Fashion Designing Careers: Which Path is Right for You?

Fashion design careers offer creative freedom, a rewarding and fun-filled journey, and professional success. 

From Fast fashion, luxury & premium Indian wear, to film & television and publishing, you can work anywhere as a fashion designer. You can choose newer areas like forecasting or work as a fashion and print designer, visual merchandiser, or fashion buyer.

All you need is to master technical and digital skills, get some professional training, prepare a portfolio, and get ready to excel in your career.

Read ahead to learn more about different career options as a fashion designer and get tips on how to approach the industry.

A Look at the Indian Fashion Industry

The fashion industry has witnessed significant changes in the last few years. With more consumer awareness, changing technology, and automated production processes, the transformation across sectors is remarkable. 

Shifting consumer behaviors including more online purchases, preference for customizable garments, and eco-conscious choices have pushed many brands to rethink their operations and take a more ethical and moral approach. 

A growing demand for fashion products among the middle-income groups has resulted in the growth of mid-value brands and value retailers. These specifically cater to people who want to explore fashion on a budget, tapping into a large market consisting of new professionals, students, homemakers, and more.

Integration of AI & automation is the talk of the hour right now – from AI-powered virtual try-on experiences to automation of sewing, cutting, printing, and finishing has made the production process more efficient and brought in a wave of rising revenue in fast fashion.

With climate crises and rising concerns about the contribution of the fashion industry to waste generation and pollution, sustainable paths – both in terms of sourcing & production and workers’ welfare – have become a more natural choice for many emerging brands. Modern consumers – especially the younger millennials and Gen-Z – want information on how and where their clothes have been made and who made them. They want to know if their fashion choices reinforce fair wage systems and good working conditions. Transparency is the way forward for the fashion industry – in India and globally. 

Qualifications You Need for Your Fashion Design Career

A formal course is the perfect way to start your career in fashion. All you need is creativity, drawing skills, and an understanding of fashion basics along with some digital prowess and you’ll be ready for any fashion design institute. 

If you are still in school, you can consider an undergraduate degree like a B.Des (Bachelor of Design) or B.Sc. in fashion design. Spanning around 3-4 years these would teach you everything you need to know to kickstart your career, help you refine your skills, and get hands-on industry experience. You could also opt for a diploma in fashion design (1-2 years) to hone those skills, build a portfolio, and start your design journey. 

If you are in college or working and looking for an advanced course that will help you aim for better opportunities, understand research, and start your own business, a Master’s in Design or a similar postgraduate degree/diploma course is a good idea. 

Where Can You Work As A Fashion Designer?

With emerging niches and new opportunities, there are lots of areas you can work in. While the salaries of fashion designers vary, these areas are great for career growth with the textile and apparel sector being the second-highest employment generator in the country. You can choose a specialization in college or enroll in a certificate course to acquaint yourself with the nuances of the niche you want to work in. 

Fast Fashion

One of the fastest growing sectors in the Indian fashion Landscape – although fast fashion is quite competitive – it can be perfect for fresh graduates. The dynamic environment is great for learning how the industry functions, adapting to changing trends and preferences, and mastering multi-tasking abilities. 

Athleisure

Athleisure has risen in popularity in the years following the pandemic. From one-mile-wears to casual athleisure, people particularly favor the comfort factor that makes this category stand out. The rise of mid-value brands in this area has further increased their popularity among the middle class. With smart fabrics and innovative designs, it is an advancing niche with scopes for better opportunities, high-earning jobs, and global prospects. 

Luxury and Couture

With sustainable approaches and cruelty-free materials and processes, the luxury market is going through a shift. There are newer brands that are dedicated to conscious fashion with their primary focus on producing eco-friendly and ethical pieces while also exploring the realm of couture. Working in this sector requires specialization, deep knowledge of couture, experience to understand the industry better, and a stunning portfolio.

