The fashion industry continues to be a career path on which many young school leavers continue to be interested in and the increase in the number of fashion shows on television only heightens the interest in fashion design as a future career. Shows such as ‘What not to wear’, the ‘Fashion Police’ and with the introduction of Fashion TV, fashion continues to grow as an industry. So how can you get involved in the fashion industry? A look below at some basic tips:
1. University Course – There are various options for studying fashion and these include taking a university degree course including in a venue such as London College of Fashion, where you can do a course such as Fashion Marketing or Retail branding and design. Several universities in the UK and ones further afield offer courses covering all aspects of the fashion industry.
2. College Course – For school leavers, if you wish to get immediately involved with the industry and want to avoid the debts which these days are associated with going to university, going straight to college and starting a course such as a BTEC level ND Fashion and Textiles course such as offered at Plymouth College of Further Education in Devon, or a similar course in the UK is an option. Other courses in the UK include titles such as ‘Fashion and Textile design’ and ‘Footwear Design’.
3. Home Study – Another increasingly popular option these days is to study fashion at home so that you can still work and study and thus get involved with the fashion world but at your own pace and in a way which can be much more affordable. Several companies’ offer Home learning and courses can include titles such as Dress maker and Fashion design and can generally be completed with roughly 100 study hours. This type of course looks art many aspects of design including fabrics, fashion awareness and design.
If you really want to get into the industry and are confused, then attending one of the main industry fashion shows which take place annually, such as the ‘Clothes Show Live’ event, can be really helpful. Talking with the various fashion companies and getting advice on the opportunities for internships and best courses.
Working in the fashion industry can be rewarding and exciting and the beauty of this career path is that you often get the chance to travel and the industry is continually re-inventing itself.