Fashion Blog

When one thinks of a career in the fashion industry, the job that most comes to mind is that of the fashion designer. But the fashion industry is broad and multi-faceted, with myriad job opportunities available. So even if you don't have an interest in starting your own fashion design label, you can still be an integral part of the industry. Take a look at the following jobs, and you'll see that depending on your particular interest and skills you've learned in fashion school, there is a perfect job in fashion for you.

Fashion Merchandiser - Do you see clothes in stores and think, "I know I can make that better"? The fashion merchandising professional spots trends and translates them into products that sell. He or she is responsible for product development from conceptual design, budgeting and production, to the final marketing of the product.

Buyer - If you love shopping and always seem to know trends before anyone else, a career as a buyer could be right for you. Responsible for maximizing sales and profitability, fashion buyers stay ahead of the curve on fashion trends as well as their target consumers' tastes so they can plan retail store inventories. Besides selecting merchandise, they are involved with the promotion and selling of the goods.

Brand Manager - Fashion companies are not just selling clothes, they are selling a brand. Brand managers create an image for their fashion line, and then develop unique and creative ways to present this image to the public. Fashion college courses in Merchandise Product Development are a great background to have for this career.

Trend Analyst - These professionals have a direct impact on fashion's future. Trend analysts shop for and research the latest trends and analyze their influence on future markets. They provide forward direction on color, style, and fabric to the merchandising team, who then incorporate the upcoming trends into new product lines.

Technical Designer - The all-important technical designer takes a fashion designer's idea and works with the factory to make that idea a reality. They determine the most efficient method of producing a garment to fit a particular market and price point, and are responsible for pattern making, size fitting, technical flat sketches and garment specifications. These are therefore some of the most important skills learned in any fashion institute.

Visual Design Director - When you walk into a store, your shopping experience is created by the Visual Design Director. This person develops visual merchandising presentation and store concepts that enhance the brand's image. The Director also determines visual merchandise directives for all the stores in the chain to make sure the vision of the store is carried out across all locations.

Textile Designer -This job is perfect for designers with a love for creating graphics and patterns. Textile designers develop designs for a variety of apparel and interior design markets, including printed, woven and knit fabrics.

Footwear Designer - If you believe that fashion is all about the shoes, you might consider a career in footwear design. Footwear designers travel to the hottest markets to research trends, attend trade shows, and find inspiration to create designs for a company or their own labels.

Costume Designer For those interested in the entertainment industry, costume designers create costumes used in film, television, or theater, overseeing everything from apparel and accessories to jewelry and wigs. They work with the director and production team to develop the right look for each project, whether it's set in the past, present or future.