Types of Careers in Fashion

Like those in the arts, careers in fashion are highly competitive. Success in the fashion industry is dependent upon talent, initiative and appropriate training. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the fashion industry will grow more slowly than other industries over the next few decades, making the need for workers in all segments of the industry lower than it has been in the past. Because of this, job openings in fashion will be limited and available only to top performers and talents. For those with the requisite skill to find work in the industry, there are a number of career types to choose from.

Modeling

Fashion models appear in print and in live venues, displaying apparel and accessories created by fashion designers. Models are required to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye and suited to the type of work they will be featured in. Some models specialize in certain niches, including petite or plus-size modeling or parts modeling--which focuses upon specific body parts, including hands, feet, and necklines. In addition, there is work for disabled models who may display specific products or fashions designed for those with a physical handicap. Models typically employ the help of an agent to find them work and negotiate their contracts and must work to set themselves apart from others in the field by having a unique look and personality that comes through in their work.

Design

There are two main types of fashion design. The first involves the artistic rendering of fashions. Creative design professionals often sketch, paint, or make demonstrative garments to display their ideas. Successful creative design professionals may own a line of clothing or be employed by a major name in fashion. The second type of fashion design is clothing engineering, which involves taking the design created by a creative design professional and rendering it into a set of specifications that are then used to manufacture the clothing. Clothing engineers use computer-aided drafting technology to mathematically render the designs.

Merchandising and Buying

Merchandising refers to the displaying of apparel and accessories in an appealing way to attract buyers. Fashion merchandisers may dress mannequins, design store windows or plan the lay out of a store. Often, they are evaluated on how inventory turns, which means how quickly and how often a specific style of clothing is sold out of stock. Buyers work for fashion retailers by keeping up on upcoming fashion trends and purchasing the clothing and accessories that the retailer will sell in its stores. Buyers anticipate supply and demand to keep inventory from selling out too quickly or not selling at all. They also negotiate pricing with manufacturing companies.

Management

Those with combined education in fashion merchandising and business are needed to work as managers in retail environments. Some work as department managers who oversee a particular section of a store. It is their duty to supervise employees, manage stock and pricing, and ensure that their department meets its sales goals. Store managers and assistant managers are also needed in retail sales to oversee department managers. Store managers are held accountable for the profitability of their stores and in orchestrating the sales force, back office support staff and security departments into a cohesive and successful team.

Marketing

Fashion research and marketing is another field in the fashion industry that involves analyzing the public's tastes and selling to them. Fashion market research utilizes a variety of methods to gauge public opinion about fashion trends, brands and stores. Workers in this segment may conduct interviews and surveys or study foot and automotive traffic outside or inside stores. After their research is complete, fashion market researchers compile their findings into graphs, charts and written explanations. Fashion marketers work to help clothing companies and stores create a unique brand identity that is recognizable and desirable to the public. They also coordinate advertising efforts for print, radio, television and the Internet. Fashion researchers and marketers may work for a specific company, for a larger advertising or marketing firm, or independently as self-employed consultants.