Establishing yourself in the world of fashion design makes you a member of an elite, rewarding and prominent industry. You can rise through the ranks of the world’s biggest fashion labels or make a name for yourself to form your own brand by allowing your creativity to flourish. Those who possess the requisite skills and flair, and the willpower to succeed, fashion design is a career path with no limits.
So let’s take a look at what you can do after earning a diploma in fashion design.
What is fashion design?
Fashion design refers to the art of creating clothing using a variety of fabrics, colours, trends and styles. This form of designing is not just restricted to clothing, but it also includes accessories such as eyewear, footwear, jewellery and handbags.
Fashion design can be divided into three categories including:
- Haute Couture: this type of fashion design involves creating clothing and accessories for a specific customer as per his/her demands. The design created is not accessible for general customers to purchase. Such designs make use of high-end materials and take time to be created.
- Mass market: the fashion industry makes most of its revenue through this category. It includes clothes in multiple sizes that customers can go and purchase from stores. These clothes are usually designed keeping the latest fashion trends in mind. The clothes and accessories in this category are not very expensive and they also do not take much time to be manufactured.
- Ready to wear: this category comprises elements from both the mass market category and the haute couture category. These apparel are manufactured in limited quantities but are open for sale to the public at large. These designs are usually created on the basis of seasons such as the summer collection, spring collection or even the winter collection. Special collections can also be created for bridal wear or swimsuits. These collections are expensive compared to the mass market category but cheaper than haute couture.
Steps to become a fashion designer:
- Step 1 – Earn a degree or diploma: In order to enter this uber-competitive industry, it’s important to earn a degree or diploma in fashion design. This will help you understand the industry and will provide you with a list of skills that you need to excel at.
- Step 2 – Hone your skills: studying at a fashion design college will help you hone your skills in the form of hands-on experience through internship opportunities with fashion houses, clothing manufacturers or designers.
- Step 3 –understand the fashion business: apart from the creativity that is a given in this line of work, it is also important to understand the business aspect of it.
You might have amazing creativity, but your company will not be able to survive if you do not possess that business shrewdness. Hence, prospective fashion designers should acquaint themselves with the basics of marketing and finance if they want to set up their own fashion brands in the future. An introduction to these subjects is usually taught at fashion schools.
- Step 4 – Prepare a portfolio: In order to obtain a job in the fashion and design industry after earning a diploma, it is imperative for students to prepare a portfolio showcasing their finest work. Portfolios also allow students to display the skills they might possess like sewing, creating patterns or sketching.
- Step 5 – Keep abreast with the latest trends: the trends in the fashion industry change every few months. Hence, it is important for prospective designers to keep up with these trends, which they can do with the help of fashion magazines and fashion websites.
Skills required in the fashion industry:
- Excellent drawing skills: In order to excel as a fashion designer, you must possess strong drawing skills because designers are required to think of concepts and put them to paper.
- Keen eye for detail: other than good drawing skills, having an eye for detail is also important for a fashion designer. You being able to catch the little things will help in elevating your designs and making them unique.
- Having an understanding of fabric, texture and colour: In the fashion design industry, having a proper sense of fabric, texture and colour is key. For example, you will have to know which fabric is suitable for a particular design, or which colours and patterns would look good together.
- Visualisation skills: It would only be possible for you to put down your concepts and designs on paper after thinking about them in your head, which would only be possible if you possess good visualisation
- Good communication skills: while working in the fashion industry, there will be times where you will have to collaborate with other fashion designers or you will have to explain your ideas to tailors and for this you will have to possess strong communication skills. Having good communication skills will also help in encouraging your team but also in sharing your vision with other designers.
What is a diploma in fashion design?
Studying a diploma in fashion design will provide you with a proper foundation for fashion design and the fashion industry. At the same time, such a course will also help you in understanding the techniques and skills required to establish your career in this field. A diploma will also help in building your knowledge with the help of practical projects and assignments.
