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To create the best, most successful styles, fashion designers study and learn from what other designers create. After researching trends and other designers’ work, fashion designers sketch their own designs, choose the colors and fabrics and oversee the final production of their creations. Apparel designers create casual wear, suits, sportswear, formalwear, outerwear and maternity and intimate apparel. Footwear designers specialize in shoes and boots, and accessory designers produce handbags, belts, scarves, hats, hosiery, eyewear and jewelry.
The fashion design process usually takes 18 to 24 months from the conception phase to the final production of the designs. The process typically follows the following steps:
1. The designer researches current fashion and predicts the season’s future trends. For instance, popular clothing styles, colors and fabrics.
2. The designer chooses the styles and fabrics to use in his or her own designs.
3. The designer and his or her assistants create prototypes of the garments, made from cheaper materials and fabrics. Models try on the prototypes and sewers and tailors make adjustments if needed.
4. The designer and his or her assistants create samples of the designs, made in the actual materials. These samples are marketed to retailers at fashion or trade shows.
5. After retailers place their orders for the designs, they are manufactured and distributed to stores.
A fashion designer’s involvement in the design and creation of a garment depends on the amount of career experience and the size of his or her company. In large firms, the lead fashion designers create designs, choose colors and fabrics, and oversee the technical designers, patternmakers and sewers.
In a small design firm, a fashion designer takes on more of the technical duties such as patternmaking and sewing in addition to the creative and design aspects. High-fashion, or haute couture, designers are often self-employed and create custom designs for their clients or to sell to retailers. Well-established designers sell their creations at expensive prices, but it can take many years to create a loyal client base.
Successful fashion designers may also work in the entertainment industry. Stage productions, television shows and motion pictures all require costumes that accurately represent characters, time periods and settings. These fashion designers research appropriate styles and create or purchase the appropriate apparel while staying within the costume budget.
Salary Range:
$13,440 — $93,000
Education Level (minimum):
Associate degree in art, design or similar
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012):
10 – 20%
