What is a fashion design job?
Fashion design mainly refers to the design of clothes and accessories. And the profession of designing such items according to the direction and fashion of the brand is a fashion designer. We collaborate with various people in the fashion industry to create new clothes, such as pattern makers who make patterns (patterns) for making clothes. The general work contents of fashion design are as follows.
・ Creation of design drawings
・ Production of patterns (wallpaper)
・ Temporary sewing work
・ Creation of specifications to be sent to the factory
・ Participation in fashion shows and exhibitions
Let's check the work one by one along with the flow. Creating a design picture
When a fashion designer draws a design, he first decides on the concept of the clothes, such as the gender and age of the wearer and when to wear them. Next, decide on the shape, colour, material, etc., taking into consideration market trends and current trends. After squeezing the colours and materials, we will consult with the fabric manufacturer to select the fabric that suits the image and create a design picture accordingly.
Creating a pattern (wallpaper)
Once the design is decided, we will start the work of creating the pattern (wallpaper) necessary to make it three-dimensional. Originally, people in the profession called pattern designers create patterns (wallpapers). However, the designer may give instructions or help create clothes that better fit the image.
Temporary sewing work
Once the wallpaper is complete, the pattern designer will make a sample of the temporary fabric accordingly. The designer looks at the actual clothes and checks every detail from the overall silhouette to the pockets, collar and buttons. If something goes wrong, give instructions, fix it, and repeat the process until you get the ideal design.
Creation of specifications to be sent to the factory
Once the shape of the clothes is complete, we will create specifications so that they can be made at the factory. Specifications are detailed instructions on how to make clothes, such as accessories such as buttons and fasteners to be used, and how to sew and press. The factory that received the order will make a sample according to the specifications. The designer checks it and repeats the corrections until you are satisfied with the result.
Fashion shows / exhibitions
When the product is finally completed, we have to produce it so that it can be sold. We will hold exhibitions and fashion shows using the finished samples. When performing a fashion show, the model, song, and direction are decided according to the brand image and the concept of clothes. When opening an exhibition, we invite retailer buyers to actually see new products and connect them to orders and sales.
How fashion designers work
How fashion designers work
There are many types of fashion designers. Some are hired by apparel brand companies as designers, while others are freelance designers who receive orders from multiple companies. The main types of fashion designers are as follows.
・ Apparel brand designer
・ OEM designer
・ Haute couture designer
・ Free designer
Let's take a closer look at each way of working.
Apparel brand designer
It is the most common form of designer employed by companies that run apparel brands. It is the first place for aspiring designers to aim because they can earn a stable income from companies. I belong to the design team and the planning department and work in collaboration with various departments in the company to make clothes.
OEM designer
Some apparel makers and retailers do not have their own factories. For these brands, create product instructions. We will commercialize it in the form of OEM production, which outsources production to other factories and companies. It is the job of OEM designers to listen to the images and designs of these business partners and put them into concrete form as products. OEM designers are required to have the ability to grasp the needs of the other party and the marketing ability to grasp the needs of the market, rather than the ability to grasp trends.
Haute couture designer
Haute couture is so-called bespoke luxury clothing. Haute couture designers make original designs for customers' orders and dresses that fit the customer's size. However, the demand for haute couture is declining in the modern era when cheap but high-quality clothes are being sold. The reason for this is that the number of wealthy users who come to luxury clothing stores to make bespoke clothes is decreasing. Along with that, the number and jobs of haute couture designers are decreasing recently.
Free designer
A freelance designer is a person who does not belong to a company and works by himself as a sole proprietor. One of the merits of freelance is that you can earn income as much as you get the job, regardless of the length of service or job title, as if you belong to a company, because the work you have done is directly linked to your income. Besides, it is very free because you can choose your own work and you have all the authority. To become a freelance designer, it is common to first gain experience in the company, make some achievements, establish a work connection, and then become independent. Since most free designers are basically individuals, in addition to design work, it is necessary to handle a wide range of work such as sales, office work, accounting, and general affairs. Keep in mind that you have to spend time on tasks that are not related to design.
What is the knowledge required for fashion design?
Planning ability
Of course, the work of fashion designers requires a high sense of design as a designer, but the planning ability is especially important. Fashion design work will not be possible unless you make a deep and carefully calculated plan for the assumed target. Based on the decided plan, the production team finely adjusts the finish and image, and the sales and shop sales staff sell clothes to customers.
Design power
Of course, fashion designers also need abilities such as design, originality, creativity, and keen sensitivity. The quality of the design affects the sales of the product, so designers continue to research every day, searching for and designing clothes that capture the hearts of the target.
Information gathering ability
At both the planning and design stages, information on trends, market trends, and the latest designs are important. By keeping an antenna for various information daily, you will be able to understand what kind of design is required.
communication ability
Fashion designers also need advanced communication skills to meet directly with clients and embody abstract images. At the manufacturing plant, work is carried out based on the design drawings and specifications created by the designer, but fine adjustments are often carried out through direct communication. Communication skills are important because designers who can give specific instructions in words can make clothes that are closer to their own image.
