Archive for December 2011

Fashion Designer Education

Fashion designer school is for people that have a passion or extreme interest in all things fashion. While putting together great outfits for friends has always been something you've liked to do on the side, you can do it for a living. Creating clothing and accessory designs just comes naturally to some people, and when you attend classes to really refine your skills you'll be impressed not only with how much you can learn, but how much you can be paid to do the things that you love to do! While designing clothes and even putting together patterns and outfits for yourself and your friends may be a great hobby, it can be an even better job if you go to school and learn how to do it all the right way so that you can come across creative and professional to prospective clients.
Fashion designers will be taught to sketch their ideas, draw and cut patterns, create simple garments, fit and modify finished garments, arrange showings for press as well as buyers, compare merchandise to that of competitors, learn how to keep current, and how to visit textile showrooms when they attend fashion design school. These skills will all contribute to helping someone with a passion for fashion develop their skill and utilize it in the real world.
Most fashion designers are self-employed and simply design for individual clients. Designers become popular by setting themselves apart by being professional, reliable, and using different colors, shapes, and materials that will allow them to stand out among their competition. A great way to learn how to create your own methods of creating great clothing, accessories, or jewelry is to become a designer's assistant. Helping a designer will not only allow those that are learning to see what goes into the business, but will also help them define a sense of self and a true sense of what they want to do in the fashion business.
Some fashion designers work for larger firms and this may be a great way to get a fashion designer education when you get out of fashion designer school, as well. These firms or corporations typically have a head designer, which is responsible for most of the creative aspects and supervision of the design room staff. Assistant designers are often hired by firms and often make the first patterns and help the head designer oversee creative and personnel issues. There are also specialty designers that may be hired by corporations that will work with other designers to help create limited or special lines of clothing. Special designers will often have a specific article of clothing or accessory that they work with and often they design for a specific market or country and can play a vital role in a large design company. There are also theatrical costume designers that create costumes or articles of clothing and accessories for plays, movies, or other theatrical productions and these designers may work on contract. Of course, all of these jobs can be done independent of a firm, but some individuals find these jobs easier to get through a firm first, for a more consistent income.
The work environment for every designer varies, as some work in very professional settings while others work in very cramped and rushed environments. If you work for yourself you can really set the standard for yourself so that you do not have to work in unfavorable situations. If you are looking at working for a firm, be sure to ask hard questions about the work environment and schedule. Just because you just graduated from fashion designer school doesn't mean that you should be subjected to less than comfortable working conditions! Freelance fashion designer work can also be done outside of your own job so that you can slowly create your own client base away from your corporate job.
There is a lot of money to be made by fashion designers once they have graduated and obtained some experience. Many designers make more than $20 an hour and the average salary for a designer is more than $57,000 a year! Of course, education, experience, licensing and a grasp of trends and professionalism are what get you to such a salary, but after attending fashion designer school you can achieve all of these things. Remember that you may not start out at the top, but when you get there all the little jobs you have worked will seem more than worth it so get your fashion designer education now.

Available Training In Fashion Design

For any budding fashion designer, the key is to gain the best fashion design training. This can be done at many colleges and universities. A good place to start fashion design education would be a diploma in college. This is an ideal way for fashion enthusiasts to ease themselves into training in fashion design.
Some of the topics covered will include looking at different types of materials and patterns, colours and the basics of designing. Students will learn how to match colours, what styles work with what materials and how to customize and accessorize outfits. They will not only learn about clothes but they will learn about shoes and accessories also.
The next step to take if deciding to continue on with training in fashion design would be a degree. Students should choose a good university with good fashion design training programs. They may also wish to consider location and if they offer the opportunity for work placements. A more prestigious University would always be the top of any enthusiasts list, this however may not be possible for everyone maybe for financial reasons or other commitments. What is key is that the chosen University has a program which suits them.
Students taking fashion design education at university level will learn similar topics to those at college level but the topics will be much more in depth, there will be more assignments and more exams. Studying at university is hard work and deadlines will need to be met but this is all good experience for working in the fashion industry.
Universities which offer work placements are very popular when students are looking for fashion design training programs. This can often give students the chance to get a foot in the door with a fashion agency. Once there the employer or sponsor may feel the individual has potential within their company and offer them a permanent position.
For those who take on degree's without placements, gaining employment in this industry can be hard work and many have to start off at the bottom and work their way up. They may start off helping behind the scenes but this will still give them good experience and their fashion education will of course come to use. There are many different areas to work within in this industry and it maybe that design is not the initial area and is instead something to work towards.
There are also online fashion design education programs, however they do not give the hands on experience which studying with an institution can. They are more suited to those who already work within the industry and are wishing to progress further. Giving them more earning potential and the ability to apply for design jobs within their sector.
During their study specialist areas may be chosen, these for example could be women's wear, children's wear, men's wear or couture design. Fashion design training can give students the opportunity to gain experience within these areas giving them more chance to be able to apply for a job which suits them and their interests.

