What it Takes to Become a Successful Fashion Designer

In the United States alone, there are currently over 23,800 fashion designers. Although that might seem like a lot, it is still an incredibly challenging field to break into. Learning how to become a successful fashion designer takes time, training, effort and plenty of natural talent. If you dream of working in fashion and being a designer yourself, then these tips can help you pursue your goals and break into the industry.

Have a Love For Fashion to order materials, you can’t learn to love high-end couture. If you already go out of your way to find designer dresses, and you can’t wait to see what designers are creating, then you’re on the right track.

Know What You Like

The first and most important way to prepare for a career as a fashion designer is to have a love for fashion. While you can learn how to sew patterns and how

Next, it helps to know what you like. There are many types of fashion design, and not everyone is suited to every style. Maybe you love creating extravagant dresses, or perhaps you have a punk sensibility. You might even prefer making men’s clothing to women’s clothing, or you could enjoy bright colors rather than monochromatic styles. Narrowing down what you like can help shape your style and make it easier to focus on what you want to eventually create.

Cultivate Skills on Your Own

In order to be a fashion designer in today’s world, it often helps to have credentials and some kind of qualifications. However, just as important is having the skills necessary to create amazing designs. Many of these skills you can cultivate on your own. Budding designers might practice drawing and sketching, or they could buy a sewing machine and start bringing their ideas to life. Getting a grasp on these skills can be incredibly important later in your career.

Earn Qualifications in the Field

While not all designers have a degree in fashion design, many do. If you’re serious about pursuing a career as a high-end fashion designer, then the best way to begin is through formal training. You might start with an associate or a bachelor’s degree in fashion design, where you’ll learn everything from the history of high-end fashion to computer-aided fashion design. A fashion designer course could also be replaced by a graphic design course or a fashion merchandise course. Some kind of training shows future employers and fashion houses that you’re committed to this career choice.

Get First-Hand Experience in the World of Fashion

All the fashion designer qualifications in the world won’t mean much unless you have some first-hand experience in fashion. A surprising number of designers first started out by working in fashion sales, but you can also get your foot in the door with a design internship. If there is a designer that you admire, get in touch and apply for an internship or an entry-level job. This allows you to make connections and show off your work ethic as well as your talents.

Put Together a Portfolio

When you meet a respected designer or the hiring manager at your dream fashion house, you’ll have a short window to show off what you can do. Often, they will ask to see your portfolio. That’s why it is so important to put together a portfolio and keep it updated. Whether you’re sketching designer dresses or you have photographs of items you’ve already made, keep them in your portfolio. In the digital age, having an online portfolio, usually a website of your own, is a savvy move.

Be Open to Relocation

As a young designer, or as someone just starting out in the fashion world, it is important to be open to the idea of relocation. The reality is that there are certain hubs for fashion, and you may need to move in order to work with certain designers. If you have an opportunity to work as a fashion designer in London, Milan or New York, take it.

Make Contacts Early and Often in the Fashion Industry

Learning how to become a successful fashion designer isn’t just about talent or what you know. It’s also about who you know. For that reason, any new designers should be eager to make contacts wherever they go. If you attend a fashion show in your city, mingle before and afterwards. Collect business cards, and give yours out as well. You never know who might be your next recommendation in the world of fashion.

Stay Ahead of Trends in High-End Fashion

Last, but certainly not least, is the issue of trends. Many high-end fashion designers look down on trends and want to create something unique and completely original. While that’s admirable, you still need to be aware of trends in fashion. Staying up to date can be done online, through fashion magazines or by attending fashion events in your city.

Becoming a successful fashion designer is challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding if fashion is your true passion. With these suggestions, you can pave your way to a career in high-end fashion design