Working in the fashion industry, like any other profession, requires certain skills and qualities. In terms of skill sets, fashion designer qualifications include creativity, a good sense of fashion, and the ability to design. Completing a formal education program and gaining work experience are examples of other qualifications.
Creativity is one of the most important qualities for a fashion designer. A fashion designer must not only have artistic talent, but also be able to translate that talent into a design. Fashion designers’ common goal is to create a design that people will want to buy, resulting in a fashion trend.
A fashion designer must also possess impeccable fashion sense. He should be aware of previous and current trends, as well as be able to envision and conceptualize what will be popular in the future. He should also know how to mix and blend colors and be able to select a pattern and fabric that complements the color scheme. His sense of style should also include an understanding of how to put together an outfit with the right accessories.
Other essential fashion designer skills include the ability to design clothes as well as measure fabric, cut out pieces accurately, and sew them together in the proper order. A fashion designer must be able to sketch out his ideas on paper or plan out his strategy using computer software. To work in fashion, he should have a strong foundation in dressmaking and tailoring.
Although some fashion designers never complete a formal education, it is generally recommended that an aspiring fashion designer complete a two- or four-year training program, especially because it can help an aspiring fashion designer land a job. A fashion designer can earn a bachelor’s degree in fashion design, an associate’s degree in fashion design, or a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. A fashion designer can usually take merchandising, marketing, or business classes — or get a second degree in one of these fields — to help pave the way for starting a business. Sewing, textiles, fashion history, color, computer-aided design (CAD), and clothing styles are all common courses for fashion designers.
One of the most important qualifications for a fashion designer is work experience. A fashion designer should not only have good, verifiable references, but an apprenticeship or internship can also help to establish credibility and skill. A fashion designer who is working as an apprentice should have a strong work ethic and be adaptable. Completing smaller, non-fashion design tasks demonstrates to the company that the designer has the drive and dedication to succeed, and may even result in a job offer after the internship.