The Truth About Fashion Education

Fashion design is one of the easiest specialties and all designers should use their creative ideas to create marketable products and pay attention to the quality of the workmanship.As a concept fashion design is an art form but in reality it is a craft. It can be compared to jewellery making.
The designer comes up with a concept, an idea, which usually follows a fashion brief. Either a full range is designed, where all garments must be united or a once off dress is created. Even when the students are designing a garment for themselves, there already is a certain context. Example: when designing trousers, is it for summer or for winter? Is it day or evening pants? Is it simple and contemporary or posh and fancy or is it classic?
The purpose of CRE Fashion design school programs is for students to develop their own signature style, which is a reflection of one's individuality and is also an extension of the learner's interests and talents.
Designers find inspiration in fields seemingly out of the fashion field, such as music, cinema, art, photography or even one's daily life. Reading fashion magazines and knowing the current trends is good, but should not be overdone as our minds will inevitably copy design ideas.
Each design will follow a specific brief from a client or for a particular fashion brand, usually considering the seasonal trends. The designer comes up with a certain concept, a visual of the cut and the shape. Then decisions are required on the main colours, fabrics and features. Example: style lines, pockets etc. Further on the supporting colours, fabrics and features must be highlighted, Example: decoration, gathering, slits etc. The visual in a person's mind is moving with endless variations and the best ones must be identified, however it is not possible that the image is held still and turned front, back and imagined completed, this is why we draw. The student starts with a Fashion illustration, which is the creative interpretation of the design idea.
Then the design circle follows with a Technical drawing, where the particular fabrics are chosen. Then Pattern making and Garment construction (Cutting & Sewing) follow.

The Growing Hold Of Fashion Education In India

Indian fashion has carved itself a niche in the fashion world. Fashion designers from India are becoming more and more popular both abroad and in their country. Indian fashion is flexible and adaptable, creating more room for experimentation. Ask any designer and he or she will tell you that nothing comes close to the thrill of witnessing his or her design achieve popularity and success.
Beauty pageants and other international shows that require contestants from all cultures have done well to promote Indian fashion. Fashion designers tailor their pieces according to the model, and a beautiful piece worn by a beautiful model will be good enough for publicity. Fashion worn for the whole world to see need not be gaudy and loud. Indian fashion designers have also been known to set trends when the world sees Indian clothing walk on runways, complete with accessories and headwear.
Fashion design is also gaining popularity as a course. In fact, it is one of the most coveted courses in colleges and universities. Students are given exposure to the world of fashion through inviting esteemed guests and internships in fashion design houses.
In terms of casual wear, motifs and block prints appearing on pants or shirts have been a hit with the youth of India. Formal functions call for gowns that have embellishments or embroidery. Ikkat or kashmiri prints can do wonders to add beauty to a chiffon or georgette gown.
Materials are as rich in quantity as tradition in India. The country exports large quantities of cotton for casual wear. With the rising popularity of Indian fashion, the myth that fashion design is not a lucrative career has been busted. Fashion has given students a way of expressing themselves and being known in the international arena.

