Fashion designers are rising stars, looming brighter and more visible in the public eye than ever before. Maybe one can thank the popularity of Project Runway, because in our celebrity-driven culture, fashion designers have definitely made their mark and continue to color our world with beauty.There are lot of Fashion Designing Institutes in Pune but INIFD Deccan is most famous for fashion & Interior.
Fashion designers are the creative force behind every piece of clothing you see on the market. Some fashion designers work for large retailers, such as Shoppers Stop or Wal-Mart. Designers who are successful evolve into creating their own label and sell their designs both on a large retail scale and to private and exclusive clients.
The designer visualizes a new piece of clothing and works through the entire process from concept to the actual making of the garment. Most designers specialize in one particular area, such as sportswear, evening gowns, bridal, kids, etc. Some designers actually make the patterns necessary to sew a sample garment, but others employ the services of a pattern maker.
Most designers create their own sketches by hand, but some use computer-aided design (CAD), which has increasingly become more popular. By using CAD programs, the designer can create a three-dimensional or virtual model. Perhaps you’ve seen an example of one of these models online. For example, the catalog company Lands End has a great virtual model built for the consumer. You define parameters such as height, weight, hair color, skin tone, etc., to create your very own personal model to fit your figure dimensions. After your virtual model is designed, you can proceed to try on clothes from the catalog and get an idea as to what the specific outfits will look like on your body type. Go to www.landsend.com to give it a try.
Designers constantly research fashion trends and are aware of what is in right now, as well as what may be hot in the future. They obtain reports or rely on industry professionals who project future trends, colors, fabrics, and styles. But with all of this in mind, it’s the designers who take risks and create unique pieces that become the next hot trend. The designer creates or sketches out an original design, which is used to produce an actual garment. A fit model is often hired to work with the designer who will make adjustments. After final alterations have been made, originals are sewn.
Designers who build a line for a company may need to travel extensively and internationally. They work with factories and are involved throughout the manufacturing process. A lot of raw materials and manufacturing plants are located outside the country, and travel is necessary to view and select materials or supervise production.
For many professionals in the fashion business, building a portfolio is key. You must also be able to produce samples of your designs. You should also have an artistic edge and an eye for color, fabric, and style. It is of great value to be able to sketch well because that is the heart of how designs go from concept to actual product. Basic skills such as sewing or pattern making are necessary, as well as technical skills such as CAD programs, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc. As with many creative careers, the outlook for this career is strong. As fashion continuously evolves, there will always be the need for new designs, trends, and styles. Original designs help keep fashion alive, thriving, and ever changing.
A bachelor’s college degree or a professional certificate course, in fashion design is highly recommended. There are designers who get started in this career on the basis of talent and dedication or who work their way up from an intern or apprentice. Successful independent designers employ a number of people and often manufacture their garments.
Prospects and Outlook
The fashion industry is huge. There are always companies hiring people to work for them in many areas and that are buying licenses from other designers. They need people to design those products. If you’re someone coming out of high school, I would start a part-time internship in an important company. They are always looking for people to take internships. They always need help, and, as a result, you can have a big name on your résumé. From there, you can start building up your experience.
Advice for Anyone Starting Out…
As far as starting a line, that can be done anywhere, as long as you are willing to travel at some point for trade shows. Today, the Internet being what it is, there are so many barriers removed on where one has to be. My best advice is to study those that are the very best in your field. Find out what they did and where they went, see if you can get a mentor, or intern with a company you respect and admire. Be observant of what is going on around you, sharpen up all the time, be very persistent, and, most of all, follow your gut—it is never wrong.
Final Words of Wisdom
Follow your dream. Do only what you believe in, no matter what anyone tells you, and the rest will come. Network as much as you can, and be nice to everyone. The scrawny kid you meet in class or on the job one day could be the next Versace tomorrow.