Film & Entertainment

Apart from different sectors within the fashion industry, you can work as a costume designer in films, TV, and reality shows. Costume designers work with a team of art directors, actors, make-up artists, cinematographers, and other film crew. They are responsible for dressing the characters in a way that would support the storyline and resonate with the viewers. 

News and Publishing 

If you are a fan of fashion magazines and love to read blogs about trends, styling, and more, working as a magazine editor or fashion blogger can be the right career for you. Designers working in news and publishing collaborate with photographers for editorial shoots, write about the newest fashion trends, and interact with the readers through informative articles on different aspects of the industry.

The perks of working in a growing and fairly lucrative industry are that you can work across sectors, upskill and aim for more rewarding roles, and have a successful yet fun-filled professional journey. 

Fashion Designing Careers with Growth Opportunities

The Indian fashion industry is diverse – with different techniques, a rich textile heritage, emerging technology, and differing consumer preferences. 

So, is fashion design a good career option?

The short answer is – Yes. Every year, freshers are recruited from design institutes via campus placement for various entry-level jobs. You can work with peers, learn about the industry, upskill, and move your way up the ladder with more knowledge and experience, aiming for better roles and opportunities. 

• Entry-Level Jobs

Once you graduate, you can opt for campus placements or approach recruiting professionals independently. Your portfolio, internship experiences, knowledge & relevant skills, and deep interest in the field are what will set you apart in the process. 

Some popular entry-level jobs you can apply to after completing your design degree are – 

Fashion Designer

Assistant to a Stylist

Print Designer

Pattern Maker

Fashion Blogger

• Mid Senior-Level Jobs

Mid-senior-level roles require more expertise and specialized knowledge. Most of these roles require a minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a relevant field. 

Some jobs that offer higher salaries and incentives and have a lot of opportunities for growth are –

Visual Merchandiser

Senior Designer

Apparel Production manager

Educator

• Senior-Level Jobs

Once you know the industry and its nuances, you are eligible for senior roles. Professionals in these roles have at least 10-15 years of experience. 

A lot of the senior-level jobs require highly advanced training, research experiences, and an understanding of the academic landscape along with industry knowledge –  

Here’s a list of jobs across industries – 

Chief Designer

Fashion Buyer

Pattern Master

Academician

• Niche Roles

These jobs require advanced training and a deep understanding of the niche. These often require specialized qualifications to navigate the complexities of the field. Unlike regular jobs, niche roles have fewer vacancies, rely on deep research, and focus on a specific segment. 

Some examples of niche jobs in the fashion industry are – 

Fashion Forecaster

Costume Designer

Fashion Historian

How to Decide the Right Career Path – Tips for Aspiring Fashion Designers

If you are wondering what fashion design career would be right for you, start by listing down areas you are interested in. Understand what you are passionate about and assess your skills. 

Ask yourself if you have the required drawing, drafting, or digital skills and if you’re willing to dedicate time and effort to refine them and learn new things. 

The next step is to shortlist courses and areas of specialization. Look for courses that focus on diversifying knowledge, mastering interdisciplinary skills, and providing access to essential resources. Ensure the curricula include internship opportunities and scope for portfolio development.

Before you choose your path understand the job market, salary structures in various roles, scopes of employment, and job prospects in India and abroad. A path with more room for growth & advancement will enrich your career. 

Conclusion

With a shift in consumer preferences toward ethical alternatives, integration of technology in manufacturing processes, urbanization, and demand for premium-quality apparel, the industry has witnessed high growth rates, emerging niches, and increasing business opportunities. 

A growing and dynamic industry means you can work in different positions across sectors. From fashion designers to bloggers, pattern masters, costume designers, stylists, and academic roles – there is a vast range of opportunities. 

Whether it is couture, fast fashion, television, or news & publishing, with professional training you can get a headstart on your fashion design career and navigate the fashion landscape hassle-free. 

Check out AAFT’s School of Fashion Design for courses that align with your interests and help transition to the professional realm.