Take a look at a sample fashion design course details:
- Processes and techniques: This module involves developing skills that are key for any fashion designer, and it includes topics such as:
- Draping;
- Generating concepts and ideas;
- Flat pattern methods;
- Sketching;
- Preparing a mood board.
- Textile and fashion practices: This module focuses on providing you with the knowledge of fabrics, their properties and uses and experimenting with a variety of fabrics. It consists of topics like:
- Grasping the technical facets of fabrics;
- Selecting the correct fabric;
- Experimenting with fabrics;
- Introduction to sewing and various techniques involved.
- Apparel making and pattern cutting: this unit will build on the first two modules in the form of honing your sewing skills and pattern making skills to produce a garment. Topics in this module include:
- Measuring people for individual garments;
- Creating a dress block or skirt;
- Creating different and new pattern styles by experimenting with pattern blocks;
- Fabric cutting;
- Creating a finished piece of garment.
- Introduction to Fashion collection: In this module, students will be asked to develop their own range of a fashion collection; right from receiving a sample client brief, to creating a unique brand identity, to preparing conceptual designs, to selecting the trends to use and finally the presentation of the collection. The topics in this module consist of:
- Concept and idea boards;
- Development of design;
- Understanding and forecasting fashion trends;
- Brand identity;
- Types of fashion collections;
- Fashion promotion, marketing and pricing.
Careers in the fashion design industry
Take a look at the careers you can take up after completing a fashion design course or a fashion technology course:
- Fashion designer;
- Fashion Illustrator;
- Fashion stylist;
- Fashion coordinator;
- Fashion consultant;
- Fashion merchandiser;
- Fashion buyer;
- Textile designer;
- Footwear/jewellery designer;
- Personal shopper;
- Fashion journalist/blogger.
If you are interested in studying at a fashion designing institute and subsequently joining the fashion designing industry, the London College of Contemporary Arts (LCCA) offersFoundation Course in Fashionand BA (Hons) Undergraduate Degree Course in Fashion Design.
FURTHER READ: Know how to become a Successful Fashion Designerand find out somelesser known Fashion Design Jobs, from these blogs!
This article was written by Varun Mehta and edited by Anisa Choudhary.
FAQs
Here's a look at a selection of the careers that can be considered with a fashion diploma.
- Fashion design. The most obvious and direct career related to a fashion diploma is fashion design. ...
- Buyers. ...
- Merchandiser. ...
- Public relations. ...
- Stylist. ...
- Graphic or textile designer. ...
- Fashion writer or blogger. ...
- Creative director.
Students after doing a Diploma in Fashion Design can become a Fashion Illustrator, Fashion Forecaster, Quality Assurance Manager, Fashion lawyer, Freelancer, Fashion columnist, Fashion Designer, Production Pattern Maker, Textile designer, Fashion entrepreneur, Fashion coordinator, and stylist, etc.
Is a certificate in fashion design worth it? ›
Our analysis has shown that a fashion degree can lead to a lucrative career and can absolutely be worth the price, even when it's quite expensive. Even if you have to take out loans of $100,000 or more, it can still be worth it in the long run. The key is to make sure you choose the right fashion career.
What is the typical entry level education for fashion designer? ›
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.
What is mean by diploma in fashion designing? ›
The Diploma in Fashion Design (DFD) is an art form where students learn about fashion and its technicalities. This degree also helps them develop their creativity and innovation. Students will learn about clothing and design, marketing and manufacturing, and the latest jewelry trends.
What are the requirements for diploma in fashion? ›
Diploma in Fashion
This also require a National Senior Certificate or equivalent with a 30% English pass and 40-49% in four other subjects.
Which diploma is best after? ›
The cost of pursuing a diploma in India, from Indian institutions is significantly lower.
- Diploma in Graphic Design. ...
- Diploma in Hotel Management. ...
- Diploma in Fashion Designing. ...
- Diploma in Animation and Multimedia. ...
