Fashion Careers

 Fashion Design Production Fashion Designer Fashion Accessory Designer Marketing/Merchandising Fashion Merchandiser Fashion Buyer Fashion Sales Rep Fashion Coordinator Showroom Sales Rep Retail Merchandiser Product Manager Clothing Patternmaker Visual Merchandiser Retail Store Manager Pattern Grader Boutique Owner

 Fashion Media & Promotions Fashion Writer Fashion Stylist Fashion PR Specialist Fashion Editor Fashion Illustrator Graphic Designer Fashion Photographer

Other Fashion Careers Costume Designer Personal Stylist Model

Fashion Design Production

Fashion and accessory designers use their knowledge of design principles, techniques, and tools to create sketches and models of original garments, shoes, handbags and other fashion accessories. They often specialize in a particular facet of clothing design, such as men's, women's, children's wear, or lingerie. While some fashion designers control the entire design and marketing process, others use the services of patternmakers to create original textiles and trimmings, production managers to oversee the actual creation of the fashion line, and fashion merchandisers to introduce and establish the designs in the fashion marketplace.
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FASHION DESIGNER
Alternate Titles: Clothes Designer, Apparel Designer

Job Description: 1. Fashion designers conceptualize and create new clothing. 2. They analyze fashion trends and work closely with production, marketing, and sales departments to design, produce, and promote a finished, ready-to-wear product for apparel manufacturers, specialty and retail stores, and individual clients. 3. Fashion designers usually specialize in a specific line of clothing such as women, men, kids, maternity, bridal, sportswear etc. 4. In larger fashion houses, individual designers may work in very specialized areas, such as tshirts, evening dresses, maternity clothes, baby outfits, or denims. 5. More experienced designers may be required to travel to promote their fashion lines. 6. Fashion design is a demanding and unpredictable job with long hours, especially when deadlines approach for launches, shows, or individual jobs, an example being tailors who produce custom designs for weddings and other special events. 7. Potential employers include retailers, haute couturiers, textile and apparel manufacturers, and fashion studios.
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Outlook: Demand for fashion designers will remain strong as consumers constantly seek new styles and fashion, and the population is growing, which creates more overall demand for clothing and accessories. Expect long hours in the beginning and be prepared for seasonal slowdowns. Personal Characteristics and Skillsability to discriminate between colors and judge fabric quality & a good eye for style, shape, and color above-average ability for sewing skills; drawing and sketching skills computer skills (especially with the use of CAD - computer assisted design) knowledge of fashion trends and forecasts knowledge of manufacturing and production process ability to deal with ambiguity and rejection and to handle stress due to deadlines good business and marketing skills. Career Path: Design Assistant > Assistant Designer > Associate Designer > Fashion Director

ACCESSORY DESIGNER
Also called: Jewelry Designer, Handbag Designer, Shoe Designer, etc.

Job Description: 1. Accessory designers conceptualize and create designs for jewelry, handbags, shoes, ties, belts, hats, gloves, etc. to go with clothing. 2. Accessory designers usually specialize in a specific line of accessories, as well as the customers for whom they design these accessories, be it men, women, kids, moms, brides, and so on. 3. Accessory designers must always stay in touch not only with trends in their own specialties, but also within apparel and fabric markets, in order to react to create pieces that complement the new hot styles in the market.

Outlook:

Accessory design is a highly competitive field that requires a lot of selfmotivation. Few staff positions are available, so most accessory designers work independently.

Personal Characteristics/Skills above average ability for creative expression technical skill in working with materials required for the chosen specialty (such as metal and semi-precious stones for jewelry designers, etc) persistence and determination; ability to work independently, drawing and sketching skills knowledge of and ability to react to current fashion trends knowledge of manufacturing and production process ability to keep production within a tight budget; handle stress due to deadlines
Career Path: Design Assistant/ Freelance Accessory Designer > Associate Staff Accessory Designer > Accessory Designs Director
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FASHION MERCHANDISER
Alternate Titles: Merchandiser, Apparel Merchandiser
Job Description: 1. Fashion merchandisers on the apparel production side track and analyze market trends, production costs, and previous sales numbers to determine the product direction that the manufacturers will take each season. 2. A fashion merchandiser needs to be one of the first in the industry to spot the trend. 3. Fashion merchandising professionals on the retail side are responsible for determining store inventory and to price clothes (MPR) 4. They may also be responsible for tracking profits and losses. 5. Merchandisers are some of the most powerful employees within an apparel company, and have large personnel management responsibilities.

