Fashion/clothing designers are involved in designing clothing, accessories and shoes. Some design expensive one-off pieces while others work in a team creating a range of mass-produced garments. Some designers specialise in one particular area, such as sportswear.
There are three main sectors of fashion design:
- Haute couture which involves the creation of exclusive, one-off pieces that can cost thousands of pounds. Designers in this area usually work directly with a client, organising fittings and making alterations to ensure the garment is a perfect fit. Work in this area can take a great deal of skill and time. Many couture designers also produce cheaper, ready-to-wear collections that are produced in relatively small numbers.
- Ready-to-wear (or prêt-a-porter) is the creation of garments that are produced in small numbers and sold at a high price. These garments will display the haute couture designer’s name but are more affordable.
- High street involves the creation of cheaper ranges for the mass market. These garments are manufactured in large numbers and are often produced overseas. There can be less scope for design creativity in this area as the garments must be made in line with strict budgets and must be easy to mass produce.
Fashion/clothing designers usually work two seasons ahead, so it is important for them to liaise with buyers and trend forecasters to predict the coming fashions. The design process starts with the designer creating initial sketches by hand or using computer software. At this point it is important for them to consider who will be buying the designs and how much they would be willing to pay.
Designers discuss their initial ideas with the design team, usually consisting of a garment technologist, pattern cutter and sample machinist as well as the marketing team. Sample garments are then created to check the fit and style of the piece. When clothes go to production, the fashion designer is usually on hand to sort out any problems with cutting or stitching. They can work predominantly alone or as part of a small design team.
The responsibilities for a designer vary depending on their company, but may include:
- analysing trends in fabric, fashion, colour and shape
- producing design concepts
- producing sketches by hand or on the computer
- sourcing suppliers
- selecting and buying fabrics and trims
- supervising and making sample garments
- developing patterns
- adapting existing designs for mass production
- overseeing production runs
- quality control.
Hours and environment
Fashion/clothing designers usually work from 9.00am to 5.00pm, but much longer hours may be required when preparing samples for buyers or catwalk collections.
Part-time work may be possible, especially for self-employed designers, but this work can be highly competitive and so long hours can be necessary.
Fashion/clothing designers are usually based in a studio or small workshop. This can be attached to an in-house production facility or based separately in smaller companies. Those who make their own samples also spend time at a cutting table and using a sewing machine.
Travel both within Ireland and abroad is common as designers need to visit trade shows, exhibitions, clients and suppliers. The main fashion centres are in London, New York, Paris and Milan so travel within these areas is likely.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- The starting salary for a newly-qualified designer may be between €20,000 and €25,000 a year.
- With more experience, they may earn between €30,000 and €35,000 a year.
- Senior designers may earn €60,000 a year or more
Freelance designers usually charge per design. They may have to pay commission to their agents.
Skills and personal qualities
It would be useful for a fashion/clothing designer to have some of the following skills:
- creativity and an eye for colour, texture and pattern
- the ability to visualise a design
- technical skills in pattern cutting, grading and garment construction
- the ability to draw by hand as well as using computer packages
- good communication and organisational skills
- good business skills as well as commercial awareness
- the ability to work to tight deadlines and within a budget
- good negotiation and sales skills to market their designs
- the ability to keep ahead of trends in colour, fabric and style.
Interests
It helps to have an interest in:
- trends in fashion and clothing
- art and design
- turning designs from concepts into reality.
Getting in
Fashion/clothing designers can work for fashion houses producing designer labels, as part of a design team for a retail chain, or for a clothing manufacturer that produces large quantities of clothing for the mass market.
Entry routes
Fashion designers usually start their career after taking a degree in fashion. Foundation degree courses are also available. Some courses provide a general grounding in fashion design and textiles, while others focus on manufacturing and clothing technology.
Training
Training is usually provided on the job working alongside more experienced designers. As competition is extremely strong, most employers expect new recruits to have learned the basic skills needed at college or university.
New fashion/clothing designers are usually required to work in junior positions where they are responsible for developing other people’s designs in order to gain experience and contacts.
Getting on
With experience, designers may be able to move into senior design roles and work with more established fashion labels. Very few designers are able to design clothes for their own fashion label.
Fashion designers may also move into specialist areas such as colour predicting, style consultancy, fashion journalism or costume design.
Useful links:
Fashion Design Academy of Ireland
National College of Art and Design
Council of Irish Fashion Designers
Design & Crafts Council Ireland