Recent movies, such as Robert Altman's Ready to Wear and Douglas Keeve's Unzipped, present an inside view of the multibillion dollar fashion industry-its eccentricity, creativity, and influence worldwide. And, as long as we don't revert to grape leaves or loincloths, fashion will be a lucrative career choice well into the next millennium. Just because clothing is in such great demand, however, doesn't guarantee everyone entry into this intense, often viciously competitive arena. Across the board, whether you choose to pursue design, sales, retail, modeling, fashion photography, or public relations, the high fashion universe is all-encompassing, demanding, and relentlessly fast-paced, with heavy reliance on networking and getting to know the right people in the right place at the right time.
So think of a fashion career as a show business pursuit. That way, you will not be too easily jaded or disappointed. Nerves of steel and intense drive are two key ingredients to success.
Where Do You Start?
What may seem to be an overwhelming undertaking for anyone interested in fashion is really quite manageable. This book gives a comprehensive overview of career options that suit your individual skills. Not everyone can be Donna Karan or Gianni Versace, so we've described career choices that range from clothing and accessory designer, to fabric maker, theatrical dresser, buyer, fashion show organizer, boutique owner, store window artist, make-up consultant, fashion journalist, teacher, photographer, model, and many more.
One of the most appealing aspects of the fashion business is its heavy reliance on top'notch talent. Whether you receive the bulk of your training through an accredited design school program or learn on the job as an apprentice, your unique creativity and business savvy will be your greatest assets.
With the advent of the Internet, fashion publications, discussion groups, and information on industry events around the world are literally at your fingertips. Schools that offer internships and design competitions are geared toward your individual needs and interests. A wealth of fashion-related associations and organizations-such as New York-based Fashion Group International-are excellent forums for networking and learning first-hand about this glamorous but highly demanding profession.
Most importantly, fashion is a people industry. You must constantly stay abreast of trends and social changes that may influence the way people dress. Endless curiosity and focused observation skills are crucial to succeeding in the field. Additionally, your ability to communicate clearly and effectively will set you apart from less assertive individuals hoping to break into fashion's tight-knit inner circle.
Beyond the skill, education, and confidence comes a willingness to keep your name and your work in the public eye-or, at least, in the eyes of influential fashion professionals who can help move your career ahead. Despite all the technological advancements in the world of design, it is still very much an area that relies on mentors and one-on-one guidance. For example, if going to a party thrown by the editor of Vogue would allow you to meet some key people, and then by all means be there. This applies not only to designers, but also to fashion photographers, journalists, models, and others.
Also be aware that certain cities-New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, Milan, Paris, and Tokyo-are fashion capitals, and your chances of success in these places could be viewed two ways: On one hand, working in these cities would expose you to some of the most powerful trendsetters in the business. On the other hand, because those markets are already saturated, you may drown in a sea of fashion "wannabes." So it is up to you to decide how confident you are about your work and skills, and how happy and comfortable you would be working in these cities.
Of course, you could pursue your fashion career almost anywhere in the world:-even create a new style capital if you are that driven. What counts is your personal satisfaction, earning a living in the field, and sharing your talents with consumers from all walks of life.
Are You Fashion Material?
Before pursuing fashion-a profession that will undoubtedly become your whole life-you should ask yourself some basic questions about your suitability for such an all-encompassing career. Simply liking to sew or sketch creative ideas is not enough to land you consistent work. But knowing what is expected of you in a realistic business sense will set you on the right footing.
Now, before stepping onto your career "runway," make sure you are not going to misstep. Ask yourself the following ten questions, and see how steady your professional qualifications are for the fashion industry.
- Are you willing to spend long hours doing tedious manual work?
- Can you be creative while knowing what styles will sell in various consumer markets?
- Do you like to take risks?
- Are you ultra-confident that you bring unique skills to the field?
- Are you an avid follower of fashion trends?
- Does travel appeal to you?
- Do you have a competitive, driven personality?
- Are you interested in the fine arts?
- How do you react to criticism?
- Can you actively and consistently promote yourself?
Most fashion designers are also tailors and seamstresses, who not only create but also cut out their own patterns. Although use of computerized sewing machines is increasing, hand-stitching and other intricate custom works are still in demand. This is one area in which Old World ways of making garments are highly regarded in an industry whose major selling point is quality.
Whether you are a designer or a fashion publicist, it is critical to apply your creative outbursts wisely. Thigh-high patent leather boots and fishnet halter tops make for great magazine photo ops, but will these items sell at major retail chains? Knowing your market can mean the difference between creating modern art clothes that don't sell or beautifully structured ensembles that will bring you both a substantial income and a sought-after reputation.
Taking risks is a given in this unpredictable arena, where styles breeze by as quickly as the seasons. If you opt to own your own boutique or open a fashion photography studio, be prepared to cover your overhead costs and know how to most effectively sell your services.
Don't settle for anything less than being ultra-confident that you can bring something different to the table. During interviews with fashion magazine editors, wholesalers, and other industry professionals, you will be asked what sets you apart from others. In a business perpetually looking for new trends, think of ways you can get an edge on originality.
If you have a passion for new styles, you are certainly fashion material. Being design-conscious, and loving clothes and accessories, are positive signs that you will be happy in this profession. Also, because fashion is international and very mobile, you will inevitably be required to travel frequently.
To say competition is fierce in this business is a gross under-statement. It is downright brutal at times, and you should be aware of that up front. Therefore, you must consistently remain on top of things by being competitive and endlessly driven.