- Diploma in Nursing. ...
- Diploma in Event Management. ...
- Diploma in IT. ...
- Diploma in Digital Marketing.
A. In order to become a fashion designer one should consider pursuing a bachelor's degree in design. Some popular courses that candidates can pursue in design to become a fashion designer are – BDes, BFTech, BSc in Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, etc.
Is there a diploma in fashion? ›
Advanced Diploma in Fashion
This course equips students to contribute, through research, to the application and evaluation of existing knowledge in a specialised area of fashion design or garment technology and enhance professional and personal development.
How do I know if fashion design is for me? ›
If you enjoy sketching garments and working with fabrics and trimmings, a fashion design career could be right for you. When considering a career in fashion, you should assess your ability to draw and cut patterns to prepare garments as this skill is essential for a career in fashion.
There are no licensure or certification requirements to become a fashion designer. How long does it take to become a fashion designer? Designers who complete a bachelor's degree before seeking work in fashion take about four years to start their careers.
Is fashion design course hard? ›
Becoming a fashion designer is not easy as it takes many years to complete the course and then a few years in the industry to find your feet.
How to get into fashion design without a degree and no experience? ›
How to become a fashion designer without a degree
- Familiarize yourself with design software. ...
- Research other fashion designers. ...
- Create new sketches every day. ...
- Read books about sewing and craftsmanship. ...
- Quiz yourself on fashion terms. ...
- Practice making prototype pieces. ...
- Attend fashion events. ...
- Develop your own collection.
How to work in fashion with no experience
- Reach out to your network and ask for help. ...
- Strategize your internship. ...
- Be honest. ...
- Bring enthusiasm, willingness to learn. ...
- Analytical, data-driven and practical. ...
- Create your own opportunities.
The graduate diploma fashion design technology is a one-year intensive course enabling students to develop skills required for postgraduate study or entering the industry.
How many points needed for diploma in fashion design? ›
A National Senior Certificate with a bachelor's degree or a diploma endorsem*nt, or an equivalent quali- fication, with an achievement level of at least 3 for English (home language or first additional language). To be considered for this qualification, you must have an Admission Point Score (APS) of at least 20.
Which diploma course is best for girls? ›
18 Courses for Girls After 10th & 12th
- Diploma in Architecture Engineering. ...
- Diploma in Agriculture. ...
- Diploma in Home Science. ...
- Diploma in Event Management. ...
- Diploma in Yoga. ...
- Diploma in Computer Science. ...
- Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication. ...
- Diploma in Cosmetology.
Yes, you can do a fashion designing course if you have completed a bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognized university. There are a lot of institutes offering PG fashion designing courses after graduation.
How many months is a fashion designer course? ›
Fashion Designing Courses After 12th Highlights
| Course Name | Fashion Designing Courses |
|---|
| Certificate Duration | 6 Months to 1 Year |
| Admission Process | Online |
| Eligibility | 12th Pass with 45% marks |
| Offered By | IMTS Institute |
5 more rowsMay 31, 2023
The BLS has reported that graphic designers typically need at least a bachelor's degree, which may be in fine arts, visual communications or graphic design. Undergraduate courses include the fundamentals of drawing, studies in visual dynamics, art history, and computer programming.
Boost your skills by studying any one of the following courses:
- Business Management Courses.
- Educare Courses.
- Financial Management Courses.
- Human Resource Management Courses.
- Legal Secretary Courses.
- Management Assistant Courses.
- Marketing Management Courses.
Doctoral degree. The top of the academic degree hierarchy, a doctoral degree represents the most in-depth education within a discipline. Upon completion of a rigorous program, doctoral students are designated as authoritative experts in their field.
Which diploma pays highest salary? ›
Highest Paid Diploma Jobs in India 2023:-
- Real Estate Agent –
- Freelance Photographer –
- Railways –
- Sales Representative –
- Modelling –
- Indian Navy –
- Registered Nurse –
- Makeup Artist –
There are around five different kinds of courses in fashion designing. These include B. Des (Bachelor of Design), B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science), B.
