Are some fashion designers natural entrepreneurs? Not having gone to school can be a hindrance, but I see it as a blessing. Here are some fashion designers and entrepreneurs that launched successful careers without finishing school.
At the age of 14, Karl Lagerfeld made the bold decision, with the blessing of his parents, to move to Paris. He submitted sketches and fabric samples to design competitions and ended up taking first place in the coat category.
Soon, Lagerfeld had full time work with French designer Pierre Balmain, first as a junior assistant, and later as an apprentice.
From an early age, Chanel worked with apparel. She was raised by nuns that taught her how to sew. By 18 years old, Chanel left school and never pursued a higher education.Around the age of 20, Chanel met the two men that would be instrumental in herfirst fashion venture.
Although Balenciaga did not attend a fashion school, he did receive formal training in tailoring. When hewas a teenager, the Marchioness de Casa Torres, the foremost noblewoman in his town was impressed by the young man. She became his customer and patron, sending him to Madrid to study his craft.
Ashley was a Welsh fashion designer and businesswoman who originally made furnishing materials before expanding the business into clothing design and manufacture.
She and her family evacuated toWalesduring WWII. Ashley was 13 when she enrolled in Secretarial School. By 16, she left school to serve in the Women’s Royal Naval Service, during which she met her future husband and business partner.
Kors started in fashion young. At the age of 5 he was modeling for national campaigns for products. When Kors decided he wanted to pursue fashion design he enrolled in FIT, but soon dropped out after just nine months. He decided to accept a position at a boutique across from New York’s famous Bergdorf Goodman instead.
Gaultier never received formal training as a designer. Instead, similar to Lagerfeld, he started sending sketches to famous couture stylists to gain recognition and opportunity. French Italian fashion designer Pierre Cardin was impressed by Gaultier’s talent and hired him as an assistant in 1970.Afterwards Gaultier worked with Jacques Esterel and Jean Patou before returning back to Cardin.
Kimora got started in the fashion industry as a model. At the age of 14, she was awarded an exclusive modeling contract with Chanel and went to work under the tutelage of Chanel designerKarl Lagerfeld.
In 2007, Kimora was promoted from Creative Director of Baby Phat to President and Creative Director of Phat Fashions. During which she launched her high-end sportswear line, KLS. After splitting from Phat Fashions Kimora releasedKouture by Kimora Brands and relaunched KLS label as a high end line, opening its first boutique in Beverly Hills.
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As an expert in the field of fashion and entrepreneurship, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion. Having closely followed the careers of numerous successful fashion designers and entrepreneurs, I can attest to the diverse paths that individuals take to achieve success in the industry.
Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article and provide additional insights:
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Karl Lagerfeld:
- Lagerfeld's decision to move to Paris at the age of 14 showcases his early determination and passion for fashion.
- His success in design competitions and subsequent apprenticeship with Pierre Balmain emphasizes the importance of practical experience.
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Coco Chanel:
- Chanel's upbringing by nuns, who taught her how to sew, highlights the significance of early exposure to apparel and craftsmanship.
- The article emphasizes her decision to leave school at 18 and the role of key individuals in her first fashion venture.
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Balenciaga:
- Balenciaga's lack of attendance at a fashion school is balanced by his formal training in tailoring, showcasing the importance of skill development.
- The patronage and support of the Marchioness de Casa Torres underscore the role of influential mentors in a designer's career.
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Laura Ashley:
- Ashley's transition from furnishing materials to clothing design demonstrates the versatility of skills within the fashion industry.
- Enrolling in Secretarial School and later serving in the Women’s Royal Naval Service showcases diverse experiences that can contribute to an individual's success.
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Michael Kors:
- Kors' early start in fashion modeling at the age of 5 emphasizes the impact of early exposure and industry connections.
- His decision to drop out of FIT and work at a boutique instead highlights the value of practical experience over formal education.
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Jean Paul Gaultier:
- Gaultier's journey, starting with sending sketches to gain recognition, emphasizes the importance of self-promotion and networking.
- Working with renowned designers like Pierre Cardin and gaining diverse experiences with different fashion houses contributed to his success.
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Kimora Lee Simmons:
- Simmons' entry into the fashion industry as a model at the age of 14 showcases the role of early opportunities.
- Her progression from a model to Creative Director and eventually launching her own fashion lines illustrates the potential for career evolution within the industry.
In conclusion, the stories of these fashion designers and entrepreneurs underscore the diverse paths to success in the fashion industry. From early exposure and self-promotion to practical experience and mentorship, these individuals demonstrate that formal education is not the sole determinant of success in the entrepreneurial world of fashion.
