Fashion Design Schools

The life of a fashion designer is often depicted as glamorous -- filled with international travel, high society clientele, and frequent invitations to celebrity-filled events. Designers are often portrayed as temperamental, with hectic days of busily barking instructions to an efficient staff of subordinates. Of course, added to the mix is the backdrop of elegant models parading about in the designers’ own brilliantly-conceived creations. And though this portrayal may be accurate for a tiny percentage of high-profile designers, the majority of others make their living by designing everyday clothing for the average consumer.

Walk through any large shopping mall, past the windows of the large department stores; and you will see numerous, unpretentious racks of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing. This massive display, including shoes and accessories, represents the end product of many months of designing, creating, and manufacturing by those in the fashion industry. On the other side of the spectrum, career opportunities are also available for fashion designers in the movie, television, opera, and theater arts organizations as costume designers.

Over two-thirds of those in the U.S. who are working in fashion design live in either New York or California. And employers for the better jobs expect applicants to have a 2-year or 4-year college degree in the fashion design field. Coursework should include training and knowledge about fashion trends, fabrics, textiles and ornamentations. These days, there are fewer openings for salaried jobs; because once the jobs are filled, there is little turnover. As a result, over 25% of fashion designers are self-employed.

Those who work as fashion designers are required to have a number of skills – including drawing & sketching, sewing, pattern-making, color coordination & balance, fabric design, knowledge of fashion history and trends, and basic business skills. Because so many fashion designers end up starting their own businesses, it is wise for training to include courses in both fashion design and business administration.

Potential students may choose from traditional and online schools, college degrees or professional certificates, and several specialties. DirectoryofSchools.com has information about quality online schools which offer programs in Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, Fashion Marketing & Management, Dressmaking & Design, and Sewing & Dressmaking. If you have dreamed of being in this field, now is the time to pursue that dream!