What major is best for fashion? ›
The best majors for fashion industry employment include fashion management, brand management, art history, graphic design, and entrepreneurship. Degrees in fashion can look very different, from visual arts to business and even engineering.
What is the highest position in fashion designing? ›
15 highest-paying fashion jobs
- Merchandising manager.
- Buyer.
- Editor-in-chief.
- Art director.
- Creative director.
- Design director.
- Sourcing manager.
- Product manager.
A bachelor of arts in fashion design is a creative degree that teaches practical skills for fashion product designers and developers. Like a traditional degree, an online bachelor's degree in fashion combines theoretical and practical industry-relevant fashion research.
What course is fashion design under? ›
The B.Sc. Fashion Design students will undertake the same courses in the foundation level with other students in the B.Sc. Interior Design, Graphic Design and Landscape Design programmes.
Is fashion designing a good course? ›
You'll also have to create designs from scratch, which means you'll need a lot of imagination and creativity. Not to mention, fashion design is one of the most rewarding careers you can have.
How do fashion designers start out? ›
A fashion design or fashion merchandising degree provides valuable training for a career in fashion. However, designers also need hands-on experience. During school, fashion designers should pursue internship opportunities. Many colleges connect aspiring designers with companies hiring interns.
But the truth, however, may surprise you. The fundamental ideas behind a design project don't require you to have any drawing skills. Rather, it requires you to be able to communicate the idea in such a way as to make the client understand your vision. Being able to draw even basically helps convey the idea succinctly.
How do I get a job as a fashion designer? ›
Here's a list of steps you can follow to pursue a career as a fashion designer:
- Get a bachelor's degree. ...
- Develop a portfolio. ...
- Create a resume. ...
- Apply for an internship or entry-level role. ...
- Build a professional network. ...
- Cultivate important skills. ...
- Choose a specialty.
What is a fashion certificate? A Higher Certificate in Fashion is a one-year qualification that provides grounding in the theory of fashion, as well as a level of application needed for entry-level work or a start-up venture.
How many hours does a fashion designer work? ›
A fashion designer can expect to work 40–42 hours a week, but they can do more or fewer hours depending on the requirements of their role and if they are self-employed.
Do you need to know math for fashion design? ›
No maths in not compulsory for fashion design. Students seeking admission in Fashion Designing courses at UG level must have passed their class 12th examination with not less than 50 per cent from a recognised board in India. You can give entrance exams like NID DAT, UCEED and NIFT.
Do you need to be good at math to be a fashion designer? ›
Is Math Important for Careers in Fashion Designing? Yes, math is important to decide the right amount of fabric, hangers, thread, and other goods required in the fashion business. In addition, the designers also perform calculations to estimate the approximate production costs for the clothes.
Is fashion design easy to study? ›
Education in fashion is demanding, and creative and physical labor is challenging. Alongside your hands-on creative skills, you will also need to develop communication, marketing, visual arts, graphic design, and general design skills.
Can I teach myself fashion design? ›
Contrary to popular belief however, it is perfectly possible to begin building a successful fashion career at home. It's simply a case of using your own time to build the skills, knowledge and confidence to go pro.
Can I be a designer without a degree? ›
Well, the good news is that you do not need a degree to become a graphic designer. Graphic design is an amazing creative career with limitless possibilities, but there are definitely certain things you need to know before embarking on your new role.
Do you need a degree to start a fashion line? ›
Develop your fashion design skills
It's possible to skip school and still launch your own clothing line, but formal education, whether in a classroom or online, has its merits: learn the latest industry standards, access resources and equipment, make contacts, and get feedback from pros.