Outlook: Every apparel maker needs at least one fashion merchandiser. As a result, there are a number of merchandiser positions open Those who have the business acumen and good fashion judgment to achieve and maintain profitability in their sector could advance high up the executive ladder.
Personal Characteristics and Skills extensive knowledge of the apparel industry and trends highly analytical with strong math skills ability to predict and create fashion trends ability to combine information from market sales and production data with fashion forecasts and translate into smart product-line decisions; decisive; ability to work with other executives; well-organized; detail oriented; calm under pressure. Career Path: Fashion Buyer > Merchandising Assistant > Merchandiser > Merchandising Director

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FASHION SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Also called: Manufacturer's Representative, Apparel Sales Representative

Job Description: 1. Fashion Sales Representatives sell a manufacturer's garments and accessories to Fashion Buyers from wholesale and retail stores. 2. Sales representatives usually solicit orders from new and prospective customers within a designated geographical area. 3. They show samples, illustrations, and catalogs of their manufacturer's product line, and must be able to answer any questions regarding the products. 4. They listen to their customers concerns about the product, assist in solving problems the customer may have with the product, and even help the customer sell more of the product by arranging special events like trunk shows and in-store fashion shows featuring their products. 5. This is a position that requires a good deal of travel, sometimes internationally.
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Outlook: Good to Excellent. Higher than average growth within the US is projected in this sector, with additional positions available overseas. Often the key to getting a job is the willingness and flexibility to travel to remote locations. Personal Characteristics/Skills highly competitive belief in the product and ability to maintain enthusiasm for it excellent communication skills - both written and oral establish good relationships with customers self-motivated with good follow-through skills ability to deal with rejection and remain upbeat knowledge of fashion industry trends and manufacturer's competitors. Career Path: Showroom Sales Representative/Assistant > Sales Representative > Sales Manager > Regional Sales Manager > National Sales Manager > VP Sales
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SHOWROOM SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Also called: Showroom Salesperson, Showroom Representative Job Description: 1. They work at manufacturers and/or designers offices, where they meet with visiting Fashion Buyers and show the latest product line. 2. Once they convince the Fashion Buyer to purchase the manufacturer's products, they are responsible for accurately taking the Fashion Buyers order. 3. They must then make sure that the right quantity of the right product reaches their customers' stores at the right time and in saleable condition. 4. Showroom sales reps should expect to work additional long hours during the four to six market weeks or fashion weeks each year. Outlook: Good to Excellent. Although a showroom sales rep is a fairly competitive position, college graduates with good communication skills and the right personality have a good chance of being hired. With enough experience and some additional education or training, advancement is a good possibility. Personal Characteristics/Skills - enthusiastic; friendly; outgoing; good listener; excellent communication and presentation skills; knowledge of manufacturing and retail sectors of the fashion industry; good organizational and computer skills. Career Path: Showroom Sales Assistant > Showroom Sales Representative > Showroom Sales Manager
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PRODUCT MANAGER
Also called: Product Development Manager Job Description: 1. Product Managers are responsible for overseeing the conceptualization, design, construction, selling and distribution of a manufacturer or designer's products. 2. They are also responsible for overseeing the set-up and implementation of quality assurance protocols for their product. 3. Product Managers usually handle a specific product, or product line. 4. This is a fairly senior position within a manufacturer's organization. Outlook: Employment is expected to grow 3% to 9% between 2002 and 2012. Most aspiring product managers must work up to this senior level, usually starting at an analyst or assistant position. As product managers gain extensive experience and knowledge of the manufacturer's operations, they can be promoted into an executive leadership position. Personal Characteristics/Skills - highly analytical with strong math skills; extensive knowledge of the apparel industry and trends; ability to combine information from market sales and production data with fashion forecasts and translate into smart product-line decisions; decisive; well-organized; detail oriented; ability to work with other executives; calm under pressure. Career Path: Market Analyst > Merchandiser > Product Manager > Director of Product Management
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CLOTHING PATTERN MAKER