Choosing the Right Educational Path in Order to Become a Fashion Designer

If fashion designing is your calling and you dream of becoming a part of a major fashion house such as Dolce and Gabbana, Versace, Armani, Prada and so many more some day, then you've stumbled onto the prefect resource center! Preparing for a career in fashion designing is going to be surprisingly easy with the resources and help you will find here!
If you're looking to become a fashion designer, then you need to make sure that you receive the best education in the field. Applying in Britain is your best option because, British fashion designing courses are generally regarded as the best in the world. Graduates sometimes get jobs in international fashion houses right after they complete their education and some even start clothing lines of their own!
Eligibility
What qualifications are you required to have in order to apply to fashion designing schools in Britain? You need to have completed your secondary education, or alternatively, students may even have a degree in equivalent vocational courses like BTEC in National Diplomas.
Education
After having completed your secondary education, you need to apply for a "foundation course". So what exactly is a foundation course? This course introduces you to the basics of fashion designing, and no, it is not all fun and games. This course lets you have a broad and comprehensive art and design experience and you also learn how to put together the kind of portfolios which the industry demands.
After the foundation year, you are required to go on to the Higher National Diploma. This is a two year course. You may also do a Bachelor of Arts in fashion designing. This is a three year course. But most colleges offer a four year course which covers the material included in the BA as well as the HND. These courses are especially helpful because industrial training is a part of the course as well.
Experience
You might spend up to twelve months working in the industry. Six months of industrial training is also included in the Bachelor of Arts degree as well. After you are done with this course, you may go on to do a master's course or a diploma in fashion designing.
Course material covers drawing, design, pattern cutting, developing, manufacture and industrial practices, styling, knitting, footwear designing, or even photography. Of course there are several elective subjects which you may choose from and this is one of them! The fashion industry is an extremely exciting and creative one, armed with the proper qualifications and degree; you may just take it by storm!

A Recipe for a Successful Career

Turn around you, or just look in the wardrobe, every design on the outfits, prom dresses, gowns, shoes or bags you find is actually the artistic work of fashion designers. This shows that the type of their work requires imagination, passion and commitment. Fashion designer education is a crucial part of equipping all of them with the abilities and knowledge required to handle fabrics and decoration in various fabrics.
Fashion designer education usually lasts between two and four years. In this period, future designers either earn an associate degree or a bachelor's degree. The course work includes textiles, colors, tailoring and sewing, fashion history, pattern making, computer-aided designing and basic design manually. Mathematics, psychology and human anatomy are also other subjects that a particular person learns in design school. Soon after graduation, a few designers often take a business related course such as fashion merchandising or marketing for purposes of enhancing their business acumen in preparedness for the good and the bad of the competitive design industry. There are a number of appealing career paths you could follow, such as fashion design, textile design and niches within the industry, like becoming a fashion reporter or a specialist in 'green' design, fashion store design or fashion add-ons.
It's possible to also obtain fashion designer education in the post secondary institutions accredited to offer art and designs programs throughout the country. Despite the fact that such are not universities, they are accredited with the required status to honor fashion design diplomas to students who excel. Just before admission to such however, one needs to have completed some basic art and designs lessons successfully. Given that fashion and design is an art mainly dependent on talent and determination rather than fashion designer education, skilled people can still shine without the need of joining schools of higher learning. Such could obtain a few of the skills required by taking up internships in fashion houses as well as cloth manufacturing companies. Here, they can get useful stitching and pattern-making skills. They are also able to learn the art of successful communication with fabric suppliers, manufacturers and individuals who purchase their designs.
On the actual job, fashion designer education is easily obtained when first-timers work as sketching assistants or pattern makers for the experienced fashion designers. The expert designer functions as a boss who approves the designs or instructs the less-experienced newbies into making excellent designs. Often, amateur designers also learn the art of studying the market for current trends and choices from their seniors. This can possibly be through researching the market or through making use of published information on the same.
Just like other products targeting the consumer market, the designers should make designs that will certainly suit and spur interest within the consumer market. For example, designing prom dresses for young teens. This is done by designing the right styles, fabrics and shades that are going to attract the consumer market. In general, fashion designer education assists people interested in the such profession to understand every aspect of the fashion design world. This is in addition to equipping all of them with important skills and information needed for excelling in the fashion industry.

