Fashion is a massive $3 trillion industry globally and is one of those fields that is virtually recession proof. In the same way that people still find ways to travel during economic downturns, the desire to look great seems to be a constant year after year.
So if you have a passion for fashion and can see yourself joining the field, you'll be in excellent company. There are people making incredible livings working in fashion, from modeling and fashion design to logistics and merchandising. You can use these strategies to start taking steps to secure your dream fashion career.
Never Wait Around to Start Your Fashion Career
If you want to get somewhere in the fashion industry, there are two words you need to know — don't wait. The more opportunities that you create for yourself, the better chance you'll have to create a career for yourself.
If fashion design is your dream, purchase a copy of a CAD fashion design software platform. Learning these skills on your own through guides and tutorials, and lots of practice will have you ahead of the game before you even get to fashion school. You can start creating fashion pieces and selling them online well before getting any sort of credentials.
While fashion school is valuable, this is an art-based field, so exploring your tastes and building contacts will carry you far. Being proactive will also strengthen your application once it comes time to apply to fashion school.
The Opportunities Are Endless — Explore the Field
Start exploring the fashion industry and attending events to truly get a sense for how business is done. Going to Fashion Week in New York gives you an abundance of networking opportunities. You'll get to speak with people on the ground level of the industry and can start to see the possibilities.
Making contacts is helpful because a strong letter of recommendation can be exactly what you need to get into a prestigious fashion school. With great programs at Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), The Pratt Institute, and the California College for the Arts, you should apply to as many as possible.
By enrolling in a great institution and learning all you can about the career paths, you will naturally begin to narrow them down.
Fashion is here to stay, and by following these tips, you can have a place within it to leave your mark.