Before venturing into the fashion industry, I have always think of it as an easy ground. But on getting there, I realize a whole lot that if I was told; I would either not believe it, taking them as discouraging statement,or I may rather not venture into it all.
The complexity of fashion designing is what makes it interesting especially, the excitement of creating something beautiful out of some pieces of materials.
Fashion Designing is not for the sleeping mind, you must be creative and be open to learning from anybody at all. It is not a single man island. A fashion designer initiates and oversee the entire procedure of creating new garment. To be successful in doing this, you should possess some important skills such as :
Good communication skills: Communication is an important aspect of any organization, it will help you to fully express your creative ability. Good communication skills be it verbal or written will provide a lot of business opportunities. It is the ability to sell your brand and a strong determinant factor for a successful fashion designer. It is a daily tools needed in presenting your brand to the world. The success or failure of a business depends heavily on communication.
Fashion Trend: In the fashion world, change is the only constant thing, what is in vogue today is different from what was in vogue yesterday. One must be able to keep up with trends; update yourself by attending parties, watching and listening to fashion news and following fashion blogs.
Creativity: The value of creativity in fashion cannot be over emphasized. Without creativity, you may always have to copy other people’s work. As a designer, you should be able to think critically and productively, you should have the mental ability to create something from your imagination. You should be able to think in pictures and design your thoughts into pattern and eventually garments. Creativity gives your brand a specific look and pattern of identity.
Proper Knowledge of Fabrics : It is important to know the different types of fabric and the styles they are most suitable for. Good knowledge of fabric will go a long way in easing the stress of working with the wrong fabric for a design.
Good sense of Color: Color add life to your design, It has a unique way of attracting people. Good color combination and differentiation is important. You should know the color that is suitable for a particular gender and also the clients opinion of colors must be taken into consideration while choosing color.
Other skills you should get apart from the aforementioned is good drawing skills, ability to take perfect measurements, efficient computer skills, Good presentation skills.
Fashion industry has a complex supply structure, this is as a result of the independent but related segments that makes up the system. Each of this system has a complicated process, every fashion accessories are complex in their own ways, an assortment may contain varieties of styles, sizes, colors, with unpredictable demand and deadline. For each of this assortment, the garment manufacturer have to source for the fabric and materials needed to produce the garment and deliver within the deadline. As a result of this, fashion design involve a lot of intensive labor and process.
Understanding the intricate of sustainable fashion design can be overwhelming and a barrier for fashion designers, It is advisable that a new fashion designer should start simple and build complexity over time . Decide which design field is your principal interest, is it ready-to-wear, fitness gears or haute couture, it is important to perfect yourself in one area then experiment with others when you’ve gain your perfection and foothold in the industry. Then explore the merits and demerits of which ever section you choose to focus on.
Fame should not be your drive target as a beginner, focus on reality, be real and willing to meet different types of people. Your money comes from those people and your talent brings fame in the long run. If fame is your sole purpose of venturing into the industry, your progress may be slow. Be realistic, study your environment and create something that will work for them; for instance, you can’t be making a winter jacket in a warm country. Study what the market want and give them your best.
My advice for anyone who want to become a fashion designer is to first, ensure you sharpen your communication skills, be willing to work very hard, just like crypto trading, the fashion industry have it high and low, but your ability to stand strong and firm is what will take you to the top. You have to learn to accept criticism with all your heart because that’s one way to improve yourself to perfection. Also, learn to manage stress because it is not a field for the weak, start small and grow into that big brand you’ve always dreamed of and do not forget to pray for GRACE.