Also called: Pattern Maker, Apparel Patternmaker, Fabric Patternmaker Job Description: 1. Clothing patternmakers make full-size paper or fiberboard patterns for clothing. 2. Patternmakers use their expertise in body proportions and knowledge of fabric to translate the designer's apparel sketches into its various pattern pieces. 3. Because of their understanding of the technical aspect of a design, patternmakers often act as liaisons between the design and manufacturing groups. Outlook: Pattern makers are very important to designers and fashion houses, yet the number of people entering the trade has declined. As styles become more complicated, pattern makers are vital to the success of a design. There should be opportunities either working for designers, manufacturers or as freelancers. Personal Characteristics/Skills - great technical skills with an ability to use drafting tools (calipers, squares, straight and curved rules); expertise with body proportions; good computer skills (specifically with CAD programs - computer assisted drawing); ability to visualize the finished garment from a designers drawings, designs, and sketches; detail oriented; understanding of apparel manufacturing process; good communication skills. Career Path: Fabric Cutter/Grader > Patternmaker > Assistant Designer > Designer. Alternatively Patternmakers may be promoted into Manufacturing/Production Management positions.
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PATTERN GRADER
Also called: Grader Job Description: 1. Pattern graders are responsible for reducing or enlarging a pattern created by a patternmaker order to produce clothes across a range of sizes (S, M, L, etc) and fits (tall, petite). 2. Pattern graders may use charts, machinery, or computer programs in their work. In general, pattern grading is considered more of a technically oriented career than patternmaking or designing.

Outlook: Opportunities for pattern graders are available, especially through turnover or attrition. Pattern graders may work directly for design houses or manufacturers, but may also work for firms that specialize in pattern grading (such as an outsourcing provider). With the right attitude, technical expertise and experience, anyone starting as a pattern grader should have opportunities to progress on the road to becoming production managers.

Personal Characteristics/Skills - Understanding of apparel construction and manufacturing and patternmaking; good drafting and math skills; ability to do precise manual work; analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to manage deadlines and multiple projects. Career Path: Pattern Grading Assistant > Pattern Grader > Patternmaker > Production Manager

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Fashion Marketing/Merchandising

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Fashion Marketing/Merchandising
They are responsible for identifying and creating fashion trends to sell the products created by fashion designers. Drawing on their knowledge of consumer psychology and trends, they promote fashion with advertising and visual marketing campaigns. The fashion merchandising field includes jobs in both retail and wholesale sales.

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FASHION BUYER
Also called: Apparel Buyer, Buyer

Job Description: 1. Fashion buyers use their sense of style, knowledge of fashion trends, and understanding of their target customers' desires to create an attractive selection of apparel for retail stores. 2. Buyers often make their purchases of apparel and accessories from manufacturers, designers, or wholesalers for the retailers or departmental stores 1 or 2 seasons in advance, so it is important for fashion buyers to be able to understand past, present, and future fashion trends. 3. Buyers must also be good at budgeting and planning inventory so that a good selection of clothing is always available for customers. 4. Buyers for larger department stores usually specialize in a specific line of clothes or accessories (e.g., men's suits or women's denim)

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Outlook: Good to Excellent. The overall number of fashion buyer positions available is expected to decrease, but new positions become available as a result of internal promotions of experienced buyers. Advancement opportunities are good: Those who start at the assistant buyer level have a good chance of becoming full-fledged buyers within 3 to 5 years.
Personal Characteristics/Skills Fashion buyers must be fashion-lovers with knowledge of fashion history and trends good analytical skills good negotiation abilities flexible work attitude excellent budgeting and planning skills inventory management skills ability to deal well with deadlines and stress. Career Path: Assistant Fashion Buyer > Fashion Buyer > Divisional Merchandise Manager
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CO-ORDINATOR
Also called: Fashion Director
Job Description: 1. Fashion Coordinators are responsible for creating a unified look and feel across all fashion divisions of a department store, design house, or fashion magazine. 2. They are constantly monitoring industry publications and talking to designers in order to understand industry trends and keep up with the latest in fabric and textile development.

3. Fashion directors need to assess the potential success of a garment or clothing line and determine the best plan for promotion and marketing.
4. Fashion coordinators then share their analyses with retail salespeople and/or editors to guide them in making customer recommendations, and they also share their analysis with buyers to guide them in making inventory purchases.

