Whether you're interested in mass-market, ready-to-wear, or high fashion/haute couture, all fashion

designers need the same basic comprehension of art, design, and the fashion industry in order to
succeed.

What is a fashion designer?

A fashion designer outlines, designs, and creates clothing garments. Fashion designers, however,
don't just make clothes. They often apply cultural attitudes, aesthetics, and inspirations to their
designs. Designers also work in tandem with other individuals in the fashion business, like stylists,
merchandisers, patternmakers, seamsters, costume designers, modeling agencies, design firms,
magazine editors, and more.

The fashion industry is an international multi-billion dollar business with many sectors and career
paths beyond traditional, prêt-à-porter design, including fashion merchandising, eyewear,
outerwear, sportswear, accessory design, footwear, outerwear, handbags, and more.

What Does a Fashion Designer Do?

Fashion, like all art forms, is a product of self-expression. Fashion is more than
just the clothing you wear, but the way it is worn and the visual story it tells.

Your job as a designer is to produce something other people will love wearing.
The exploratory process of sketching, selecting fabrics, or revising your first
muslin may spark a design idea for you, but inspiration may change as you cast
models, decide on hair and makeup, or plan how to show your collection on
the runway.