Table of Contents
Who is a Fashion Designer?
What does a Fashion Designer do?
Large fashion design houses or couturier appoint and employ their own pattern makers, tailors who can sew the prototypes and create the master fashion patterns. The Fashion Designers who are working with small design firms or houses or those who are new to the business usually do most of the work of technical pattern making, sewing and designing the clothing in order to get the final masterpiece. When the garment making is finished, the designer either alter, scrap or agree to the design for the final showing in a collection.
A fashion designer generally has control and decision making of a fashion show by often picking the models, determining the budget and price of each garment and deciding on how the garments will be offered. Most designers have some assistants to support with the help of deciding many small details. But overall, the designer maintains the control of management and development of the garment for the fashion show.
Eligibility to become Fashion Designer
In India to be eligible for admission in a fashion designing course in a prestigious fashion designing institute like the JD Institute of Fashion Technology, the candidate must be cleared and passed in 10+2 or its equivalent from a recognised school board or state board. After finishing class 12, candidates can seek admission in Undergraduate design courses also. There some national fashion design institutes also that asks for the clearance of the entrance exam before admission in UG design courses.
Career Options for a Fashion Designer
The main responsibilities of a fashion designer include conceptualizing, developing, and expanding intricate design details for styles and fabrics. After completing a fashion designing course, numerous job opportunities are available, allowing designers to pursue roles that align with their interests and skills. Here are some job profiles that fashion designers can consider within the industry. With limitless growth prospects, designers can choose niche areas that resonate with their preferences and expertise.
Fashion Designer
You will be playing a vital role as a fashion designer. You will be accountable for the creation of new fashion designs and products for the fashion house or brand. These will be according to the trending and prevailing style and pattern in the market. It always leaves the room for innovation open. As a fashion designer, you have to be creative and innovative. You need to work on your instinct to think out of the box. The career of fashion designer will reward and compensate you with boundless growth and opportunities.
Fashion Illustrator
If you love drawing, sketching and fashion as well then you can think of this career option. A fashion illustrator is the creator of design ideas. He/she is primarily responsible for the preparation of primary sketches on the paper that the fashion designer will later elaborate on. If you have a fine hand in scribbling and drawing can consider opting for the role of fashion illustrator in the fashion industry.
Fashion merchandiser
If you are working as a fashion merchandiser in the fashion industry your primary responsibility would be to take care of the marketing needs of the company or the fashion house. You would be working for the fashion organization to understand their demand in the market. Some of the biggest responsibilities of a fashion merchandiser are to analyzing of past and present trends and sales data of the market and understand the market demand.
Retail Manager
As a retail manager, you are responsible for the smooth function of the business of a fashion retail store. The retail manager ensures that marketing, promotions and sales work efficiently. He/she sets daily targets for the staff and makes sure the customer satisfaction in the store. He/she also heads the human resources, admin department and finance department in micro or small enterprises.
Fashion Coordinators
If you have an interest in the marketing aspect of fashion then you can think of an option for the role of fashion coordinator in the fashion business. This job role mainly does not include designing work. It fundamentally gratifies to advertising and promotion of the product range and organization of fashion shows or runway shows for the fashion house. As fashion coordinators, you profoundly look after the advertising and promotions of the brand. To fetch out the best of products you have to work directly with fabric dealers.
Fashion Stylist
As a fashion stylist, your role will widespread in the fashion business. A fashion stylist is in charge of selecting the wardrobe of a fashion show. His/her job is to choose the right piece of garments from the designer’s collection or wardrobe which would suit the client’s character, body type and the purpose of the occasion or event.
As a fashion stylist, you will be responsible for the hairstyling, dress code preparation and fashion style of the artist. One of the other responsibilities that you will be expected to handle is the promotion of fashion shows. It is the primary area where a fashion stylist will be working on. Career options are quite wide in this field. You can consider the option of working for a fashion house or with some media agencies or as an entrepreneur. Some of the top fashion stylists also work to provide consultation to Bollywood and Hollywood stars that are broadly known.
Fashion Consultant:
The role of fashion consultant will match your aspirations if you prefer to choose entrepreneurship in the fashion industry as your forte. You have to be aware of the current and past trends and transitions in the fashion industry. Also, you have to do some deep-rooted and detailed study of fashion designing and its business as well. Observation skills must be your principal strength. It should be the field of your interest as you will be anticipated to keep a steady check on the budding and growing fashion designs and trends in the fashion industry and business. As a fashion consultant, it is mandatory to keep a close and constant eye on the changing and latest trends of the market.
