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[Christina Santelli](/Author/Christina-Santelli) and by wikiHow staff writer, [Savannah Vold](/Author/Savannah-Vold).Christina Santelli is the Owner and Founder of Style Me New, a wardrobe styling concierge based in Tampa, Florida.She has been working as a stylist for over six years, and her work has been featured in HSN, the Pacific Heights Wine and Food Festival, and the Nob Hill Gazette.
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Fashion design is a fabulous industry perfect for those with a passion for fashion and a creative eye.
While it may seem challenging to begin a career as a fashion designer, it’s totally possible with a lot of dedication and commitment to the craft.In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about the ins and outs of becoming a fashion designer, so you’ll feel ready to take on the world with your daring designs in no time!
This article is based on an interview with our professional stylist, Christina Santelli, founder of Style Me New.
[Check out the full interview here.](#wh-dialog-sample_a740c3cd6153e82b416fa15bd8a0e7d1)
Things You Should Know
– Develop skills in drawing, sewing, and design.
Honing these skills through a degree in fashion design or an internship can be beneficial to your career.
– Narrow your interest to a specific design field, such as haute couture or ready-to-wear.
– Practice your craft as much as possible by creating original designs.This will help you develop a better sense of your unique stylistic vision.
– Learn about the business and marketing aspects of the fashion industry by researching successful fashion houses and designers to give yourself a competitive edge.
Steps
Honing Your Skills
–
1Develop your skills.Successful fashion designers have a wide array of skills, including
[drawing](/Draw), an eye for color and texture, and an ability to visualize concepts in three dimensions.Most importantly, aspiring fashion designers should be able to [cut](/Cut-Fabric)and sew all types of different fabrics.
[[1]](#_note-1)X Research source
– Even if you’re already an exceptional sewer, keep honing and practicing your skills by experimenting with a multitude of different designs, patterns, and fabrics.Being able to
[sew](/Sew)with difficult fabrics under challenging conditions like limited time will serve you well in this career path.
– Start learning about how fabrics move, drape, breathe, react when worn, etc., as well as where to source them from.Your in-depth knowledge of fabric is essential to understanding what fabric works best for specific designs.
– Learn from existing designers you admire by researching their backgrounds, signature styles, and where they studied.Knowing this will help you become a better designer yourself, as you can borrow and build on their ideas.
[[2]](#_note-2)X [Expert Source](/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) [Chloée Ohayon-Crosby](/Author/Chlo%C3%A9e-Ohayon-Crosby)Expert Interview.24 July 2020.
Fashion Stylist
– Learn how to create storyboards and product ranges.Research fashion trends by paying close attention to runway shows, popular looks on social media, and displays at retail outlets.
– The earlier you can start honing your fashion designing skills, the better.
A little bit of learning every day will help you gain a deep understanding of the fashion industry over time—trying to learn everything at once will be overwhelming.
– Even if you’re already an exceptional sewer, keep honing and practicing your skills by experimenting with a multitude of different designs, patterns, and fabrics.Being able to
–
2Consider getting a degree in fashion design.Earning a degree in fashion design or a related program can benefit you greatly by allowing you to hone your craft and gain contacts in a supportive, well-connected environment.
[[3]](#_note-3)X [Expert Source](/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) [Susan Kim](/Author/Susan-Kim)Expert Interview.20 April 2019 Access to skilled professionals’ expertise and critique of your designs can help you become an exceptionally skilled designer.Do one (or both) of the following:
Professional Stylist
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– Get a degree in fashion design.
Most programs are 3-4 years long.
FIDMand Parsonsare two of the most popular design schools in the United States.You will study drawing, color and composition, pattern-making, and draping, among other useful skills.
– In addition to learning practical skills, you will also be working with industry professionals who may serve as important contacts in the future and can give you first-hand advice and feedback on your work.
– Get a degree in fashion design.Most programs are 3-4 years long.
–
3
[Apply for an internship](/Apply-for-an-Internship)or apprenticeship.
If school isn’t for you and you feel that real-world experience could benefit you more, find a fashion internship.You will need to [create an impressive portfolio](/Prepare-a-Fashion-Design-Portfolio)to apply and be willing to start at the bottom—interns are often given menial tasks like getting coffee.
Choosing a Design Field
–
1Decide which design field is your principal interest.It’s important to start with a good sense of what aspects of the fashion industry interest you most.