5. Additional responsibilities of a fashion coordinator may include organizing fashion parades, supervising fashion photography shoots for promotions, and serving as a middleman with fabric mills, suppliers, and wholesalers to ensure that things are on schedule and colors, designs, and textiles are according to plan. 6. Long hours and frequent travel are part of the job.
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Outlook: Fair to Great. There are only a limited number of Fashion Coordinator positions available since it is a high-level position. However, these are available in areas like fashion magazines, design houses, and department stores. Personal Characteristics/Skills excellent understanding of fashion (e.g., fabrics, colors, styles, cuts, etc.) knowledge and understanding of fashion trends a flair for style; in-depth understanding of consumer behavior an interest in artistic and creative pursuits; great networking skills great organizational skills excellent communication, negotiation, judgment, and presentation skills. Career Path: Retail Sales Associate > Buyer > Assistant Fashion Coordinator > Fashion Coordinator > Fashion Director

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RETAIL MERCHANDISER
Also called: Merchandise Manager, Fashion Merchandiser
Job Description: 1. Retail Merchandisers select, purchase, promote and sell clothing and accessories for a retail store, department, division or chain. 2. They study fashion trends, visit manufacturers, designers and merchandise markets, and make fashion forecasts basted on the information they collect. 3. They work with a team of buyers and managers to decide the most effective way to sell their products including advertising and display of merchandise & on how and where best to position and place merchandise. 4. They may also be responsible for organizing and coordinating promotional activities like fashion shows. 5. Like Fashion Buyers, Merchandisers may also specialize in a specific line of clothing. 6. Long hours and plenty of travel are often part of the job. Outlook: Good to Excellent. Personal Characteristics/Skills Exceptional analytical skills; in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of the fashion marketplace, consumers, designers, competitors, manufacturers and products; great leadership and management skills; highly organized; expertise in planning, pricing, forecasting, product development and sales; strong time management skills. Career Path: Buyers > Associate Merchandising Manager > Merchandise Manager > General Merchandising Manager
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VISUAL MERCHANDISER
Alternate Titles: Merchandise Display Artist, Visual Display Designer
Job Description: 1. Visual Merchandisers are responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and implementing window and instore displays for both online and brick and mortar retail stores. 2. Visual Merchandisers must combine their creativity and artistic flair with technical know-how to set up displays that maximize the space of the store while effectively catching the eye and appealing to the senses of their target customers. 3. Their mail goals are: (1) create and maintain an image for a department or store that resonates with their target customers, (2) increase customer traffic in the store, and (3) guide their customers' browsing through merchandise placement and store layout to result in an eventual sale. 4. Visual Merchandisers may provide input or oversee the design and layout of a store or department, fashion showrooms, tradeshow displays, and any other areas where the store's apparel and accessories are displayed, promoted, or sold. 5. In addition to drawing on their knowledge of customer tendencies when designing their displays, Visual Display Artists take into account current fashions and trends, promotions, and seasonal factors, such as holidays (e.g., Christmas and Valentine's Day). 6. In larger department stores or retail chains, Visual Merchandisers coordinate with the head office and other design teams (including buyers and sales staff) to ensure consistency with the corporate brand or image.
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Outlook: Good to Excellent. In the coming years, Visual Merchandiser jobs are projected to grow at a pace higher than the national average. Now that retailers have realized the positive impact that displays can have on their in- store customer traffic and therefore their bottom lines, skilled Visual Merchandisers have become more sought after. Experienced Visual Merchandisers who have a proven track record of creating great displays may have the option of joining or starting their own firms specializing in visual merchandising for retailers, or they may be promoted to managerial positions of greater responsibilities. Personal Characteristics and Skills: 1. Creativity is key with an above-average ability for artistic expression. 2. Technical and design expertise (e.g. building stet, props, setting up proper lighting, etc) is helpful, as well as knowledge of fashion and art/design industry trends and forecasts. It is also important to have the ability to work well with others. Career Path: Visual Merchandising Assistant > Visual Merchandiser > Visual Merchandising Coordinator > Visual Merchandising Director

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RETAIL STORE MANAGER

Also called: Store Manager, Department Store Manager

Job Description: 1. Retail store managers are very high-level employees who are responsible for overseeing all aspects of a store's operations. 2. Depending on the size of a store, store managers do or at least are involved in some manner in everything from approving visual displays and print or television advertisements, ordering a store's merchandise inventory, setting up pricing policies, to hiring, training, firing and promoting employees. 3. They are ultimately responsible for the store's bottom line, and as such must have the right combination of fashion industry knowledge, business acumen, and interpersonal skills to keep their stores profitable. 4. Working long hours, weekends, evenings and holidays are often part of the job.

