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Thanks to the movies and TV shows of the ‘90s and early 2000s, fashion editor and stylist jobs are top of mind for many looking to start a career in fashion. But there are lesser-known roles in fashion that are often overshadowed by the highly glamorized version of the industry in the media.
The fashion industry offers many career opportunities for individuals with styling, creative, business, and media skills. From designing and marketing to editorial work and production, there are countless fashion jobs that cater to a wide range of skills and interests. Read on for a closer look at some of the top fashion jobs and the skills required to get started in these roles.
1. Fashion Designer
When people think of fashion jobs, the role of a fashion designer often comes to mind first. Fashion designers are the creative forces behind clothing, accessories, and footwear collections. They sketch designs, choose fabrics, and oversee the production of their creations. A successful designer must balance creativity with a strong understanding of market trends and consumer needs.
Key Skills: Creativity, patternmaking, sewing, fabric and garment construction knowledge, technical drawing, trend forecasting.
How to Get Started: A degree in fashion design or a related field, internships with established designers, and a strong portfolio are essential to break into this competitive role.
2. Fashion Buyer
Fashion buyers are responsible for selecting and purchasing the merchandise that appears in retail stores. They predict what will appeal to their customer base, negotiate prices, and ensure that the right products are available at the right time. This role requires a blend of creativity, analytical skills, and a keen eye for trends.
Key Skills: Analytical thinking, financial acumen, communication, trend forecasting, understanding of customer behavior.
How to Get Started: A degree in fashion merchandising, business, or a related field, along with experience in retail or merchandising, can pave the way for a career as a fashion buyer.
3. Fashion Stylist
Fashion stylists curate outfits for photoshoots, fashion shows, and public appearances. They select clothing and accessories to create specific aesthetics, working closely with designers, photographers, and models. Stylists must have a strong sense of fashion history and trends, as well as the ability to adapt their style to suit different clients and projects.
Key Skills: Creativity, attention to detail, fashion and garment construction knowledge, strong communication, networking skills.
How to Get Started: Experience in fashion retail, internships with established stylists, and building a portfolio of styled looks are great starting points.
4. Fashion Editor
Fashion editors shape the voice and style of fashion publications and websites. They curate content, select images, and work with writers, photographers, and designers to produce compelling fashion stories. Editors must have a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the fashion industry.
Key Skills: Writing and editing, creative direction, fashion expertise and trend awareness, leadership, time management.
How to Get Started: A degree in journalism, fashion communication, or a related field, combined with internships and experience in fashion media.
5. Fashion Writer
Fashion writers create content for magazines, blogs, and other media platforms, covering topics such as trends, designer profiles, and industry news. They must be able to communicate complex ideas in an engaging and accessible way, while maintaining a deep understanding of fashion history and trends.
Key Skills: Writing, research, knowledge of fashion history and trends, adaptability, time management, interpersonal skills.
How to Get Started: A degree in journalism, English, or fashion communication, along with a portfolio of published work, is a good starting point to becoming a fashion writer.
Advance your fashion career with certificate and degree programs at Vogue College of Fashion.
6. Fashion Photographer
Fashion photographers capture the visual essence of fashion through photoshoots for magazines, advertisements, and websites. They work closely with models, stylists, and creative directors to produce compelling imagery that highlights the best features of fashion collections.
Key Skills: Technical photography skills, creativity, lighting, composition, post-production skills.
How to Get Started: A degree in photography or visual arts, along with a strong portfolio showcasing work with models and fashion items, is recommended.
7. Fashion Public Relations Specialist
Fashion PR specialists manage the public image of fashion brands and designers. They organize press releases, coordinate with media, and handle brand partnerships and collaborations. Their role is to ensure that brands receive positive media coverage and maintain a strong presence in the public eye.
Key Skills: Communication, writing, networking, event planning, media relations, time management.
How to Get Started: A degree in public relations, communications, or fashion, paired with internships in fashion PR, is recommended.
8. Fashion Illustrator
Fashion illustrators create artistic representations of clothing designs, often used in the early stages of the design process or for promotional materials. Their work can be seen in fashion magazines, advertisements, and designer portfolios.
