Fashion Design and Beyond
While fashion design jobs get a lot of attention for being the creative driver of the industry, the fashion world is actually a complex ecosystem with a large community performing a wide variety of essential functions. Designing is only one part of the whole. So whether you have the creativity and vision to launch your own clothing line, or the business and marketing know-how to sell the latest trends, there’s a place for you in the fashion industry.
Who Are Fashion Designers?
Fashion designers understand that clothes are much more than protection from the elements. Clothes can make people feel confident or powerful. Or they can be comforting. Clothing can be an artistic expression—a projection of the image people want the world to see. Here are some of the traits and skills needed to be a successful fashion designer:
YOU ARE … YOU SHOULD HAVE:
Original and innovative Great deductive reasoning
Enterprising Good decision-making skills
Dependable Good communication skills
Organized Good listening abilities
Independent Good coordination
Have excellent attention to detail Good judgment
Who Are Fashion Merchandisers?
Every great boutique or department store needs a Wizard of Oz—someone behind the curtain making everything appear as impressive as possible—someone deciding to stock ruby slippers because they’re the next big thing. Fashion merchandising experts accomplish tasks like these on a regular basis. Here are some of the traits and skills you’ll need in a fashion merchandising career:
YOU ARE … YOU SHOULD BE …
Visually creative and enterprising A good listener
Physically coordinated Able to articulate ideas
An innovative thinker A good critical thinker
A good decision-maker A good time manager
Organized and good at arranging Socially perceptive
Where do you fit better? Both designers and merchandisers are critical to the fashion industry. Knowing yourself and your abilities will help you find your niche in the competitive, fast-paced global fashion world. All you’ll need to add is the right education.