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Outlook: Employment for retail store managers / supervisors is expected to grow 3% to 9% between 2002 and 2012. Candidates with retail experience will have the the best opportunity for jobs as store managers. The growth of national chains has created more jobs at companies (instead of small retail stores) and thus created a career development path for many aspiring managers. Job stability for Retail Store Managers is now more than ever determined by the store's ongoing profitability.
Personal Characteristics/Skills interpersonal and management skills highly organized detail oriented yet constantly thinking of the big picture good business skills particularly in marketing, accounting, sales and management. Career Path: Retail Sales Associate > Associate Manager > Store Manager > Department Store Manager
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BOUTIQUE OWNER
Also called: Specialty Store Owner, Owner

Job Description: 1. Successful boutique owners are very entrepreneurial-minded and driven people who use a combination of savvy business skills and in-depth knowledge of the fashion retail industry to make a profit. 2. Their stores often target a specific customer profile and often carry a specific mix of clothing and/or apparel designers that appeal to this demographic. 3. Boutique owners must be jacks of all trades as they typically oversee all aspects of a boutiques operations from planning and purchasing their inventory, setting up the in-store displays and managing employees. 4. One could start a fashion boutique in one of the following areas: sportswear, beachwear, novelty items, vintage, T-shirts, dresses, tuxedos, shoes, handbags, accessories, lingerie, watches, sunglasses, and more.

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Outlook: Being a small business owner is a dream for many people, and the value of being one's own boss cannot be underestimated. Setting up a boutique usually requires obtaining a bank loan or drawing from personal savings to cover initial investments. Often, successful owners are those who can attract investors with a solid business plan and operational structure. Once the store is profitable, owners can go on to open additional stores, or if they have created a strong enough brand, sell franchises for subsequent locations. Personal Characteristics/Skills entrepreneurial and risk-taking personality solid business background in fields such as Marketing, Accounting, Sales and Management in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of the fashion retail marketplace, including trends and forecasts flexible; multi-tasking capabilities; excellent time management and communication skills. Career Path: Retail Sales Associate > Buyer > Retail Manager > Boutique Owner
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Fashion Media & Promotions

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Fashion Media & Promotions

The fashion industry offers a number of opportunities for creative professionals who aren't attracted to the design side. Fashion writers and editors are employed by newspapers, magazines, web sites, and other media outlets to keep consumers up-to-date on style trends. Fashion photographs, illustrators, and stylists are often employed by catalogs and magazines.

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FASHION WRITER
Also called: Fashion Journalist, Fashion Critic, Fashion Reporter Job Description: 1. Fashion writers produce editorial copy for media outlets such as fashion magazines, newspapers, fashion / design websites or blogs, and of course for television. 2. The majority of the industry's fashion writers work within editorial departments of fashion design firms, but for those who specialize in areas like designer collection reviews... submitting articles on a freelance basis is often the preferred career direction. 3. Talented fashion editors tend to partner with photographers, who together dig up their own stories e.g. formal portraits of designers, editors, models, celebrities and others who make up fashion's inner circle. 4. After developing these stories behind the scenes, they are pitched to chief editors or other fashion media buyers like Vogue or Cosmo. Like all journalists, fashion reporters must do thorough research and/or conduct interviews when preparing articles. 5. Most draw upon their personal interest and incorporate their own personality into stories to make their pieces fun, interesting and engaging to readers.
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Outlook: National employment demand for all fashion journalists and writers is expected to grow through 2014. Two thirds of the nations working fashion editors will reside in either New York or California (US Dept of Labor). The fashion writing industry can be extremely competitive. Skills Excellent English communication and writing skills (e.g., spelling and grammar), attention to detail, and superior research and fact-checking skills are essential. A love of fashion and knowledge about the industry, historical trends, designers, textiles, fabrics and business are also important. Personal Characteristics - Good interpersonal communication skills are needed for interviews and dealing with editors. Freelance fashion writers must have persistence and perseverance and be good at marketing their work Career Path: Editorial Assistant > Staff Fashion Writer > Fashion Editor
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FASHION STYLIST

