The fashion and textile industry reached an astonishing $2.5 Trillion in sales in 2010. American households spend about $1,700 annually on clothes. The industry is thriving on creativity and wider inclusivity.
If you have a passion for design, an eye for fashion, or just love wearing new clothes, there are many career paths waiting. Here are seven careers in fashion you can fall in love with.
1. Fashion Designer
If you want to lead the way for new looks and new designs in the fashion industry, then bring your A-game. Fashion designers are among the most competitive careers in fashion. It requires creativity, consistency, and an ear for market demands.
For example, plus-sized fashion is an area that was once neglected by established designers. This is a great opportunity to move ahead.
2. Fashion Stylist
While similar to fashion designers, fashion stylists shape the industry with their vision. Designers set the stage, while stylists dress it and incorporate it into a complete look. Fashion stylists are leading the way into eco-fashion lines, defining the look of sustainable fashion.
Fashion stylists take a photographer or art director’s vision for a photoshoot or film and bring it to life. This is a very creative role – fashion stylists will work with many media organizations, including editorial print, advertising, film and online.
3. Personal Stylist
If you’re more of a one-on-one kind of person, then you can become a personal stylist. You can find personal stylists for celebrities, retail stores, and executive positions for big brands. If you want to start out as a fashionista, try freelancing as a personal stylist.
4. Fashion Illustrator
If you prefer working with pen and paper (or digital equivalent), become a fashion illustrator. They’re responsible for making fashion look good in advertising spaces. Illustrators are still in high demand in both print and online.
5. Merchandisers
Fashion merchandisers handle the purchasing and displaying of products. These are the trendsetters and trend-watchers. If you are good with numbers and marketing, this is the career for you.
6. Fashion Public Relations
PR managers work closely with other fashion industry members to get brands noticed. PR is more than customer service, it’s setting the tone for the industry and listening to public demands. Fashion public relations positions are integral for successful design launches.
7. Fashion Writer
Who’s going to talk about the gossip and rumors surrounding fashion? A good fashion writer knows how to drum up anticipation and expand brand reach with good copy. Fashion bloggers are the unsung heroes and heroines of the industry.
Learn More About Careers in Fashion
If these top seven careers in fashion have you dreaming about your future, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of pros to being in the fashion industry, plus it’s a good way to make a living. Turn your hobby into a career by investing in your craft.
Study what makes a great fashion show to understand how all these careers work together. Check out the upcoming Ray Darten Pop-up Fashion Show right here.