To become a fashion designer, a bachelors degree is typically required. During a fashion design program, students study textiles, fashion history, and fashion merchandising. Employers may prefer to hire creative candidates who have technical knowledge of the production processes for clothing, accessories, or footwear. Some contemporary fashion designers have completed a Visual Arts Bachelors degree.
Fashion designers create clothing, accessories, and footwear. They source the materials for their designs, which may include patterned fabric, metals, or leather. They meet with vendors to determine the best materials and costs for their designs. Designers research fashion trends to create forward-looking designs. They often rely on design software to create pieces and collaborate with designers on projects. At the beginning of a design project, fashion designers make sketches, evaluate textiles, and create a prototype. Some designers create collections or fashion lines that showcase a theme or trend.
Skills required for a career in fashion design include creativity, communication, problem-solving, and time management. Attention to detail, strong listening skills, and the ability to receive positive and negative feedback are also important.
Regarding materials, polyester is a commonly used fabric in fashion design. It is a synthetic material that is durable, wrinkle-resistant, and easy to care for.