[[5]](#_note-5)X [Expert Source](/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) [Christina Santelli](/Author/Christina-Santelli)Expert Interview.22 April 2019.
Each design sector, such as haute couture and mass market retail, has unique advantages and disadvantages you’ll need to explore before deciding which pathway to pursue.You don’t have to be dead set on only one type of design, but it’s a good idea to try one thing at a time and not over-extend yourself.
As you learn and grow as a fashion designer, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to
Professional Stylist
[determine what you like designing best](/Design-Clothes).[[6]](#_note-6)X Research source [For example, you might be interested in:](#)
– Women’s daywear, women’s evening wear
– Men’s daywear, men’s evening wear
– Boys’ wear and girls’ wear; teenage wear
– Sportswear/fitness/leisure wear
– Knitwear
– Outdoor, adventure, outerwear
– Bridal wear
– Accessories
– Costume design for theaters and the film industry
–
2Prioritize a passion for the craft over a desire to become famous.If you’re planning to become a fashion designer, keep in mind that it takes time, hard work, and a great deal of effort to succeed.While most aspiring fashion designers aim to have their clothing worn by celebrities, successful designers keep the average consumer in mind first and foremost, as they’re the ones regularly purchasing the clothes.Typically, celebrities are gifted items from fashion brands for publicity and don’t have to purchase them themselves, so it can be hard to sustain yourself without appealing to the mass market.
[[7]](#_note-7)X [Trustworthy Source](/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience)Harvard Business Review Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices [Go to source](#)
–
3Ask your customers what they need.
Be realistic: if you live in a very warm climate, you’ll have a tough time selling ski jackets.Pay attention to what people wear to determine what real people need and want.For example, the average buyer is more interested in practical clothes they can wear every day, like shirts and bottoms.Keep it simple and realistic—extravagant sketches are nice on paper, but great tops and jeans will likely sell more than daring evening dresses.
[[8]](#_note-8)X Research source
–
4Perfect your designs.If you plan on
[creating a style](/Design-Clothes)that will be produced more than a hundred times, ensure it’s perfect before sending it to production.
The more you work with the fabric, fit, and draping of the piece you’ve designed, the better it will become, and the more quantity you will sell.Poorly designed styles that don’t fit right or are simply unappealing will get you returns and result in a loss of profits.
[[9]](#_note-9)X Research source
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5Get inspiration from your competitors.Note the type of hardware (like zippers and buttons) comparative designers are using, as well as the comfort, breathability, and care of the fabrics they’ve chosen.Using your competitors for inspiration is not copying, but rather, product research to better your own designs and influence your style.
[[10]](#_note-10)X [Expert Source](/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) [Sarah McDonald](/Author/Sarah-McDonald)Expert Interview.26 August 2021.
Certified Stylist & Image Consultant
– Pay particular attention to best-sellers.These “favorite” items are a success for a reason.It’s up to you to determine what makes these items great and employ those characteristics in your own designs.
–
6Play into your strengths by focusing on what you design best.
Ask yourself what your strength is in design.Perhaps you’re a whizz at accessories or a genius with yoga pants.
Great fashion designers capitalize on their passions and skills while also focusing on what the market wants.To do this,
[pay close attention to current trends](/Be-Trendy)and look for opportunities to expand upon a current trend in a new and exciting way through your designs.
Is the fashion industry right for you?
–
1Assess your skills and personality before pursuing a career in fashion design.You may have a passion for fashion, but an eye for clothing design is only a small part of what it takes to succeed in the fashion industry.
[[11]](#_note-11)X [Expert Source](/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) [Christina Santelli](/Author/Christina-Santelli)Expert Interview.22 April 2019.You’ll need excellent communication skills, a willingness to work very hard, an ability to take criticism, and a high tolerance for stress.Going from city to city with your designs, having many different clients or bosses, and constantly promoting yourself to get your brand out there can be very challenging.
Fashion design might not be your best career path if these aspects of the industry seem too overwhelming.
Professional Stylist
– Being a fashion designer is probably for you if: You want to devote your life to this career (it’s your “vocation”), you don’t mind uncertainty or insecurity, you are willing to stand up for what you believe in, you have distinct ideas about what’s important in fashion, you listen to clients well, you know the fashion industry inside out, and you live, eat and breathe fashion.
– Being a fashion designer is probably not for you if: You can’t manage stress well, you don’t like uncertainty or instability, you don’t want a career with constant highs and lows, you need other people to praise your efforts, you need a lot of guidance, or you hate being financially unstable.