Textile Designer
As a Textile designer, you will work both independently or as part of a design team in industrial and non-industrial settings of the fashion business. Textile designer illustrates ideas for patterns and designs on paper or by using computer software programs. He/she is in charge of designing 2D patterns, weave and printed fabrics or both repetitive and unique for knit patterns, etc. Textile designers are extremely creative people. He/she can draw and have a greater eye for design, colour, pattern, texture and an appreciation for the fine points of fashion and textiles.
Makeup Artist
In the fashion industry, Make-up artists have an integral role to play. A make-up artist will be hired for fashion shows, fashion events, weddings, pre-wedding photoshoots, bridal makeup, for models and celebrities. These artists are quite different from beauticians. They do not take up normal beauty treatment jobs or services.
Sketching Assistant
Sketching Assistant must be good with illustrations and sketches. He/she is mainly responsible for making technical sketches of garments for various presentations and shows. These sketches are later used for the fabrication of the garments and specifications on the design.
Fashion Journalist
If you love to write and read about fashion then you can think of this career option. The fashion journalist’s job is to write or report about the latest fashion events, trends or happenings in the fashion world for a magazine or newspaper. To be a fashion journalist you should be able to know the most recent fashion trends as well as the past trends. You should be also in touch with the news of the fashion business around the globe.
Top Recruiting Companies
The fashion industry is a booming industry in the world. The job profile of a fashion designer demands great passion, imagination and focus. A fashion designer should possess creativity in order to grow unique ideas to attest as an asset for the recruiting company or agency. Some of the major recruiting companies or enterprises for fashion designer where he/she can discover employment opportunities are following: Vera Moda, Raymonds, AND, Allen Solly, BATA, Pantaloons, Lifestyle, Sykar, Fastrack, Van Heusen, Zara, Peter England etc.
Pay Scale or Salary of Fashion Designer
If you have a creative mind and determination then the world is filled with opportunities. One of the best professions to grow and rise at a professional level if you are a creative individual and love fashion are the career of fashion designing. Even though fashion designing is a glamorous field but it also bears some cut-throat competition and race. It offers ample growth opportunities and challenges in your career all at the same time. As a fashion designer, the whole world of opportunities opens up with some adventure and excitement for you. You can surely plan for making a career in the field of fashion illustration or fashion merchandiser or designing or garment production or textile designing.
| Career Stage | Salary Range (INR/Month) | Factors Influencing Salary | Career Growth Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Graduate | 10,000 – 15,000 | Education, initial skills, company size | Entry-level roles in fashion illustration, merchandising, garment production |
| 3-4 Years Experience | 35,000 – 80,000 | Experience, creativity, specialization | Mid-level roles, potential for entrepreneurship, consulting, or high-demand industries like entertainment |
| Entrepreneur/Consultant | Varies (High Potential) | Industry expertise, trend knowledge, creativity | Own fashion house, fashion consultancy, or lucrative roles in entertainment |
Learn More About the Pay Scale of Fashion Designers
Pros and Cons of Becoming a Fashion Designer
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly creative and innovative career, ideal for those passionate about fashion | Challenging job with irregular working hours |
| Provides self-satisfaction and fulfillment when consumers adopt your designs | Intense competition and pressure in the fashion industry |
| Opportunities for travel, networking, and exploring the world through fashion | Uncertain income for fresh designers, with financial stability only developing over time |
Key steps to a successful career in Fashion Design
A Bachelor’s in Fashion Design or Fashion And Garment Management or Fashion Business Management or a related discipline will help you to build up and establish the necessary skills and knowledge. Although it does guarantee that you will make it and rise into the competitive and spirited fashion industry. You must invest your time and energy in other activities also, such as:
- Meeting like-minded people and Networking
- Finding your niche area of expertise in the fashion business
- Try to discover and learn about the own business probability
While some Fashion maybe passionate about art but it is also a tough business. Most famous fashion designers have admitted that they have needed to study and learned business skills to succeed in the market. In order to further growth and success in your career, you must consider the option of a Master’s degree in Business and Management. It will facilitate understanding how to run a booming fashion business and you’ll find out the ways to promote the brand.