Job Description: 1. Fashion stylists are responsible for bringing to life a photographer or director's vision for a fashion photo shoot, layout, commercial, print advertisement, music video, etc. 2. Fashion stylists often scout locations, create the mood for the shoot by selecting and setting up the appropriate props, fashions, accessories, and even models to fit the theme of the shoot. 3. They coordinate colors and styles and ensure that all clothes are ready for the shoot, which can include basic tasks such as steaming and ironing garments. 4. Companies such as magazines, newspapers, retailers, catalog publishers, television and film production houses, public relations firms, advertising agencies, and music production companies often employ fashion stylists. 5. Stylists may also be employed by agents, celebrities, or wealthy clients as wardrobe consultants to help them prepare for major events or appearances. Many stylists also choose to run their own businesses.
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Outlook: Aspiring fashion stylists should expect to work their way to the top. The most successful fashion stylists have extensive networks of contacts within the fashion industry to get the job done quickly and on budget. In addition, clients usually hire stylists they have used in the past or those who have proven success in the business. Once established, stylists who maintain a good professional reputation can expect plenty of repeat business and often take advantage of this by setting up their own independent businesses.
Personal Characteristics and Skills eye for style; creativity and resourcefulness broad knowledge of fashion history, trends and forecasts technical know-how for setting up sets; good interpersonal and networking skills persistence and self-motivation; ability to market oneself savvy business skills to deal with invoicing, bills, budgets, etc.

Career Path: Intern/Stylist's Apprentice > Assistant Fashion Stylist > Staff Fashion Stylist

Famous Fashion Stylists: Jeff Ihenando: Stylist for supermodels Kate Moss, Libery Ross, Naomi Campbell Rachel Zoe: Celebrity clients include Nichole Richie, Mischa Barton, Keira Knightly Wardrobe stylist for Madonna, Lauren Hutton, Kylie Minogue, Kelly Price
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FASHION PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Also called: Fashion Publicist, Fashion Media Relations Specialist

Job Description: 1. Fashion Public Relations Specialists and Publicists help apparel companies and retail stores build and maintain a favorable public image. 2. Because they do not pay for publicity or media coverage, Public Relations (PR) Specialists must find creative ways to keep the company's brand name in the public eye.

3. PR specialists select information that they want to share with the public and write up press releases or conduct press conferences to distribute the news through television, newspapers, radio and direct mail.
4. They are also responsible for interacting with media when questions or crises arise from outside sources. As such, PR specialists must maintain strong professional relationships with media personnel.

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Outlook: Good to Excellent. The market for PR specialists focused solely on fashion is growing quickly. In addition to working on staff for design houses and retailers, PR specialists may also work at PR firms that handle work for a variety of clients. After 3-5 years of experience in the field, PR specialists often move into more senior PR Coordinator positions. Personal Characteristics/Skills Knowledge of journalistic basics including proper news release formats excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills good interpersonal skills; good time management and multi-tasking skills ability to maintain an even temperament under stress.

Career Path: Promotions Assistant > Public Relations Specialist > Public Relations Coordinator > Director of Public Relations

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FASHION EDITOR
Also called: Apparel Editor, Accessories Editor, Fashion Producer Job Description: 1. Fashion editors supervise the process of creating, developing and presenting content for fashionspecific magazines, photo shoots, websites, newspaper sections, or television shows.

2. Editors occupy the mid to highest-level positions at publications

3. Under guidance of the editor-in-chief, they are responsible for deciding the creative influence and direction that their departments will pursue during a given season or issue. 4. Editors may specialize in apparel, accessories, beauty and make-up, and so on. 5. Some fashion editors choose to freelance, working on a per-contract basis and assuming all of the costs of the fashion shoot (e.g., clothing and accessories). Due to the deadline-driven nature of their work, both salaried and freelance editors should enjoy a fastpaced environment. In addition, editors are often required to travel to keep up with the latest fashion trends through meetings with designers and visits to fashion shows throughout the world (e.g., New York, Paris, London, and Milan), retail stores, specialty boutiques, and vintage clothing stores

6.

