Fashion designer

Fashion design is the creation of design concepts which are then translated into manufactured garments for every occasion. The fashion industry is a worldwide industry which constantly requires a supply of designers and design concepts to feed a voracious consumer demand for clothes and accessories.

Fashion designers conceptualise and produce creative ranges of clothing and accessories either as in-house or as consultant designers. They analyse fashion trends and working closely with production, marketing and sales departments they design, produce and promote a finished, ready-to-wear product for clothing manufacturers, specialty and retail stores, and individual clients. Designers usually specialise in a specific line of clothing such as women, men, kids, maternity, bridal, sportswear, shoes or accessories. In larger fashion houses, designers may work in very specialised areas, such as t-shirts, evening dresses, maternity clothes, baby outfits or denims.

Fashion designers also make careers in a wide range of associated fashion and clothing areas that support the main fashion industry.

Work activities

• Researching fashion trends and staying current on contemporary styles
• Attending runway or fashion shows to acquire new fashion ideas
• Developing mood boards to illustrate themes
• Creating sketches and prototypes
• Choosing materials
• Performing business administration tasks
• Marketing products
• Supervising or working with design team members.