From initial design concept to production, styling, and retail and finally to the consumer,
NWSD offers a multifaceted GLOBAL view of the fashion industry.
This blog is a must read if you are considering a career in fashion, locally or abroad.
A FASHION FOCUSSED FUTURE
Have you considered the number of career options within the global fashion world? Not all fashion graduates end up as designers.
So many confusions and misunderstandings are out there about possibilities within (and the future of) the South African fashion industry. These days, I often hear the grumble that so many SA clothing manufacturers have closed down and for this reason our SA fashion industry is dying. Well, I cannot disagree more! Just look around you, we are all still wearing clothes. Not only are we simply dressing the clothes, we are creating street styles and trends that are second to none!
The South African fashion industry has not died, but only shifted into being a global industry. So yes, most of the clothes that you got dressed in this morning might have been made overseas, but they have been designed, merchandised and retailed in SA! This means that you have a wide variety of fashion jobs to choose from within designing, buying and retailing.
The best news is; since manufacturing of clothing has been globalized, you get to travel! Yes! Many designers, retailers, buyers and merchandisers travel the world over as part of their jobs. With technology, communicating with your international suppliers and manufacturers is but a click away.
From the exciting, edge-of-your-seat world of red carpet designs to the highly valued practice of fashion buying and fashion styling; the fashion world has a career for every aspiring entrepreneur, designer and even computer junkies!
Here are just some of the many careers in the fashion world which awaits you; retail designer, couture designer, fashion buyer, stylist, merchandiser, fashion marketer, fashion editor, fashion journalist, blogger, on-line editor, pattern-engineer, pattern-grader, trend forecaster, fashion analyst, garment technologist, production manager, productivity specialist, fashion agent, quality controller, fashion illustrator, fashion graphic artist, lecturer, CAD specialist, theatrical costume designer, corsetiere, and collection specialist.
The wow factor does not stop here! Apart from following anyone of the above careers (and more) or business opportunities, you can actually specialize within a selective field. Every fashion career on its own has many specialities; ladies wear, menswear, children’s wear, protective clothing, sportswear, swimwear, lingerie, bridal wear, evening wear, and so on.
So how do you secure your future in the fashion world? As with the globalization of our designs and the manufacturing thereof, it has become important to distinguish between the two types of fashion training out there; Fashion Design on the one hand and Fashion Management on the other.
For the more practical, creative and technical aspects of designing, like being involved in the design and manufacture of garments, you would need to register for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fashion Design. This degree will prepare you in design, construction, illustration, pattern engineering, product development and business management.
For those who are interested in the management, financial, administrative and communicating side of fashion, and who want to get to such a position where all the big decisions lay on your shoulders, you will need a Bachelors of Consumer Science in Fashion Management & Communication. This degree will prepare in you buying, merchandising practices, and conceptualizing, advertising, editing and promotional activities
And this is where the good news reaches a high! North West School of Design in Klerksdorp has been presenting fashion design for the last 14 years, with many success stories of graduates that have made their mark within the industry. North West School of Design also presents a B.Sc. Degree in Fashion Management & Communication. This is the first fashion consumer science course of its kind in South Africa as it only focuses on fashion. You can however also register for a 2 year diploma in any of these two fashion courses.
Check out our website: www.nwsd.co.za or contact Charles on 018 462 5149 CAREERS IN FASHION DESIGN
Fashion Designer | A Fashion Designer’s role is to create apparel and accessories for a company’s target customer. Before sketching initial designs, it is important for a Fashion Designer to consider trends by visiting trade shows, understanding competitors and studying international fashion. In this role, Fashion Designers are also responsible for creating garments that fit the company’s branding and market position. Often, a Fashion Designer will begin the creative process by creating mood boards, which are a collection of inspirational images, colours, and fabrics.