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Outlook: Employment of editors and writers is expected to increase 10% to 20% between 2002 and 2012 There are a variety of outlets in which prospective editors may seek employment including but not limited to: fashion magazines, fashion sections of news, entertainment and lifestyle magazines, newspapers, television shows, websites, etc. Growth in any of these sectors means an increased demand for experienced writers and editors. Because competition for these jobs is fierce, aspiring editors must be creative, hard working and willing to start at the bottom and take opportunities as they arise. Once in the system, opportunities for advancement become more readily available. Personal Characteristics/Skills Passion for fashion; broad knowledge of fashion industry trends and forecasts excellent writing/journalistic talent with the ability to communicate effectively and clearly great organization and planning skills; excellent interpersonal and management skills competitive spirit ability to perform well under stress. Career Path: Associate Editor > Editor > Senior Editor > Editor-in-Chief Famous Fashion Editor-in-Chiefs: Anna Wintour: Vogue Magazine Cindi Leive: Glamour Magazine Robbie Myers: Elle Magazine

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FASHION IILUSTRATOR
Also called: Fashion Artist Job Description: 1. Fashion illustrators conceptualize and create sketches and drawings of apparel, shoes, and accessories for fashion advertisements, catalogues, and other media either by hand or use special computer software programs (e.g., computer aided design/CAD). 2. Fashion illustrations are used in newspaper and magazine advertising layouts, department store ads, direct mail catalogs, television commercials, films, brochures, and flyers. 3. Professional fashion artists may work on a freelance basis for an advertising agency, manufacturer, or department store, or out of their own studio. Outlook: Many of the jobs once performed exclusively by fashion illustrators are now also done by fashion photographers; however, there are still opportunities for fashion illustration and fashion artist jobs. For example, well-trained and skilled illustrators are sought by employers like pattern companies and fashion forecast firms, for whom photographs will not suffice. In addition, full-time jobs are often available with clothing catalog firms. Personal Characteristics/Skills Excellent computer skills, particularly with CAD software; exceptional drawing skills; high level of creativity and artistic expression; ability for self-promotion; basic business know-how. Career Path: Fashion Illustrator Freelance > Staff Fashion Illustrator
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GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Also called: Graphic Artist Job Description: 1. Graphic Designers design and prepare camera-ready copy for any type of printed material, including business cards and stationary, brochures, advertising, packaging, book covers, and many other types of materials, for various fashion businesses. 2. Graphic designers may work for an advertising agency, fashion magazine, graphic design firm, as a freelance designer, or out of their own studio. In large agencies, they work on a team with the Art Director and Creative Director in order to conceptualize and create specific designs to be approved by their client. Outlook: Good to Excellent. Faster than average growth is projected for graphic designers in the coming years thanks to the growth of the Internet and the increase in competition among apparel designers and manufacturers. Success for graphic designers is usually based on creativity and design sense, variety and length of experience, business acumen, and turnover in top positions. Those who fit the bill may progress to become art directors or creative directors, or may decide to open their own graphic design firm and hire other designers. Personal Characteristics/Skills - Good sense of style, color and design; ability to tolerate criticism; creativity and imagination; attention to detail; good computer skills; ability to collaborate other professionals. Career Path: Paste-up Artist > Graphic Designer > Art Director > Creative Director
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FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER
Also called: Photographer, Catalogue Photographer, Magazine Photographer

Job Description:

1. Fashion photographers either freelance or are employed by catalogs, magazines, Web sites, and fashion houses to conceptualize, shoot, develop, and print still photos and/or videos to show off clothes and accessories in a creative manner that catches the eye of consumers.
2. Professional fashion photographers must have a good eye for style and beauty and be skilled at working with models to achieve & capture the best possible poses and photos. 3. In addition to taking pictures, photographers may also be responsible for scouting locations and hiring models and personnel for the photo shoot