Setting Yourself Up for Success
–
1Get educated about the business side of fashion.Being a successful fashion designer requires talent, creativity, and a sound knowledge of the business and marketing aspects of the fashion world.Keep yourself updated on the goings-on of the fashion industry by regularly reading trade journals like
Women’s Wear Daily.
– Many fashion design programs include courses in marketing and financial literacy.Some programs/majors highlight these helpful courses more than others, so be sure to do ample research on the coursework involved in the program you choose.
– Learn beyond design.
There is an entire supply chain involved in the fashion industry, and you need to understand each person’s job so that you can see things from their perspective too, to make compromises, meet demands and understand where things get held up.
– Research what others do, such as buyers, merchandisers, pattern cutters, garment and fabric technologists, quality controllers, graders, sample machinists, salespeople, PR and marketing people, fashion journalists, retailers, event organizers, stylists, and so forth.
– Know how much your customers spend, their lifestyles, where they like to shop, how they like to shop, and what they like and dislike.This will make you a more competitive designer because you’ll know what the customer wants.
– Always keep an eye on what other fashion designers in your area of interest are doing.
– Trade fairs are an excellent place to better understand how the fashion industry works behind the curtain, like supply chains and manufacturing plant operations.
–
2Look for a job in fashion design.There are various ways to find work in the fashion industry as a designer, depending on the type of design you’re interested in.Be willing to take a job that isn’t exactly in the sector of design that you’re interested in for the experience alone.
[[12]](#_note-12)X [Expert Source](/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) [Christina Santelli](/Author/Christina-Santelli)Expert Interview.
22 April 2019.Being versatile will help you land the job of your dreams as you gain more experience.You’ll need to be persistent and apply to many different job listings in order to get your foot in the door.For starters, some places to apply to include:
Professional Stylist
– Existing fashion houses and designers with open listings like internships, entry-level paid positions, assistants to designers, etc.
– Costume positions with movie studios, theaters, costume stores, etc.
– Online advertisements through various online job platforms like
Linkedin.
– Word of mouth––use your college or fashion industry contacts to get you through the door.This is a good way to get started in an industry that values what well-positioned people have to say.
–
3Keep on top of your finances.The fashion industry is very expense-heavy, so you’ll need to pay close attention to the money your spending and making each month.
If you’re not good with numbers,
[hiring an accountant](/Hire-an-Accountant)to handle the financial aspects of your business is an excellent idea if you can afford to do so.[[13]](#_note-13)X Research source
– Don’t forget that you can always work as a designer for a fashion house instead of running your own label if you don’t want to run your own business.
–
4Design for your market.If you have a passion for designing bikinis but live in an often freezing climate, moving where the climate suits your designs might be beneficial and make them more likely to sell.Designing for your market is all about playing into the area’s lifestyle.For example, cold climates sell a lot of jackets, whereas warm climates sell more shorts and dresses.
By designing for your market or sending your designs elsewhere, you’ll be better able to sell the most product possible.
[[14]](#_note-14)X Research source
– Consider the power of
[selling online](/Sell-Products-From-Home).
With great stock photos and a user-friendly webpage design, you can sell to anyone, anywhere.
– Living in a city with a thriving fashion industry is a great way to kick-start your career.The following cities are among the top fashion capitals of the world:
[[15]](#_note-15)X Research source
– Paris, France
– London, England
– New York, US
– Milan, Italy
– Tokyo, Japan
– Barcelona, Spain
– Madrid, Spain
– Seoul, South Korea
– Toronto, Canada
– Sao Palo, Brazil
– Berlin, Germany
– Mumbai, India
– Consider the power of
Creating Your Fashion Portfolio
–
1
[Assemble a portfolio](/Make-a-Portfolio)of your work.A well-put-together design portfolio is vital when applying to design jobs and internships, as it shows your skill level and your ability to market yourself.Display the designs you’re most proud of and those that highlight your skills and creativity.
Use a high-quality binder to show that you take yourself seriously as a designer.[[16]](#_note-16)X Research source [Include the following in your portfolio:](#)
– Hand-drawn sketches or photographs of your sketches
– Computer-drawn designs
– Resume
– Mood or concept pages
– Color or textile presentation pages
– Any other pieces that reflect what you’re capable of or are evolving into.
Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get premium answers for this article?
[Unlock premium answers by supporting wikiHow](#)
[Unlock premium answers by supporting wikiHow](#) [Add New Question]
–
QuestionHow can I start fashion designing?
