Whether you’re interested in creating your own fashion line, or you’ve already got a collection under your belt and are looking to improve your skills, there’s a course out there that’s right for you.As a student in our Fashion Design program, you’ll work closely with faculty to develop your creative vision and professional portfolio. We also help you connect with industry through exclusive access and a variety of study travel experiences.

1. Developing a personal style

Fashion design can be a highly creative career path, but it requires business and management knowledge. If you’re considering a career in this field, consider taking specialized business courses to prepare you for launching your own line or working with other professionals in the fashion industry.

In addition to academics, developing a strong portfolio is essential in the fashion design industry. A student’s portfolio is how employers and other potential employers assess the designer’s skills and creativity. A compelling portfolio can make a designer more desirable to prospective employers and can also increase the chance that they’ll be hired.

2. Creating a collection

A key step in the fashion industry is the creation of a collection. This is what sets the brands apart from the competition and defines their brand identity.

To create a collection, you need to have a vision and a theme that is cohesive throughout. This will help you decide what types of garments are appropriate for the style and the overall aesthetic.

Once you have decided on the theme, you will need to work out what your colour schemes are going to be. It is important to have a complimentary colour scheme as this will help create depth and interest.

Once you have your colour palettes, think about how you want to merchandise the collection. You may want to create a small, medium or extensive range depending on your budget and audience.

3. Building a portfolio

Building a portfolio is a key part of the fashion industry. It helps a designer show off their skills and experience to a prospective employer or a fashion school admissions officer.

It also shows off a student’s creativity and passion for the design world. It should contain everything a designer has done and a projection of who they want to be in the future.

Include sketches, swatches, and high-quality photographs of your best work to make a strong impression. Organize your materials chronologically, starting with the most recent and moving backwards.

A fashion design portfolio should include fashion illustrations, inspiration or mood boards with textile swatches, flat sketches and “floats”, and computer-aided design (CAD) files. CAD is an important skill for designers because it allows them to work with virtual models before producing prototypes, allowing them to see how their ideas will look on different body types.

4. Getting a job

Fashion design courses offer students the opportunity to get formal training in the art of designing and creating clothing and accessories. These courses often lead to associate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees.

In addition to these degree programs, some colleges offer certificate programs in fashion design and even shorter-term programs that focus on a specific skill or technique. These short-term programs may also be available online.

Another option is to major in fashion merchandising, which can be especially useful for aspiring designers who want to enter the industry on the business side of things. This major usually includes a wide variety of courses focused on fashion-related areas like merchandising, retailing and digital tools for fashion presentations.

Fashion designers need artistic ability and creativity as well as a keen eye for detail. These skills are often innate, but they can be enhanced through formal classes and daily practice.