Want to become a fashion designer?

by Job Mail Staff Writer · Jan 22, 2019

Are you dreaming of a career in fashion design? Seeing your creations up the runway is exhilarating and the glitz and glamour of the fashion industry add to the allure of this career. You might even find yourself creating exclusive garments for celebrities! If you’re an aspiring fashion designer, you can look for exciting job opportunities on Job Mail.

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Duties and responsibilities

Fashion designers are responsible for creating clothes, shoes, and/or accessories. They’re required to review current and predict future fashion trends. There is a financial aspect to this role too, which involves calculating the expense of materials as well as the cost of manufacturing. Designers oversee the creation of samples and are responsible for creating presentations. A fashion designer collaborates with garment technologists as well as sample machinists. They communicate with manufacturers to ensure their designs is replicated correctly. Fashion designers can expect to work long hours in order to meet deadlines.

A Fashion Designer's Duties & Responsibilities | Job Mail

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Education and skills

Fashion courses equip you with the skills that you need to become a successful designer. South African Universities give you the option of studying a National Diploma in Fashion Design, which extends over 3 years. Another option is to complete a Bachelor of Technology in a field that is related to the fashion industry. Educational institutes also offer a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design. You can also enter the world of fashion by completing a short course in creative design. Other short courses teach you the skills involved in pattern design and garment construction. Experience in the industry will help you to develop the skills you need to succeed as a fashion designer. Working as a stylist or assisting other designers is an opportunity to advance your capabilities and to learn more about the industry.

Fashion Designer Jobs In South Africa | Job Mail

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Related occupations

This occupation isn’t only limited to runway fashion designers, there are also wedding dress designers and people who design the normal clothes we wear every day. Alternatively, a fashion designer can choose to specialise in haute couture garments, which means that they’ll be making exclusive, one-off creations. If you pursue a career making designer garments, you’ll be creating expensive garments for a small number of people. You could be employed to create designs that are mass-produced to provide larger numbers of people with affordable clothing. If you love fashion, becoming a designer isn’t your only option. You could also consider becoming a fashion photographer or even a fashion blogger.

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How to succeed as a young designer

While the South African fashion industry is smaller than Milan and New York, there are still opportunities for young designers. If you want to create your own brand, you’ll need business skills as well as creative talent. Develop a business plan and look for investors who are willing to support your brand. Make sure that you work hard to create quality, affordable clothes. To help you succeed, you’ll need to develop your brand’s social media channels to showcase your products. Insight into your target market is vital when you’re building a successful brand in the fashion industry.

A Career As A Fashion Designer | Job Mail

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Now that you know more about fashion design, you can get your career off to a great start. With hard work and passion, you can find many exciting opportunities in this industry.