Becoming a fashion designer is a lifelong dream for many of us. We all love to wear beautiful clothes and make ourselves feel good from the inside out.
We often imagine what it feels like to actually make money doing something this great: dressing people up and making them feel good, models catwalking the runway gracefully to showcase our designs, stylists working frantically at the backstage and we are introduced as “the designer” at the closing. Ah, pretty tempting, indeed, but somehow it feels so surreal. Can I actually become a fashion designer?
Despite the misconception that only those who graduate from New York prestigious fashion schools can make it big in this highly lucrative and competitive field, many fashion designers literally work their way up working from home.
Karen and Warren Hipwell, for instance, started and still operate design studio from their residence in Massachusetts. Despite their humble start, now their products are sold in 110 retailers nationwide. Pure luck? Think again.
You, too, can become a fashion designer even if you have never worn “designer” clothes, don’t have a fashion degree, can’t draw or sew, and live far away from New York or Los Angeles. These are no more than myths. Let me briefly explain them to you.
Myth One: I have never worn “designer” clothes.
Reality: All clothes, including those in your closet, are designed by fashion designers. Many people confuse designer “collection,” which means high-priced seasonal line designed by top designers, with “the person” who designs clothes.
Myth Two: I don’t have a fashion degree.
Reality: Unlike the medical professions, which require extensive classroom and hands-on training, you can learn how to design anywhere. No special education is needed. You’ll be surprised to know that many established designers don’t have any special training.
December 21st, 2006 at 5:22 pm
Thanks for this article. Back in 1999, my daughter decided she wanted to become a fashion designer. I was totally unfamiliar with this field, but decided to support her efforts. She went to Los Angeles Trade Technical College and completed their fashion design program. Now, she’s got her own business and I’m working with her! Her company is called Jahqoi, and we specialize in trendy plus-size clothing for women. I’m so proud of her. It’s been a struggle, getting things up and running. But, we’re now selling online and our clothes are available in a couple of boutiques. So, together, we’re making our dream happen. And I’m enjoying every minute of it. I would encourage all young would-be designers to seek training first. Learn all you can. Work as an intern first, if you can. It’ll help you gain a better understanding of the business. My daughter did that for almost a year. It was a fantastic learning experience for her.
- Dorez
http://www.jahqoi.com
February 6th, 2008 at 10:50 am
So you really don’t need any special training or a fashion degree to become a career fashion designer?