A Fashion Designer also has to be a team player. After they have determined the style direction they’d like to go in, they consult with the Merchandiser to understand how their designs play into the overall financial scheme. For example, each season the Merchandiser will lay out a financial plan with their wish list for styles and colour schemes, also called a line plan. It is the Fashion Designer’s job to design into this outline. Additionally, a Fashion Designer works closely with the Product Developer and Technical Designer to ensure styles are both wearable and within cost parameters. Sub Divisions of what one can be as a Fashion Designer:
· Assistant Designer · Associate Designer · Designer · Senior Designer · Creative Director or VP of Design |
Technical Designer | - Manage the seasonal style development for specific apparel categories
- Manage garment fit and make approvals from beginning thru photo samples
- Establish and issue graded specs
- Evaluate samples for fit, measurements, pattern shaping, and functionality to insure fit and proper styling
- Serve as the technical expert ensuring that garments are in the appropriate fabrics, measurements, and construction details
- Manage workflow, deadlines, and communications processes with both internal and external customers
- Communicate through written comments, sketches, photos, or pattern making
- Translate the design concept into specification packages which detail garment measurements, design features, and construction requirements
- Develop and document construction details, fabric and trim
- Supervise and/or maintain style tracking information for each style throughout the development and production processes
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Retail Designer | Designing ranges for major retailers (Foschini, Truworths, Woolworths, Mr Price, etc) |
Couture Designer | Designing exclusives for individual customers (Bridalwear, Matric farewell, and evening gowns) |
Costume Designer | Design, style and manage costumes for film, video, TV and theatre |
Patternmaker | Transforming the design into patterns and construction specifications using their expertise to assist Design, Development and the Fit Analyst with the construction and function of each garment. - Interpret sketches provided by the fashion designer
- Drape and develop patterns that reflect the details and aesthetics as proposed by the fashion designer
- Produce first patterns for designs that accurately reflect the design intent
- Work to achieve the correct silhouette and garment fit
- Attend fit sessions with Sample Models and make sure pattern corrections are made
- Supervise the Sample Maker in the construction of the garment
- Initiate cost-saving recommendations to the design team
- Review seasonal line development
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Pattern Grader | Engineering patterns that fits various body types and sizes, the pattern pieces must be increased or decreased geometrically to create a complete range of sizes. |
CAD Specialist | Computer Assisted Design for all designing, patternmaking, pattern grading and cutting functions within a clothing factory |
Illustrator | To translate and communicate an idea or image of a garment. An illustrator shows a representation or design of a garment for marketing &/or construction purposes. |
Graphic Designer for Clothing | Prepares CAD presentations for major retail clients. |
Production Manager / Specialist | Planning, organization, co-ordination and control of production in a clothing factory. The person who directs and oversees operations in a production setting. |
Stylist | Selects wardrobe for private clients, editorial features and TV. |
Tailor | Specialist garment technologist that designs, makes and fits tailored suits to individual clients. |
Quality Controller | To ensure quality standards are in place for production teams and to constantly measure quality against set standards |
Clothing Technologist | Work on the development of products normally within a fashion supplier or fashion retailer head office, improve production efficiency and quality, and liaise with those involved in the production process. |
Procurement Specialist | Stock control of materials and trims. Selection of suppliers and purchasing of fabrics and trims |
Lecturer | Educators specialize in various fields of training from entrepreneurial studies to construction technology |
Clothing Productivity Specialist | Implements initiatives and strategies to improve existing processes and to develop new processes to better the management of labour within a clothing factory. |
CAREERS IN FASHION MANAGEMENT & COMMUNCIATION
Fashion Buyer | Oversees the development of a range ordered for a specific retailer. A Fashion Buyer is responsible for buying wholesale goods from vendors for a department store, retail chain or individual store (in a department store or retail chain, each Buyer is typically responsible for a category of business i.e. Women’s Shoes). The Buyer is ultimately accountable for the “bottom line”—selecting merchandise that the consumer will buy and that the store can make a profit from.
A Buyer needs to possess good business skills and fashion knowledge. These attributes go hand in hand. Strong retail math and negotiation skills are needed to plan a business from top to bottom. This includes managing inventory, markdowns and margins. At the end of the day, the Buyer’s goal is to contribute to the store’s financial success. Fashion instinct and competitor/industry knowledge are also imperative for planning successful buys. Most buys are made up to one year ahead of time so it’s very important to look into the crystal ball and make intelligent decisions about what will sell. His person can also become the following · Assistant Buyer · Associate Buyer · Buyer · Division Merchandising Manager · General Merchandising Manager |
Merchandiser | Conceptualize, design, and implement window and in-store displays for both online & merchant retailers |
Fashion Journalist | Reports on the latest fashion designs, trends and events for fashion magazines, newspapers, blogs or news portals |
Costume Designer | Design, style and manage costumes for film, video, TV and theatre |
Fashion Photographer | Managing the full photo procedures, art direction, styling and editing |
Trend Forecaster | Gives a research service and much more to enable brands, designers and manufacturers to develop successful collections season after season |
Trend Analyst | Researches and monitors how current trends are performing in the market |
Illustrator | To translate and communicate an idea or image of a garment. An illustrator shows a representation or design of a garment for marketing &/or construction purposes. |
Graphic Designer for Clothing | Prepares CAD presentations for major retail clients. |
