The Job and What's Involved

Fashion/clothing designers design clothes, accessories, shoes, underwear and sportswear. They could design expensive one-off pieces or High Street fashions worn by hundreds of people:

• In couture, designers work on one-off creations. They work directly with the client, organising fittings and making alterations.
• In the ready-to-wear sector, designers work on garments that are sold in small numbers but often at a high price. These garments bear the designer’s name.
• In High Street fashion, designers work on affordable clothing sold in large quantities. These designs are often based on ready-to-wear collections.

Jobs working for well-known designer labels are highly sought after and very few designers are able to design clothes for their own fashion label.

Designers usually work two seasons ahead, liaising with buyers and forecasters to predict the coming fashions. They draw initial sketches by hand or using computer packages. Designers have to consider who might buy and wear their designs, how much they will cost to produce and how much people will be prepared to pay.

The initial ideas are usually discussed with the design and marketing team before the best are selected and turned into sample garments. When the clothes go into production, the fashion designer has to be available to give advice and sort out any problems with the cutting or stitching.

Collections are exhibited at fashion shows in front of an invited audience of journalists and buyers.

Designers normally work from 9am to 5pm, but they may work much longer hours when preparing samples for buyers or collections for fashion shows.

Fashion designers may work in a studio or a small workshop. They can also work alone or as part of a small team of designers.

To keep ahead of trends and source ideas, they have to spend time talking to buyers and attending fashion shows, prediction fairs and exhibitions. As the main fashion centres are London, New York, Paris and Rome, designers often have to travel.

Those who also make clothes, or are involved in making samples, spend time at a cutting table using a sewing machine.

Education and Training

Fashion designers usually start their career after taking a degree or HND in fashion. Foundation degree courses are also available.

It is also worth developing skills that are in short supply, such as pattern cutting, textile technology, production management and studio management.

Entry is usually based on a portfolio of work and an interview. Most courses also require evidence of academic achievement, including GCSE's/S grades. In England and Wales, entrants to art and design degree courses usually do a national diploma, typically lasting two years, or perhaps A levels which may be followed by a foundation course prior to joining a degree, HND or foundation degree. Some foundation courses accept students with relevant experience and a good portfolio of work.

In Scotland, degree courses take four years. The first year equates with the foundation year in England and Wales, and introduces students to general art and design. Entry requirements are three H grades and two S grades (1-3), or two A levels and three GCSE's (A-C). Other qualifications may be accepted. A portfolio of work has to be submitted with the application.

Alternatively, students can take HNC/HND courses in graphic design or related subjects. Entry requirements are one A level/H grade in art and design, CDT or a related subject and two other subjects at the same level.

Apprenticeships which may be available in England are Young Apprenticeships, Pre-Apprenticeships, Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships. To find out which one is most appropriate log onto www.apprenticeships.org.uk or contact your local Connexions Partnership.

There are different arrangements for Apprenticeships in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For further information contact Careers Scotland www.careers-scotland.org.uk, Careers Wales www.careerswales.com; and for Northern Ireland contact COIU www.delni.gov.uk.

It is important to bear in mind that pay rates for Apprenticeships do vary from area to area and between industry sectors.

Some students may continue to postgraduate degree level before starting work.

Adult Entry

Art and design courses accept mature students. They may not need specific qualifications as long as they have a strong portfolio of work to prove that they are passionate about fashion and have a genuine aptitude.

Adults may prepare for application to a degree by taking a full or part-time Access course.

Training

Training is usually on the job, learning skills from more senior designers. As competition is extremely strong, most employers expect new recruits to have learned basic skills at college.

New fashion designers need to be prepared to work in junior positions, eg developing other people's designs, as colourists or in pattern-cutting, to gain experience and contacts.

Personal Qualities

Fashion/clothing designers need:

• To be creative, with an eye for colour, texture and pattern.
• To be able to visualise things in 3D.
• Technical skills in areas such as pattern cutting, grading and garment construction.
• To be able to draw either by hand or on computer.
• To be able to explain their ideas clearly and persuasively.
• The ability to meet deadlines and work within a budget.
• Business skills and commercial awareness - particularly for those entering self-employment.
• Good negotiation skills when selling their own designs.
• To keep ahead of trends in colour, fabric and style.
• Strong organisational skills.

Prospects

With experience, designers may be able to move into more senior design roles, work with more established fashion labels or set up their own businesses.

Fashion designers may also move into specialist areas such as colour predicting, style consultancy, fashion journalism or costume design.

Get Further Information

Crafts Council, 44A Pentonville Road, Islington, London NI 9BY  Tel: 020 7278 7700
Website: www.craftscouncil.org.uk

Design Council, 34 Bow Street, London WC2E 7DL  Tel: 020 7420 5200
Website: www.design-council.org.uk

Skillfast-UK, Richmond House, Lawnswood Business Park, Redvers Close, Leeds LS16 6RD
Tel: 0113 2399 600  Website: www.skillfast-uk.org

Your Creative Future (a guide to education and career opportunities in the creative industries). Website: www.yourcreativefuture.org

British Fashion Council, 5 Portland Place, London W1B 1PW  Tel: 020 7636 7788

 

Careers information and vocational qualifications change rapidly. The information in this career note was accurate at the time of going to print, but readers should check it with professional bodies or careers advisers before making decisions.