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Fashion designers command a special place in our lives and the heart of society. They are artists who use people as their canvas. They make the world a beautiful place with their art. Their art makes our mundane lives colourful, vibrant and exciting.
What does a fashion designer do?
A fashion designer creates apparel and accessories for boys, girls, men and women. Some new-age designers from the west even specialise in fashion for pet animals. Tops, tees, shirts, skirts, pants, hats, caps, underwear, bags, glasses, wallets, scarfs, belts, jackets, etc., are created by fashion designers.
Types of fashion designers
Haute Couture: These fashion designers, recognised by France, deal with personalised styling for an elite clientele. They are known for creating a one of a kind ensemble.
Mass Fashion: These fashion designers work with big manufacturers and release a new fashion trend every six months. Their creations are more affordable. Multiple manufactured pieces ensure fashion is accessible to everyone.
Costume designers: They create outfits suited for movies, events, functions, shoots, or specific occasions.
Accessory designers: They design handbags, purses, belts, sunglasses and everything else that will complement your clothes and personality.
How to become a fashion designer?
The first step is to get the required knowledge. While several 2-year diplomas are available, fashion designers with a full 4-year degree are preferred. It is vital to obtain your degree from an institution or college recognised by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
Your typical course will teach you about fabrics, draping, lines and patterns, textures movement, colour etc., in context to the human form. This understanding is crucial for any fashion designer.
The college also enhances the sketching skills of the candidates. Since a lot of work now happens on CAD, CAD training is provided by colleges too. Colleges even provide students with a chance to intern with fashion houses to give them the required exposure.
Simply put, a good degree, a great internship and a creative design portfolio will open doors to the fashion industry for you. However, only your hard work, creativity and a keen eye for trends will help you become an established designer.
You can start with this free online course for fashion designing to test your interest in the field.
Who can become a fashion designer?
- You must be creative and competitive.
- You must have great prediction sense for the next trend.
- Must be a person who eats, drinks, lives, breathes, walks and talks only fashion.
- Hardworking, patient, skilled workman - able to motivate themselves and others.
- If you think fashion is your hobby, this is NOT the field for you.
How much does a fashion designer earn?
There is no fixed answer to this. It depends upon your talent, the type of fashion designer you are, your clientele, and the geographical area from where you are operating. Factors like whether you are an individual brand, a freelancer or working for a fashion house affect your income.
For example, Sabhya Sachi, a leading designer in Indian wedding wear, sells sarees starting from approx Rs. 50,000 to upwards of Rs. 10,00,000 lakhs. In Connaught Place, Delhi, a lesser-known fashion designer sells his version of bridal fashion for prices starting at Rs. 3000.
If you are still unsure about being a fashion designer, here's something that can give you clarity. Take the FREE career guidance offered by Glow & Lovely Careers (formerly known as Fair & Lovely Career Foundation).