One of the most sought after career choice among the youth today is Fashion Designing . the younger generations has always wanted to set their own highly creative trends in their style of dressing. The various functional areas in this industry are designing of cloth and garments, cutting of the garments, sewing and merchandising. Popularising and marketing of the various styles and products is done through ramp shows, magazines, websites and even through TV channels. But do remember the inside story is very different from that of outside.

Along with meeting glamorous national and international personalities and interacting with other rich and famous people, a career in Fashion Designing also gives an impetus to the creative flair of designers who possess a sense of style and colour combination.

Fashion is a term commonly used in relation to dresses, garments, textiles and the like. Today there is a huge increase in quality textiles as well as materials for the fashion designers to work with and fashion is identified with status, acceptance and it almost implies social involvement. Cotton with rustic texture and vibrant hues enjoys a prominent place in the international market. The trend for growth are set for upcoming fashion entrepreneurs

Nature of Work

Depending on their creative talent and understanding of the needs of their clients the designers create attractive and functional garments and accessories based on the latest trends, market conditions, occasions, weather and also keeping a close watch on the style, colour, texture, size and material and the finish. Fashion Designer create designs for anything that is part of the garment of men, women, and children irrespective of the age.

This interesting process of designing a dress starts with sketches, the original idea comes on to the paper and then shaping the pattern pieces which make the complete garment. The pieces are then drawn in actual size on paper and cut out on a rough material. These pieces are stitched together and are tried out on a model. From such rough model sample garments are made in the final fabric. Much time of the designer is spent in exploration and research.

Good working knowledge of design related software programs such as Adobe Photo shop and Illustrator is also essential

For the design to be accepted and attractive the knowledge about fabric, weave, draping qualities, material, colour and design and the changing trend is very important. Creating his/her own acceptable market is the sign of a highly talented designer.

Personality

Personality of the designer is as important as the design. Playing with colours, tones and textures the designers must be able to express their ideas very clearly in sketches. They have to be creative and original to stand the test of time. Designers with great visual imagination have the ability to think in three or more dimensions and to translate their vision into garments. They have a flair for creation.

Apart from being fashion conscious the fashion designers must update themselves and be aware of the market trends. In order to have an International perspective, they must read more and more of international fashion journals, books on history and art, and must watch fashion shows. They must also visit various art galleries and exhibitions and interact with traditional artists whenever they get a chance. As a designer one should have knowledge and experience of basic tailoring skills i.e. cutting, sewing, draping, etc. and they should have a good knowledge of fabric quality and be very particular about choosing a cloth suitable to the design and need to work on .

Design should also suit the client for which an understanding of customer lifestyle is important as the clothes express personality and attitude. The Fashion Designer must be customer friendly with original and innovative designs to meet the needs of the customer. To make progress and to become a Top designer new challenges have to be met at every point of time with innovative ideas.

Specialization

Main areas of work in this industry:

• Designing
• Marketing and Merchandising
• Manufacturing
• Fashion co-ordination

Career Prospects

There are opportunities for work with the various sectors dealing with fashion. The opportunities for job exist in the following sectors :

1. Exports
2. Retail and wholesale garment businesses for different age groups, uniforms, sports wear, casual wear , men’s wear, exclusives for ladies etc
3. Government textile manufacturers
4. Other semi govt textile manufacturers
5. Fashion shows
6. Fashion magazines
7. Event management costume designing
8. TV/Film costume designing etc

Remunerations

In any field remuneration mostly depends on the persons ability and skills. Straight from college fresh graduate can look for a monthly pay packet of $ 200.00 to $ 400.00 For those who are extremely talented can expect even the double !. Experience counts ! and one can reach greater heights within first few years with creativity, talent, hard work and vision