Education and Career Opportunities

If you ever wondered what the secret is behind those successful fashion houses that seem to sell and sell every time not only locally but internationally, then you need to sit tight. Their secret is not just hard work but they also work smart. They spend their resources in garnering knowledge instead of depending on trial an error like many people do. Whereas the competition may depend on the fickle feelings of the moment, the tigers in sales of the best garments worldwide know that the lifeline of any design business is linked to the intimate knowledge of the finer tastes that are linked to the needs of the customer. This type of knowledge comes with the acquisition of fashion degrees that have made a great deal of a difference in developing great names in careers in fashion design.
A fashion degree from a reputable university will give you an edge over the competition because you will acquire the innate knowledge that gives you information relating to inner sensibilities in fashion design. You will have developed enough skills that will help you know just about everything that has been there before and what is likely to come back again with a blast. Fashion degrees sought by upcoming designers help them get involved in all the phases of the development of fashionable items beginning from the design, production, display and even sales of any type of clothing you can think about. With this type of fashion degree combined with your vision, determination and ambition succeeding where others are failing will not be an option.
Taking a career in fashion design and upping your chances by acquiring a fashion degree means that you will gain the insight that helps you interpret a client's needs and at the same time communicate your ideas, philosophy, vision and capabilities comprehensively. It will not matter how complicated a client's personal style is; a qualified designer will employ his or her creativity in a simple yet exciting way. A fashion degree combined with your sharp eye for color, shape, style and form in design will give you an excellent resume that will keep you in business when others are falling by the wayside.

Zebras Offer Fashion Entertainment and Education

Send your daughter on a Safari adventure at home with zebra print clothing for girls! Kids love animals, whether it is playtime or school time. Animal print clothing is a great way to spark imagination, fascination, and appreciation of the animal kingdom. Zebras, with so many stripes, are extra special to kids since their lively stripes catch the eye and engage the imagination. Following successful lines in 2008 by the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta, and Diane von Furstenberg, African wildlife prints are still making a splash in affordable fashions for kids. What little darling could resist the fun of fury critters and glamour?
Zebras offer something special in the fashion world. The negative space created by the white portion of the stripes makes room for a variety of colors. Girls pink zebra print clothes are a great example of how the white space can be filled with your daughter's favorite color. Virtually every manufacturer and designer is currently offering animal print children's collections from Ann Loren and Banana Cabana to Carter's. Even babies can get in on the hunt with Youngland's and WonderKid's zebra creations. As with any style, these unique offerings come in a number of fabrics, and prices can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars.
When considering animal prints for children, keep in mind that a little goes a long way. Adults can rarely get away with a head-to-toe print ensemble, and although children may look cute in such a get up, too much can be overkill and leave your child looking like she's ready to Trick-or-Treat. Keep the costuming for Halloween and special occasions. Zebra print shirts for little girls can usually stand alone to create a whimsical yet tasteful look. What a great opportunity to help your child learn one of the most important tips about fashion and accessories.