Key Skills: Drawing, illustration software, knowledge of fashion design, creativity, attention to detail.
How to Get Started: A background in fine arts or fashion design, along with a strong portfolio of illustrations, is key.
9. Fashion Art Director
Fashion art directors oversee the visual layout and creative direction of fashion editorials, advertisements, and campaigns. They collaborate with photographers, stylists, and graphic designers to produce visually striking images that convey a brand’s aesthetic and message.
Key Skills: Creative vision, project management, leadership, knowledge of graphic design, communication, adaptability.
How to Get Started: While a degree in graphic design, fine arts, or fashion communication is preferred, experience in creative direction or design is essential.
10. Fashion Copywriter
Fashion copywriters create written content for various fashion-related materials, including advertising campaigns, product descriptions, and editorial features. They craft compelling narratives that capture a brand’s voice and engage customers.
Key Skills: Writing, research, storytelling, understanding of brand voice, knowledge of fashion trends, creativity.
How to Get Started: A degree in English, journalism, or marketing, along with experience in fashion or advertising, is recommended.
11. Fashion Merchandiser
Fashion merchandisers are responsible for planning and promoting sales by analyzing consumer trends, organizing displays, and managing inventory. They ensure that products are appealingly presented and strategically placed to maximize sales.
Key Skills: Analytical skills, creativity, understanding of fashion trends, sales and business acumen.
How to Get Started: While a degree in fashion merchandising or a related field is optional, experience in retail or merchandising is a great way to get your foot in the door.
12. Textile Designer
Textile designers create patterns and prints for fabrics used in clothing and home decor. They use a mix of hand-drawing, painting, and digital design techniques to produce original textiles. Their work is essential for the creation of unique and eye-catching fashion items.
Key Skills: Creativity, drawing, design software, knowledge of textile materials.
How to Get Started: A degree in textile design or fine arts, along with experience in a design studio or fashion house and a strong portfolio, can help you enter this field.
13. Fashion Production Manager
Production managers oversee the manufacturing process of fashion items, ensuring that products are made on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. They coordinate with factories, suppliers, and logistics teams to streamline production.
Key Skills: Project management, logistics, attention to detail, problem-solving, leadership, communication.
How to Get Started: A degree in fashion production, business, or logistics, along with experience in manufacturing or production, is helpful.
“There are so many opportunities and different career paths from fashion journalism, video and moving image, and experiential events to PR and marketing. Today the boundaries are blurring, and collaborations are evolving with other sectors: hospitality, travel and sport,” says Zoe Souter, Head of Careers at Vogue College of Fashion.
“My advice would be to explore all the different areas of the industry – there’s a niche for everyone in fashion whatever your skill set.”
Educational Pathways Into the Fashion Industry
Pursuing a career in fashion often involves a blend of formal education and hands-on experience. For many roles in the industry, a degree in a relevant field such as fashion design, fashion merchandising, journalism, or business can provide a solid foundation of knowledge and skills. Fashion-specific programs often cover essential topics like garment construction, fashion illustration, trend forecasting, and fashion marketing, tailored to various roles within the industry.
In addition to traditional degree programs, short courses, workshops, and certifications can offer targeted learning experiences, allowing aspiring professionals to build expertise in niche areas like luxury brand management, digital fashion, or sustainable fashion practices. Programs at institutions like Vogue College of Fashion can introduce learners to industry professionals and provide valuable networking opportunities that are essential for career growth.
Do I Need a Fashion Portfolio?
A strong portfolio is essential for most fashion careers and is an opportunity to showcase your skills, creativity, and unique perspective within the industry. Start by including any relevant projects from your studies, internships, or freelance work. For roles in design or styling, your portfolio should include high-quality images of completed designs, styled outfits, or editorial shoots. For fashion writers or PR specialists, a selection of published articles, press releases, or campaign summaries can demonstrate your expertise.
Don’t hesitate to undertake personal projects to add to your portfolio, especially if you’re early in your career. Create mock designs, style shoots with friends, or write sample articles to showcase your skills. Consistently update your portfolio as you complete new work and consider creating an online version to reach a broader audience.
Advance your fashion career with certificate and degree programs at Vogue College of Fashion.