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Outlook: Competition for jobs in magazine and commercial photography is stiff, and aspiring fashion photographers may outnumber the available assignments. However, increased use of the Internet may spur further growth in fashion photography, as Web sites look to continuously refresh their content. S starting as an assistant or an apprentice is one way to get a foot in the door. With experience comes more opportunity, and those who can develop a solid portfolio (body of work) may attain full-time staff positions or set up their own studios and work with more exclusive or well-known fashion clients. Personal Characteristics/Skills Artistic and creative expression thorough knowledge of the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography, including camera operations, lighting, composition, darkroom procedures, and special characteristics of films and paper good business and networking skills; solid interpersonal skills to communicate with models and convey your ideas; ability to promote oneself knowledge of trends in both photography and fashion industry. Career Path: Photographer's Assistant > Staff/Freelance Photographer > Photo Editor > Director of Photography Famous Fashion Photographers: Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, Mario Testino, Steven Meisel, Patrick Demarchelier, Michael Thompson, Mario Sorrenti

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Other Fashion Careers

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Other fashion career opportunities include ---

costume design - for TV, film and theater productions personal stylist - positions with high-end department stores and private clients and modeling work - for everything from newspapers ads to strutting the catwalk in Milan or Paris
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COSTUME DESIGNER
Also called: Theatrical Designer Job Description: 1. Costume Designers research and design for authentic period, country or social class costumes. 2. They work primarily for motion pictures, television, concerts and stage companies. With any given project, costume designers must get a feel for the mood, time period and setting in which the action occurs. 3. They do research, create sketches of costumes, and develop costume budgets for the entire production. 4. A good costume designer plays a big part in character or time period to vivid life on stage or screen.

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Outlook: Employment opportunities for costume designers depends largely upon the Entertainment Industry. As demand for movies and theater grow and the productions themselves become increasingly rich in design and costume, demand for costume designers should follow. Aspiring costume designers usually start as assistants - often as unpaid volunteers in college productions. With the right skills, experience, perseverance, and a little luck, this hard work should enable the designer to land a higher-paying job in the television and film industries.
Personal Characteristics/Skills Creativity; knowledge of fashion history and art history as well as general world history good research skills technical skill in designing and dressmaking ability to work and collaborate with other professionals ability to handle stress from deadlines. Career Path: Design Assistant, University/Regional Theatre > Costume Designer, University/Regional Theatre > Costume Designer, Broadway/OffBroadway Productions > Costume Designer, Television and Film

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PERSONAL STYLIST
Also called: Wardrobe Consultant, Personal Shopper Job Description: 1. Personal stylists work with individuals or companies to educate clients about general fashion apparel and accessories. 2. Consultants make an evaluation of their clients' physical attributes, lifestyle, and fashion style in order to make recommendations on which fashion choices will help the client achieve and maintain their desired image. 3. Personal stylists may often shop for their clients and pick out items that suit their image. Outlook: Aspiring stylists should first get some experience in fashion retail positions. With enough experience, personal shoppers and merchandise buyers can gain credentials to work as independent consultants. Personal stylists may give classes for small groups or run seminars for a client company. Some lucky stylists work exclusively with high-profile celebrities in the sports and entertainment industries where a client's everyday look or image is often more important than how they look while they work. Personal Characteristics/Skills Excellent fashion sense; good listener, friendly and tactful; great presentation and oral communication skills; knowledge of fashion trends and forecasts; ability to promote oneself; good networking skills; business savvy; enjoy shopping. Career Path: Retail Sales Associate > Related Fashion Position > Personal Stylist
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FASHION MODEL
Also called: Fashion Model, Runway Model, Print Model Job Description: 1. Models try to convey an idea by their appearance, persuading people to buy the products they advertise. 2. Models work with clothing, make-up, and costume accessories in a variety of poses and settings. 3. They may model in showrooms, retail stores, custom salons or specialty stores. Others work in fashion show modeling, which is more theatrical. Others work mainly pose for still photographs used in print ads, brochures and catalogs. Outlook: Demand for both male models and models who are representative of diverse racial and ethnic groups should rise higher than average for all models. Like most glamorous and high status careers, many people aspire to become models and the competition is healthy. Yet, those who succeed often segue into careers in fashion and entertainment. Personal Characteristics/Skills photogenic and physically attractive with height, weight and body measurements falling within certain industry standards; familiarity with different modeling techniques, formal fashion show procedures and the use of cosmetics; excellent fashion style; good people skills; self-discipline; a positive attitude. Famous Supermodels: Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford, Christie Brinkley, Naomi Campbell, Heidi Klum, Karolina Kurkova, Tyra Banks, Adriana Lima, and Laetitia Casta. Career Path: Print Model > Runway Model > Supermodel 49