Fashion Modeling - Prospects After Completing Education

Fashion modeling sounds glamorous and ostentatious profession to many people especially to young girls and boys. The exclusive life style, page 3 parties, designer clothes, international ramp shows and money lure every youngsters but this is just the half truth. The fashion modeling career requires lot of hard work, dedication and self sacrifice to be successful. Fashion has become universal now, there is a huge demand of male and female models in the market. All famous fashion models are being paid very well for any modeling assignment and ramp walk. Their remuneration depends upon the fashion designer and organizer they are working with. Where as aspiring models begin their career with smaller modeling agencies and low budget modeling assignments.
Today fashion modeling has become a huge profession and there is abundance of employment. There is no such educational requirement or age limit to become a model. You may be a school pass-out or graduate, all you need is a good face, height and a glass hour figure. To get into fashion world is a Herculean task due to excessive competition in this profession. All top models are earning very handsome this naturally makes competition very fierce. The international recognition, limelight, celebrity status also make it more difficult to get a break.
However, fashion industry has made phenomenal growth in India in the last fifteen years. Fashion industry is now targeting people of all age group to sell fashion. Earlier, youngsters were the prime concern for the fashion designers, they used to design attires keeping younger generation's likes and dislikes in mind, but this trend has completely changed now. Today, you can find designers are designing special clothes for middle-aged and older people as well. There has been a tremendous revolution in fashion world which has led to a huge demand of models.
Networking is an important part to be successful in modeling. A strong networking helps you to become familiar with fashion gurus and designers. If you are well acquainted with fashion designers, photographers, make artists then they may recommend your name to others fashion players for any modeling assignment and outdoor ramp shows. Thus, it is suggested to maintain a harmonious relation ship with everyone you meet with.
To begin your career as a fashion model you can start working as a catalog-model, show room model, television model etc. You must make an impressive portfolio of yours and distribute in different modeling agencies. If any top modeling agencies hires you it would be easy for you to enter into the big world of fashion.
It should be remembered your entire career depends on your face so make yourself recognized in the fashion world by attending parties, nightclubs etc. These are the few places where you would find cream of fashion under one roof. Fashion modeling is a lucrative career, it gives you multiple opportunities to travel around your country and globe. Fashion modeling has various categories- Ramp modeling, Television modeling and print modeling, Showroom modeling, Advertisement modeling.
Fashion modeling is a multi-million dollar industry, Bombay is the hub for fashion modeling. Everyday hundreds of youngsters walk-in to try their luck in fashion modeling but very few make it to the top. Fashion modeling gives you international recognition, you may get chance to work with the best international designers in world- famous fashion cities Paris, Milan, New-York, Tokyo etc.
Despite of such tempting opportunities in modeling it is a very short-lived career. You profession is not ever-lasting and you need to tackle excessive stress, work pressure and many unforeseen challenges.

Continuing Education for Fashion Designers

There is no underestimating the importance of continuing education for fashion designers. In order to stay competitive in this field, one must always be on the cutting edge of the latest fashion trends, but knowing what's in style this season is just the beginning. Fashion designers must also be on the cutting edge of the latest methods, techniques, industry standards, materials, tools and tricks. If you're a fashion designer, you should definitely expect to refresh your training every few years or so; otherwise, you might find yourself being left behind.

Creative Options for Creative Minds
There are many different continuing education options for fashion art designers. If you are a self-trained designer, you could benefit from any level of training. Even if you're already working in the fashion field with a reasonable level of success, you could still benefit from a professional certificate program, associate's degree or even a bachelor's degree in fashion design. If you already have a certificate or associate's degree, your previous coursework would probably count towards the next level of education. By increasing your formal training, your skills will become more refined, and you will understand certain techniques much better than you did before.

Even designers that have bachelor's degrees and have done their training with prestigious fashion art designers can still benefit from a little continuing education. A refresher course every few years is always helpful to stay on the cutting edge of the latest color palettes, lines, patterns, materials, textures, sewing machines, pressing equipment and other design tools. Art and design courses can also be helpful for fashion art designers of any level, because they encourage creativity and help strengthen skills in sketching, color combinations, pattern making and more.

As a fashion art designer, you may also want to invest some time in your continuing education if you are thinking of switching to a different career within the fashion field or if you simply want to open up your job options. These are a few of the other jobs in the fashion industry that you might consider training for:

• Accessory Draper
• Buyer
• Clothing Store Manager
• Consultant
• Costume Maker
• Fashion Research Analyst
• Image Consultant
• Personal Stylist
• Production and Development Manager
• Retail Merchandiser
• Technical Designer

You may think you know it all, and if you're smart enough to build a career on self-taught skills, you probably do. However, formal training is always going to help you take it to the next level.