2 answers
Aliviah
Student
Strayhorn, MS
3
Questions
Updated
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What are the chances of success I'd have if I want to be a fashion designer?
I know there's tons of top tier fashion industries, and most starter stores don't make it far. But if it's something I commit to, what all would I need to start? What schools do I need to look at? What steps should I take to make an advancement plan?
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2 answers
Rebecca Aidoo
Fashion specialists
39
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Pursuing a career in fashion design is an ambitious goal, and it is wise to consider both the competitive nature of the industry and the level of commitment required to succeed. The fashion industry is highly competitive, particularly in global fashion capitals such as Paris, Milan, London, and New York City. Many new brands and designers enter the market each year, and not all of them endure. However, long-term success depends largely on preparation, skill development, strategic planning, and resilience.
If you are committed to becoming a fashion designer, you will need both creative and technical training. This includes garment construction, textiles, pattern making, fashion illustration, and proficiency in digital design tools such as Adobe Illustrator. Strong technical ability allows you to translate ideas into wearable, well-constructed pieces. At the same time, you must understand the business side of fashion, including branding, marketing, pricing, sourcing, production processes, and customer behavior. A balanced understanding of creativity and commerce strengthens your ability to build and sustain a brand.
In terms of education, you may explore specialized fashion institutions such as Parsons School of Design, Fashion Institute of Technology, Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion, or Istituto Marangoni. These schools provide structured training, industry exposure, and networking opportunities. However, formal education is not the only pathway. Apprenticeships, internships, online certifications, and consistent hands-on practice can also help you build a strong portfolio. Ultimately, employers and clients will look at the quality, originality, and coherence of your work.
It is equally important to understand fashion law. Fashion is not only creative and commercial but it is also legal. Knowledge of intellectual property law, particularly trademarks and copyrights, helps protect your brand name and original work. Understanding contracts ensures that you are treated fairly in supplier agreements, collaborations, and employment arrangements. Awareness of production regulations and consumer protection standards is essential if you intend to sell your designs locally or internationally. You do not need to become a legal expert, but having a foundational understanding of these areas can protect your work and prevent costly mistakes.
To create an advancement plan, begin with foundational learning and skill development. Dedicate time to practicing sketching, sewing, and garment construction while studying fashion history and current market trends. Next, focus on building a professional portfolio that demonstrates both creativity and technical precision. Seek internships or assistant roles with established designers to gain real-world experience and industry insight. As you grow, start developing small collections, test your designs with a target audience, and refine your brand identity. Strategic growth is often more sustainable than rushing into large-scale production.
Success in fashion does not happen overnight. It requires continuous learning, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve with market demands. While the industry is competitive, designers who combine strong technical skills, business understanding, legal awareness, and disciplined execution significantly increase their chances of building a lasting career.
If you are committed to becoming a fashion designer, you will need both creative and technical training. This includes garment construction, textiles, pattern making, fashion illustration, and proficiency in digital design tools such as Adobe Illustrator. Strong technical ability allows you to translate ideas into wearable, well-constructed pieces. At the same time, you must understand the business side of fashion, including branding, marketing, pricing, sourcing, production processes, and customer behavior. A balanced understanding of creativity and commerce strengthens your ability to build and sustain a brand.
In terms of education, you may explore specialized fashion institutions such as Parsons School of Design, Fashion Institute of Technology, Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion, or Istituto Marangoni. These schools provide structured training, industry exposure, and networking opportunities. However, formal education is not the only pathway. Apprenticeships, internships, online certifications, and consistent hands-on practice can also help you build a strong portfolio. Ultimately, employers and clients will look at the quality, originality, and coherence of your work.
It is equally important to understand fashion law. Fashion is not only creative and commercial but it is also legal. Knowledge of intellectual property law, particularly trademarks and copyrights, helps protect your brand name and original work. Understanding contracts ensures that you are treated fairly in supplier agreements, collaborations, and employment arrangements. Awareness of production regulations and consumer protection standards is essential if you intend to sell your designs locally or internationally. You do not need to become a legal expert, but having a foundational understanding of these areas can protect your work and prevent costly mistakes.
To create an advancement plan, begin with foundational learning and skill development. Dedicate time to practicing sketching, sewing, and garment construction while studying fashion history and current market trends. Next, focus on building a professional portfolio that demonstrates both creativity and technical precision. Seek internships or assistant roles with established designers to gain real-world experience and industry insight. As you grow, start developing small collections, test your designs with a target audience, and refine your brand identity. Strategic growth is often more sustainable than rushing into large-scale production.
Success in fashion does not happen overnight. It requires continuous learning, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve with market demands. While the industry is competitive, designers who combine strong technical skills, business understanding, legal awareness, and disciplined execution significantly increase their chances of building a lasting career.
Irene Smolyanskaya
Designer Creative Draper Educator
36
Answers
Boulder, Colorado
Updated
Irene’s Answer
Hello Alivia,
As a creative professional in the Fashion industry of many years, I know for a fact that no matter what any advisors tell you, your creativity will always force you to make use of it, one way or another. If your mind is filled with images of clothing that you feel you must make, just go for it. There will be no other 'relief' for you.
And yes, you will find your customer eventually. Your initial step should be a good training program, where you could learn some essential skills, such as creative exploration, sketching, draping, and the actual sewing is a super important skill, too. You also get a chance to connect with like-minded students end see where you stand in terms of creativity and technical talent.
The garment industry of New York is always looking for entry level design assistants, and that would be an excellent place to start with your school- sponsored internships, even if for a month or two to see how a fashion business works and if the hours and the company’s culture are a good match for you. Be prepared not to be paid top dollar for these engagements, though the companies will often 'pay' their interns with their product.
I would strongly recommend getting an internship or a temporary job with a successful company before investing in your own collections/ runway presentations. That second path is really costly. Meanwhile, many fashion schools will have a platform for you to present your work on the runway, as part of your Capstone Project, at graduation. For many young designers their graduation collection was an excellent stepping stone into their first job, that is well paid, and is exciting and glamorous.
Good luck with your creative pursuits! It all works out if you put an effort !
Irene recommends the following next steps:
https://www.fitnyc.edu/
https://www.newschool.edu/parsons/
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https://www.fitnyc.edu is an excellent school in NYC, part of the SUNY network of universities. You must attend classes in the Fashion program in person
As a creative professional in the Fashion industry of many years, I know for a fact that no matter what any advisors tell you, your creativity will always force you to make use of it, one way or another. If your mind is filled with images of clothing that you feel you must make, just go for it. There will be no other 'relief' for you.
And yes, you will find your customer eventually. Your initial step should be a good training program, where you could learn some essential skills, such as creative exploration, sketching, draping, and the actual sewing is a super important skill, too. You also get a chance to connect with like-minded students end see where you stand in terms of creativity and technical talent.
The garment industry of New York is always looking for entry level design assistants, and that would be an excellent place to start with your school- sponsored internships, even if for a month or two to see how a fashion business works and if the hours and the company’s culture are a good match for you. Be prepared not to be paid top dollar for these engagements, though the companies will often 'pay' their interns with their product.
I would strongly recommend getting an internship or a temporary job with a successful company before investing in your own collections/ runway presentations. That second path is really costly. Meanwhile, many fashion schools will have a platform for you to present your work on the runway, as part of your Capstone Project, at graduation. For many young designers their graduation collection was an excellent stepping stone into their first job, that is well paid, and is exciting and glamorous.
Good luck with your creative pursuits! It all works out if you put an effort !
Irene recommends the following next steps:
https://www.fitnyc.edu/
https://www.newschool.edu/parsons/
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+ Add comment
Irene recommends the following next steps: