There’s more to the fashion industry than edgy couture designing. We bring to you some prominent careers options.
The fashion industry is a fast-paced, increasingly complex world that integrates creativity, design, business, and technology. The variety of opportunities in the industry attracts people with many different interests, goals and abilities. Some career fields require artistic creativity and originality, while others require business know-how and management skills.
The word ‘fashion’ is associated with designing of clothes, but fashion careers exist in the areas of art and design, communication and presentation, as well as in business and technology.
Aspiring fashion designers must be artistic and creative with an eye for colour, texture and pattern, possess good drawing skills, practical skills for producing clothes, be able to communicate ideas through sketches or computer-aided images, work out costs and budgets and, if freelancing, be able to market their own work, negotiate with clients and buyers, as well as handle the business. Entry into the industry without formal training would be difficult, but for those who are very talented and have an exceptionally good portfolio, ambition and perseverance, it may be possible.
Accessory designers conceptualise and create designs for footwear, handbags, ties, belts, hats, gloves, etc., to go with your attire. Jewellery designers are usually categorised under the gem and jewellery industry. Costume designers work mainly for films, television and theatre.Fashion journalists produce editorial copy for fashion magazines, newspapers, websites and television. Fashion photographers conceptualise and shoot photos andor videos to present clothes and accessories in an appealing manner.
Fashion designers mostly work for clothing manufacturers or exporters designing clothes for the mass market. Fashion merchandisers are employed as retail buyers or managers, merchandisers for apparel manufacturers, retailers, design studios, etc. Prospects are currently very bright for those who wish to work in the fashion industry.