Because fashion is a form of art, your attention to detail, beauty, and quality are imperative for your success. Approach your career as an artist would in order to refine your talents and give yourself a meticulous eye for detail.
Like any highly visible, showy occupation, fashion promotes an open forum for criticism and debate. Fashion editors determine 90 percent of style trends, and design professionals are constantly reviewed in a critical light. Know this. Expect it. And learn how to take constructive criticism to improve your craft.
Because you "are" your work, self-promotion is vital to your continuing popularity. Enormous egos fill this industry, and as self-serving as it sounds, you will need one, too, in order to survive and be noticed.
But don't let all this competitive talk get you down. If you are determined to have a successful fashion career-and there are so many areas from which to choose-you will. Not only is it an exciting, quick-paced industry, it is streaming with creative energy and vibrant bravura unrivaled in the more traditional business world.
A Sampling of Fashion Careers
Now we will see which category best suits your talents and interests. The opportunities are endless, and if you decide to move from, say, fashion design to fashion teaching or photography, you can make a smooth transition. All segments of the industry interact-so set your sights high from the start and you will be on the right track.
Careers in Clothing Design
Most fashion designers specialize in a particular area that is typically divided between the sexes: women's wear and men's wear. This makes it easier to market designs to a specific group, and allows one to find a comfortable niche in which to hone creative skills. There are also professionals who choose to design exclusively for children.
As a designer, you will be required to sketch, cut out patterns, select fabric, and sew, as well as coordinate garments you wish to display in a fashion show. Most high-fashion designers are self-employed and design for individual clients, or cater to specialty and department stores. Long hours are the norm, and self-promotion is a key way of getting noticed.
Other options in this field include fabric designers, who hold degrees in textile arts, or who have learned on-the-job with weavers and other fiber specialists. Seamstresses and tailors, who do everything from custom sewing to complex garment alterations, are also critical to this particular area's growth and stability.
Careers in Accessory Design
Many clothing designers also create accessories for women, men, and children. Items typically include handbags or cases, scarves, gloves, hats, shoes, jewelry and watches, cosmetics, fragrances, eyewear, belts, buttons, hair accessories, ties, and much more. An object that complements or "finishes" an outfit is considered an accessory. But, unlike fashion designers, accessory artists don't necessarily need to know how to sew or cut patterns. Instead, their profession requires intricate, highly specialized hand work-such as soldering and gluing-and drawing talents. They are, however, self-employed and usually design for individual customers, or sell their pieces to boutiques and large apparel stores.
Careers in Performing Arts and Specialty Apparel Design
For those creative folks who have a special love for the arts or other unique categories, these are fun markets that require one to be well-versed in other subjects. For example, if designing for the stage, knowledge of theater arts is crucial. By combining work as an actor or director with costume design, you have an edge over the competition by simply knowing the nuances of scene changes and stage blocking. Dancewear designers must be knowledgeable about a performer's anatomy, as well as proper materials and fitting for shoes. The area of specialty apparel includes all sporting attire, as well as uniforms and special-occasion garments such as bridal, graduation, and religious apparel. A little-talked-about segment is that of the professional dresser for the theater. This occupation involves helping performers with their costume changes and making alterations on the spot backstage.
Careers in Wholesale and Retail Sales
The business side of fashion encompasses a wide range of professions, including buyers, sales representatives, trade show and event organizers, boutique owners, window and counter-top display artists, and fashion publicists.
Some of these are behind-the-scenes jobs that get the trends off the ground and out into the consumer arena. Most of these people set the style pace as they buy and sell on the trade-show floor and runways around the world. They work long hours, travel extensively, and require polished sales and textile-related backgrounds.
Careers in Fashion Media and Photography
As mentioned earlier, fashion journalists ultimately determine what is in style by the articles and photos they run. They are at the big design shows and report to the global community what's hot in the industry. Less trendsetting writing jobs involve copywriters for catalogs and mail order houses and, incidentally, are done by freelance writers working out of their homes on their personal computers.
Fashion photographers are in great demand, both on the runways and in the studio doing millions of dollars' worth of advertising photography. They also photograph aspiring models for composites and portfolio material. Some fashion photographers work exclusively with certain well-known designers.
Careers in Fashion Education
Most top designers have completed an accredited course in fashion design, and there is numerous top-notch design schools located around the world. If you are a designer with a talent for instructing future trendsetters in the field, a teaching career would probably be quite rewarding. There are also positions available in the textile departments of high schools, colleges, and universities. A flexible teaching schedule would allow you to pursue your individual designing career while passing your knowledge on to others.
Besides teaching, you can apply your fashion know-how as a fashion or make-up consultant. Consultants work in the corporate sector, in boutiques, in theater and film, and at the cosmetics counters of department stores. Clothing and make-up stylists are professionals who set up fashion shots for print media and television. They dress models and determine proper camera angles and lighting.
Careers in Modeling
High fashion modeling remains one of the most competitive sides of the business. Everyone is attracted to the glamour, celebrity, and big bucks. But only a handful really makes it-as in Hollywood. But a combination of talent, beauty, poise, street smarts, and business savvy can help models reach the top of their field.
It is, therefore, very important to know what to look for in a reputable modeling or talent agency, and how to put together a winning portfolio. Other areas to consider are steady modeling work for catalogs and corporate videos. There are also specialty models that show only certain body parts, such as hands, feet, and legs, for product shots involving jewelry, shoes, and hosiery.
This book will help point you in the right direction by providing critical tips that will give you a realistic picture of the appealing, glitzy, wild world of fashion.