Fashion Designer Entry Salary
| Percentile | Salary | Location |
|---|
| 10th Percentile Fashion Designer Entry Salary | $51,002 | US |
| 25th Percentile Fashion Designer Entry Salary | $55,290 | US |
| 50th Percentile Fashion Designer Entry Salary | $60,000 | US |
| 75th Percentile Fashion Designer Entry Salary | $65,440 | US |
1 more rowMany aspiring fashion designers are confronted by fashion industry myths that one should not start a clothing line or can't start a clothing line if they can't draw or sew. This myth could not be further from the truth. It is absolutely possible to start up a clothing line or fashion brand without these skills.
Can I be a fashion designer if I can't sew? ›
Designers aren't required to know how to sew. Their job is to have the creative vision for the collection as a whole and for each piece and design detail.
What are the 5 C's of fashion? ›
Five strategies, called the "Five C's of Style," can help you revise a draft: cut, check for action, connect, commit, and choose your words.
What are the three C's of fashion? ›
Don't forget the three C's the next time you're feeling frustrated by others' negativity. Confidence, comfort and color!
What are the 3 biggest influences on fashion? ›
Fashion Designing Basics: Factors Influencing Popular Fashion
- Fashion Forecast (Colour & Fabric) Deciding the colour, fabric and look for the upcoming season is something that every designer works on. ...
- Movies & Music. The entertainment world is a major influencer of fashion. ...
- Fashion Stylist. ...
- Economy of a Country.
You'll also have to create designs from scratch, which means you'll need a lot of imagination and creativity. Not to mention, fashion design is one of the most rewarding careers you can have.
How many points needed for diploma in Fashion Design? ›
A National Senior Certificate with a bachelor's degree or a diploma endorsem*nt, or an equivalent quali- fication, with an achievement level of at least 3 for English (home language or first additional language). To be considered for this qualification, you must have an Admission Point Score (APS) of at least 20.
Is Fashion Design a degree? ›
Bachelor of Fashion Design or BFD is an undergraduate degree course in Fashion Designing. The duration of the course is either three or four years, depending on the institute. This course is specifically for those students who have a knack for fashion and want to learn how the fashion industry works.
What do you do at fashion school? ›
Here are some of the classes that you might take to hone your knowledge and skill in fashion design:
- Art and fashion history.
- Collection and concept development.
- Digital colour and design theory.
- Computer-aided fashion design.
- Fashion illustration.
- Costume design.
- Draping.
- Fashion Merchandising.
Beginners may work as cutting assistants or assistant designers. From these entry-level positions, the fashion designer's career path may lead to positions as an assistant technical designer, pattern company designer, designer, head designer, design department head, and creative director.
Is there a Diploma in fashion? ›
Advanced Diploma in Fashion
This course equips students to contribute, through research, to the application and evaluation of existing knowledge in a specialised area of fashion design or garment technology and enhance professional and personal development.
How many years does fashion design take? ›
About four years. Most fashion designers hold a bachelor's degree. During a fashion design program, students study textiles, fashion history, and fashion merchandising.
Is fashion designing hard to study? ›
Becoming a fashion designer is not easy as it takes many years to complete the course and then a few years in the industry to find your feet.
Can you be a fashion designer without a degree? ›
If you have the talent and skills, you can earn a role as a fashion designer without having a college degree. To succeed as a fashion designer without earning a formal education, you need to independently acquire all of the skills you would typically learn in a classroom.
What do u do after fashion school? ›
Other common careers in fashion include: visual merchandising (clothing and beyond), retail management, event organization, sales, tailoring, pattern making, costume design, wardrobe management, personal shopping, fashion styling, photography, modelling and jewelry design.
Do you do math in fashion school? ›
Fashion design focuses on designing and creating clothing and accessories. For this major you'll take lots of fashion design classes. But you'll also need to take classes in the arts, science, math, and social sciences to earn your bachelor's degree.
Where can a fashion student work? ›
Job options
- Fashion designer.
- Retail buyer.
- Retail manager.
- Retail merchandiser.
- Stylist.
- Textile designer.
- Visual merchandiser.
