Designer – Womens / Menswear / Childrens

Fashion designers work in one of three different areas – high fashion (known as ‘haute couture’), designer ready-to-wear and high-street fashion.

Within these areas, they often specialise further, for example in men’s, children’s or sportswear.

They often work closely with garment technologists and sample machinists and also liaise with manufacturers to make sure that designs are reproduced accurately.

Their work can vary from one company to the next, but would typically involve: working to a design brief; analysing or predicting trends in fabrics, colours and shapes; producing concept and mood boards; developing blocks (basic shapes) through patterns.

It also involves: estimating costs for materials and manufacture; finding suppliers; supervising the making up of sample garments; and making in-house presentations, for example to finance departments and merchandisers.

Starting salaries can be around £16,000 a year. With experience and increased responsibility earnings can range from £22,000 to £60,000 or more.

Freelance designers may charge per design or per collection and rates vary widely. Agents may take up to 30% as commission.

You will usually need a relevant degree. A course that teaches both design and technical skills will give you the practical knowledge needed to work in the industry, so you should check the content of courses before making your choice.

You will need to put together a portfolio of work that you can take to course and job interviews. Your portfolio should include moodboards, designs and technical drawings.

It is also important to take along actual garments you have produced.

Because the industry is very competitive (more than 4,000 fashion and textiles students compete for just 500 jobs each year), any work experience you gain will give you an advantage when it comes to getting a job.

See the Can U Cut It? website for advice on finding work experience and more information about careers in the fashion industry.