[Chloée Ohayon-Crosby](/Author/Chlo%C3%A9e-Ohayon-Crosby)
Costume Designer & Wardrobe SpecialistCostume Designer & Wardrobe SpecialistExpert Answer
–
QuestionWhat’s my first step to starting fashion designing?
[wikiHow Staff Editor](/wikiHow:Content-Management)
Staff AnswerwikiHow Staff EditorStaff Answer
–
QuestionWhat if I’m 12 years old?
[wikiHow Staff Editor](/wikiHow:Content-Management)
Staff AnswerwikiHow Staff EditorStaff Answer
[See more answers](/Questions/Become-a-Fashion-Designer#offset=3) [Submit]
Tips
–
Wear your own fashions as much as possible.What better way to promote your clothing than to wear it?
[[17]](#_note-17)X [Expert Source](/wikiHow:Delivering-a-Trustworthy-Experience) [Christina Santelli](/Author/Christina-Santelli)Expert Interview.22 April 2019.
When people ask questions about it, be ready to explain everything in short, concise ways that excite the listener.
Professional StylistThanks
–
[Accept criticism](/Accept-Criticism)gracefully.Constructive criticism can take your designs to the next level.Thanks
–
If you plan to launch your own fashion line instead of designing for an existing one, start out with your own online shop.You can then spread your designs across sites like
ASOS marketplace(where budding designers sell their creations) and Etsy(where people sell handmade goods such as clothes, jewelry, candles, and artwork).Thanks
Warnings
– The fashion industry is extremely competitive; only pursue a career in fashion if you’re 100% devoted to the field.Thanks
– Working as a designer can be a physically strenuous career.You must be willing to work consistently long hours to meet deadlines.Thanks
References
–
–
[↑](#_ref-2)Chloée Ohayon-Crosby.Fashion Stylist.Expert Interview.24 July 2020.
–
[↑](#_ref-3)Susan Kim.
Professional Stylist.Expert Interview.20 April 2019
–
[↑](#_ref-4) https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/workplace-talent/how-to-find-an-internship-in-fashion/
–
[↑](#_ref-5)Christina Santelli.Professional Stylist.Expert Interview.22 April 2019.
–
[↑](#_ref-6) https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/types-of-designers-in-fashion
–
[↑](#_ref-7) https://hbr.org/2018/06/5-surprising-findings-about-how-people-actually-buy-clothes-and-shoes
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[↑](#_ref-8) https://www.infoentrepreneurs.org/en/guides/know-your-customers–needs/
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[↑](#_ref-9) https://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/four-strategies-for-making-concessions
–
[↑](#_ref-10)Sarah McDonald.Certified Stylist & Image Consultant.
Expert Interview.26 August 2021.
–
[↑](#_ref-11)Christina Santelli.Professional Stylist.Expert Interview.22 April 2019.
–
[↑](#_ref-12)Christina Santelli.Professional Stylist.Expert Interview.
22 April 2019.
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[↑](#_ref-13) https://www.robertwalters.cn/career-advice/finance-career-in-fashion-industry.html
–
[↑](#_ref-14) https://www.marieclaire.com/career-advice/a7896/how-to-start-your-own-clothing-label/
–
[↑](#_ref-15) https://thevou.com/fashion/fashion-capitals-of-the-world/
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[↑](#_ref-16) https://education.seattlepi.com/prepare-portfolio-fashion-design-school-1459.html
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[↑](#_ref-17)Christina Santelli.Professional Stylist.Expert Interview.22 April 2019.
About This Article
[Article SummaryX](#summary_wrapper)
If you want to become a fashion designer, enroll in a school for fashion design, where you can study fabrics, sewing techniques, and the history of fashion.If school isn’t for you, apply for an apprenticeship or internship working for a fashion designer.
As you’re completing your training, design and create clothing for customers to build your portfolio.Once you’ve completed school or your internship, you can either apply for jobs with different clothing manufacturers or you can start your own clothing label.For tips on assembling your fashion portfolio, keep reading!
[In other languages](#other_languages) Diventare Stilista di Moda Virar Estilista Modedesigner werden devenir un créateur de mode стать модным дизайнером Jak se stát módním návrhářem Cara menjadi desain mode أن تصبح مصمم أزياء फैशन डिज़ाइनर बनें Trở thành nhà thiết kế thời trang Modeontwerper worden 패션 디자이너 되는 방법
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