Production Manager / Specialist | Planning, organization, co-ordination and control of production in a clothing factory. The person who directs and oversees operations in a production setting. |
Stylist | Selects wardrobe for private clients, editorial features and TV. |
Fashion Marketer | Fashion Marketer works by using current trends in fashion to analyze, develop and implement sales strategies. Fashion Marketing investigates the relationship between fashion design and marketing including the development, promotion, advertising and retailing aspects of the fashion industry. Fashion Marketer understands and recognizes consumer trends, strong branding and a desirable product image which are all essential to successfully doing fashion marketing. |
Quality Controller | To ensure quality standards are in place for production teams and to constantly measure quality against set standards |
Clothing Technologist | Work on the development of products normally within a fashion supplier or fashion retailer head office, improve production efficiency and quality, and liaise with those involved in the production process. |
Procurement Specialist | Stock control of materials and trims. Selection of suppliers and purchasing of fabrics and trims |
Lecturer | Educators specialize in various fields of training from entrepreneurial studies to construction technology |
Clothing Productivity Specialist | Implements initiatives and strategies to improve existing processes and to develop new processes to better the management of labour within a clothing factory. |
Fashion Agent | Represents designer collections to boutiques, showrooms, fashion weeks or trade shows |
Retail/Boutique Management | Maintains the overall quality and day-to-day operations of a clothing store or boutique |
Fashion Events co-ordinator | Plan, promotes and co-ordinates fashion related events; fashion shows, trade shows, fashion weeks, fashion shoots, boutique launches, label launches, etc. |
Fashion Publicist | Establishes a valuable image for a fashion designer, promotes and markets a designer label. Creates and maintains awareness of clients (designers) |
Fashion Editor | Plan, co-ordinate and direct fashion magazines and fashion news portals. |
Fashion Blogger | Manages blog sites & writes about new collections, designers, fashion news and controversial fashion issues. The Fashion VIP job? |
Image Consultant | Promotes new fashions and selects styles and colours for clients or groups This person can also become a personal stylist. |
Researcher | Every piece of clothing is made keeping in mind a particular group of people. This includes social status, gender and age as well as many other factors. The job of the fashion researcher is to find out the social and economic status of the target consumer and also the attributes of that particular group. This research is important for the project to proceed, as only after knowing the requirements of the public, can a designer create new collections. |
Merchandiser | A Merchandiser acts as the primary liaison between design, production, product development and sales. The Merchandiser is responsible for developing a profitable line of products by creating a financially based product plan, researching competitors and anticipating customer needs. The Merchandiser plays a critical role in the company’s overall financial success. Therefore, it is important that the Merchandiser utilizes analytical skills in creating product lines that sell well at retail. The Merchandiser often analyzes past selling history, develops pricing strategies and seeks out new categories of business.
In order for a product line to be executed as envisioned, the Merchandiser works very closely with a team of designers and product developers. These counterparts work together to edit the line, conceptualize designs and work on product costs to ensure profitability. The Merchandiser plays a huge role in keeping everyone on a time-and-action calendar and making sure everyone understands the end goals. A Merchandiser will typically plan out 4-6 product lines a year, one for each market. Sub Divisions that one can become as a Merchandiser · Assistant Merchandiser · Associate Merchandiser · Merchandiser · Merchandise Manager · Merchandise Director |
Product Developer | A Product Developer is in charge of taking a merchandising/design concept and turning it into a tangible product that will eventually sell at retail. After the merchandising/design team has decided on what the style will look like (including colors, material, size specs), cost and quantity, it’s up to the product developer to figure out the next steps. This involves finding the right factory, making sure costing is in line, checking on sample status, materials/construction quality control, and maintaining the production calendar.
This position requires both attention to detail and creativity. A Product Developer needs to be detail oriented when communicating with factories, tracking sample status, negotiating/calculating costs, and communicating these details to the merchandising/design team. Creativity comes into play in problem solving. For example, if a handbag is costing out higher than the merchandiser’s planned cost, the product developer will often suggest solutions for reducing the cost. In this case, perhaps a cheaper zipper would bring the cost down enough.
A Product Developer will typically work with the team on 4-6 product lines a year, one for each market. There may be some traveling as many factories are overseas
Sub Divisions that one can become as a Product Developer :
· Assistant Product Developer · Associate Product Developer · Product Developer · Product Development Director · VP Product Developer |
Marketing Manager | A Marketing Manager analyzes consumer behaviour and market trends to develop strategies designed to increase sales and raise the awareness of the brand at the consumer level.
The Marketing Manager is responsible for gaining visibility through advertising, events, partnerships and online tactics. This role often works with outside advertising agencies on ad development and media placement to identify the media outlets that best suit the brand and use the ad budget in the most effective manner. The Marketing Manager also plans special promotions and stunts, including pop-up shops and trunk shows, to gain consumer attention and garner interest from editors. It is also the Marketing Manger’s responsibility to find sponsorship opportunities and collaborations that would gain a larger audience for the brand through the partner company’s fan base. In addition, this position develops online campaigns and social media outreach to drive excitement and traffic to the brand’s website and retail partners.
The Marketing Manager is responsible for managing the budget, billing and forecasting for each project, insuring a measurable return on investment.
