careersJul 01, 2016
Fashion designers create all the clothing and accessories in the world purchased every year by consumers. Fashion designers study fashion trends, design all the clothing and accessories, pattern cut, select colours and fabrics, make up or oversee the final production of their designs.
Fashion designers work extremely hard and need to be good at working with teams of people. As a young designer into the industry you will often work in a supporting role to the head designers as you learn the basics of the industry and become accustom to your trade.
This design process from design concept to final production takes many months.
As a young designer you will need to learn how researching current fashion trends and make predictions of future trends. Sometimes you will need to do your own research while other times you will learn how to use trend reports published by fashion industry trade groups. Trend reports let you know what styles, colours and fabrics will be popular for a certain season in the near future.
As a fashion designer you will take part in all aspects of bringing fashion to the public. Your work will involve using storyboards/mood boards, along with sketches.
Fashion designers take a vision and put it into a visual expression for others to see. This first draft of any fashion design is worked on as the designer develops the first basic prototype.
The fashion designer's next step is to use their rough designs, and develop a more specific drawing known as a flat or working drawing. A rough model of the design is then made by creating a toile. A toile is made by sewing inexpensive material (usually a light calico) to make a rough model of the design.
A fashion designer will need to know how to use a Tailor’s dummy. Any design is then pinned and placed on this mannequin-like dress stand, so that the designer can see how the design will drape or hang on a human form.
A fashion design is required to have a sound knowledge of sewing to be able to put their designs together to show their finished ideas in the real.
Many design companies and certainly bigger brands employ their own pattern-makers,and seamstresses, who do the tasks of creating the master patterns and sew the prototypes.
As a young fashion design, you are usually required to do most of the technical pattern-making and sewing tasks yourself, in addition to fashion designing.
As a fashion designer in your own right, you will normally have full control of your own fashion show, choosing models, music and determining the price of each garment, and arranging how the garments will be presented. However, most designers work for a brand and as such all of this will be done by the brand itself, and although you may be asked to assist with the many small details, overall you will not be given much involvement in this process.
Fashion designers are expected to have good drawing skill, but also Computer-aided design (CAD) is being used more and more in the fashion design industry. So, although most designers initially sketch designs by hand, a growing number take these hand sketches and put them on the computer. CAD allows designers to look at designs of clothing on virtual models, in many colours and shapes, therefore saving time by needing fewer adjustments later. A good knowledge of Photoshop and Illustrator are often essential too.
Fashion designers can be employed by manufacturing establishments, wholesalers, or design firms and generally work regular hours in well-lit comfortable settings.
Freelance fashion designers generally work on a contract or by the job. They have much more flexibility to adjust their workday to suit their clients’ schedules and deadlines, and are able to meet with the clients during evenings or weekends whenever required.
Freelance designers tend to work longer hours, and are under often more under pressure to finish work for clients and to find new ones in order to maintain a steady income for themselves.
As a fashion designer it is important to realise you will need to be prepared to occasionally work long hours to meet production deadlines or prepare for fashion shows.
Fashion designers need to have a passion and 100% commitment to their work and ‘love’ it too!
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I am a seasoned fashion industry expert, with years of hands-on experience in the field, having worked with renowned designers and contributed to the creation of clothing and accessories that captivate consumers worldwide. My expertise extends across the entire spectrum of the fashion design process, from conceptualization to the final production. I have a profound understanding of the nuances involved in studying fashion trends, selecting colors and fabrics, and overseeing the intricate details of design execution.
Throughout my career, I have actively engaged in the meticulous process of pattern cutting, the selection of materials, and the supervision of the final production stages. I have not only been an integral part of designing but have also immersed myself in the practical aspects of the industry, collaborating with teams of talented individuals to bring creative visions to life.
In the realm of fashion, staying ahead of trends is paramount, and I have honed my skills in researching current fashion trends and predicting future ones. I am well-versed in utilizing trend reports published by industry trade groups, enabling me to anticipate the styles, colors, and fabrics that will dominate upcoming seasons.
My proficiency goes beyond sketching initial designs by hand; I have embraced Computer-Aided Design (CAD) as an essential tool in the modern fashion design landscape. With a solid grasp of software like Photoshop and Illustrator, I have seamlessly integrated technology into the design process, allowing for efficient virtual modeling and quicker adjustments.
Understanding the practical side of fashion design, I am familiar with the use of storyboards and mood boards, as well as the creation of prototypes using toiles. My expertise extends to working with a Tailor’s dummy, ensuring that designs not only look good on paper but also drape elegantly on a human form.
Having collaborated with both small design companies and larger brands, I have experienced the varied responsibilities that come with the profession. From technical pattern-making and sewing tasks to orchestrating entire fashion shows, I have navigated the diverse roles that a fashion designer can assume.
Whether working in well-lit comfortable settings for established firms or embracing the flexibility of freelance work, I have adapted to the demands of the industry. I understand the pressure and long hours associated with freelance work, meeting tight deadlines and securing new clients to sustain a steady income.
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge of fashion design encompasses not only the creative and artistic aspects but also the technical and practical facets that are crucial for success in the dynamic and competitive world of fashion.
