with larger companies may focus more on the design aspect, with pattern cutters and machinists preparing sample garments. In smaller companies these, and other tasks, may be part of the designer's role.
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree in the following subjects will increase your chances:
Foundation degree graduates face increased competition from BA graduates.
Entry without a degree is sometimes possible but is becoming increasingly unlikely and you would need to be able to prove that you have already gained expertise and experience in the industry. Graduates from non-fashion/textile-related courses would also need to gain experience in the industry or a related area, such as fashion retail, in order to demonstrate their aptitude and interest.
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not a requirement, but an MA in Fashion/Textile Design can improve opportunities, particularly for aspiring designers from other academic areas. MA courses in specific areas of fashion may offer different skills and experience and this can be helpful in gaining related employment. For example, childrenswear requires knowledge of sizing and textile properties; menswear may require knowledge of pattern cutting and tailoring.
Companies may be reluctant to consider candidates without previous experience in the industry. Work experience of any kind in a design studio is highly desirable. Experience in retail can also be really useful. New graduates could look at possible work experience in Europe or the USA before starting work in the UK.
Employers usually expect to see a portfolio that clearly demonstrates your ability to design and produce garments and accessories.
Candidates will also need to show evidence of the following:
Competition for design jobs is intense throughout the industry, particularly in womenswear design. Other areas, such as childrenswear and menswear, are less competitive because smaller numbers of fashion students specialise in these areas.
Throughout the industry, employment opportunities are frequently secured via speculative applications and effective networking. It is therefore important to try to build relationships with more established designers and companies, regardless of whether you are seeking permanent or freelance openings.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
The training available to a fashion designer depends not only on the courses taken prior to employment, but also on the employing company. Pre-entry fashion design courses aim to give students an idea of what to expect through practical teaching and industry links. The culture of the industry is very much that people learn on the job. Initially, training is likely to be related to learning about the practical processes that the employing company uses and covering any relevant technological development. Self-development is important throughout your career.
Larger firms may provide business and computer training, which could include computer-aided design (CAD) or other specialist software, such as Photoshop and Illustrator.
A variety of short courses offered as part-time degree or postgraduate options are available. Relevant details are available through resources such as the Prospects Postgraduate Directory . The London College of Fashion , part of the University of the Arts, offers a wide range of specialist short courses and one-day workshops related to fashion.
How your career develops will depend on the specific area of design you trained in, the work experience you have built up and your professional reputation. Another influencing factor will be the type of company you work for and the opportunities for career development within it. Progression may be slow, particularly at the start of your career. Being proactive and making contacts in the industry is essential in a sector where people frequently move jobs in order to progress their career and there is a lot of pressure to produce new ideas that are commercially viable.
Typically, you will begin your career as an assistant. Design assistant roles differ widely, but typical responsibilities include sourcing and chasing fabric samples, making up sample cards, answering the telephone and making tea. Progression is then to a role with more creative input, involving proposing concepts and design ideas, although you are unlikely to have much influence on major decisions. Other activities include making up mood and trend boards and drawing up technical specifications for manufacturers, through to producing samples for ranges or assisting with the development of part of a range.
The more established designers of the design team make the decisions on colour and mood for the season and design the more important elements of the range. It could take up to five years' related experience to secure such a position. With several years' design experience, progression is possible through senior designer roles to the position of head designer. At this level, you will have considerable responsibility for overall design decisions and influences for the range, but as this is a management position others will do the actual design work.
Technical director and quality management positions represent alternative progression routes. Fashion designers are increasingly becoming involved in homeware and gift design, which can open up new career paths.
Designers may also consider becoming self-employed or moving into related occupations, such as retail buying, photography, fashion styling or journalism.
Alternative career options in the fashion industry include colourist, fashion illustrator, fashion predictor, fashion stylist and pattern cutter/grader.
The majority of fashion and clothing designers work for branded/high-street stores and independent labels. They may be employed at an in-house design studio based in either a manufacturing or retail organisation.
Others work in specialist design studios serving the couture and designer ready-to-wear markets and their work may include producing designs for a number of manufacturing or retailing companies. However, the top design houses are a relatively small market compared with the high street fashion sector.
Some fashion designers find work overseas with designers based in Europe and the USA. If you are interested in working abroad, Apparel Search has a directory of fashion contact details including companies and fashion organisations around the world. In addition, Fashion United has its own career centres in a number of European countries and the USA.
Opportunities also exist for self-employment. Freelance fashion designers can market their work through trade fairs and via agents or by making direct contact with buyers from larger businesses or niche clothing outlets.
A number of organisations offer specific training and support for setting up a fashion business. The British Fashion Council is in the process of setting up a Business Support Network and The Design Trust has a downloadable Business Start-up guide.
Designer-maker organisations such as Hidden Art London offer new business awards and studio space for London-based designers. Check your local Business Link to access specialised fashion business support elsewhere in the country.
Recruitment agencies, specialist publications and fashion networks are an important source of contacts and vacancies. There are numerous agencies that represent different market levels. These include:
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
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