Sub Divisions that one can become as Marketing Manager : · Marketing Coordinator · Marketing Associate · Marketing Manager · Marketing Director |
Fashion Public Relations Specialist | A Fashion Public Relations Specialist interacts with media and other outlets to ensure that the company’s products and corporate image remain favourable in the public eye. The PR Specialist strategizes new and creative ways to gain the attention of the media; often times, the PR Specialist will generate buzz by holding press conferences, working with magazine editors and bloggers, and sending press releases. In order to develop and cultivate relationships with their media counterparts, a successful PR Specialist should have excellent written/oral and interpersonal skills. Members of the media are always looking for industry news so this relationship is important for both ends.
Sub Divisions that one can be as a · Promotions Assistant · Public Relations Specialist · Public Relations Coordinator · Director of Public Relations |
Store Planner | A Store Planner plays an important role in allocating inventory to the proper channels. This process requires extensive analysis into how styles sell by criteria including color, fabrication, cost and demographic. Store Planners typically work in department stores and vertically integrated stores.
Once a Buyer or Merchandiser has purchased inventory, it is the Store Planner’s job to make sure that the inventory is sent from the warehouse to store locations (often referred to as “doors”) that will sell the goods the quickest and at the highest margin.
A Store Planner will often accompany a Buyer to market and provide guidance on particular store selling trends. Similarly, a Store Planner will often provide a Merchandiser with insight that can assist with line building. In addition, as a Buyer or Merchandiser checks his/her weekly selling report, he/she may place a reorder and ask the Store Planner to best allocate the styles based on specific selling trends.
A Store Planner should possess excellent planning and analytical skills. It is important to use these skills to gain foresight into how products may sell in various locations. Strong retail math skills are needed to create inventory plans.
This Person can also become the following · Merchandising Analyst · Assistant Store Planner · Associate Store Planner · Store Planner · Senior Store Planner · Director of Store Planning |
Fashion Features Director / Editor | Key responsibilities include generating fashion features and interview ideas for the magazine. Fashion Features Directors and Editor’s are also required to maintain strong relationships with fashion PR’s and industry contacts to secure stories and interviews that will be relevant to the publication and its readers.
“My job is fairly pressurised as there are so many different demands on my time but as I am responsible for a specific section of the magazine my role has set boundaries, and is therefore manageable! My role includes keeping abreast of all the latest fashion and shopping news to compiling fashion news pages and commissioning freelance writers and editing their copy where necessary”. Fashion Features Editor, Marie Claire magazine |
Senior Fashion / Fashion Editor at Large | Generator of new ideas for features, a Senior Fashion Editor and Fashion Editor at Large contribute editorially however they are not necessarily based in-house. Topics of contribution are often of their own choosing and are required to add a sense of variety to the publication. Editors at Large are not usually responsible for major decisions within the editorial team. As before, an Associate Fashion Editor is just below a Fashion Editor in terms of the staff hierarchy. |
Executive/ Fashion Editor | Usually reporting to the Editor in Chief, the Fashion Editor controls the direction of a publications’ fashion pages, overseeing the creation, development and presentation of the fashion sections. Responsible for ensuring all fashion writers submit features on time, providing feedback and editing the content if necessary. Varying job titles are commonly used to reflect slight variations in experience and kudos of the individuals concerned. “The role of Fashion Editor of Cosmopolitan entails producing the fashion pages for the magazine on a monthly basis. The challenge is to keep them full of fresh ideas, pack them with product whilst keeping them beautiful to look at. I look after our shopping pages and produce main fashion shoots in addition to styling our celebrity cover shoots. The Fashion Editor engineers how the fashion pages are represented in your magazine, what you edit is seen by hundreds of thousands of people so it’s a big responsibility to get it right and ensure you are providing what your readers want.” Fashion Editor, Cosmopolitan magazine
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Fashion Assistant | A fashion assistant is usually responsible for maintaining an orderly fashion cupboard (home to all the product samples sent it by brands/PR’s) and are on hand to assist editors and stylists accordingly. Duties vary between liaising with PR’s to answering phones and requesting, receiving and returning press samples on behalf of the fashion editors. They may also have their own feature (s) in the publication to work on. Publications may utilise the term “Senior Fashion Assistant” to differentiate between levels and responsibilities of internal assistants.
“I do my own pages at front of book and assist the Fashion Director on main fashion and covers. I also do some of my own shoots for fashion features." Fashion Assistant, Elle Magazine |
Interested in studying full time at NWSD? Come write our entrance exam, candidates will be tested on written communication skills, creative aptitude and technical abilities.
Closing date for entries for the prestigious annual Gert-Johan Coetzee fashion design bursary to study towards a 3 year BA degree in fashion design at NWSD. More info on applications to follow shortly on North West school of design’s Facebook page and in the media. 
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