How to Start a Career in Fashion

Are you looking to start a career in Fashion? Have you ever dreamed of owning your own boutique or becoming a buyer at a major department store? Well if so, than you will learn what steps to take to have that career in the fashion industry.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Good work ethic
• Great people skills
• Great sense of style

1. In order to get started in the fashion industry you must first begin working in retail. You have to start at the ground and work up. Apply for a sales position in a major department store such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Henri Bendel etc. Be sure to get into a department or brand where you love the clothes that are in that area. It's very important to wear the clothes that you are selling. You must always look well styled and fashion forward. Always look put together from head to toe. You want customers to compliment you and want you to help them. You must become a sales leader or top performer in your department. Store Managers are watching you, observing your sales, to see if you will be promoted or are ready to become management. You have to work hard, above and beyond to become a manager. You have to treat that department as if it were your own store, as if it were your money invested in those clothes.

2. Becoming a Manager in a clothing store. After getting promoted to manager, the hard work begins. You will most likely be in a salaried position now, and if you were working on commission before in sales, you may sometimes be taking a pay cut, because you will not have the time to be selling on the floor with all the new management duties you have now taken on. Don't worry, it will all be worth it. You have to work long hours, stay late, cover when your employees don't show up, but this is what it takes, and if you have your own business one day, you'll be ready. One thing I always did as a manager is, I imagined that this was my money invested in this store, I worked extremely hard for the company , and I would keep getting promoted, from assistant manager, to store manager, to district manager. Then after I fully understood how to manage the store, or department, I felt ready to take the next step.

3. Getting into the wholesale Industry. It's not easy to land a job in nyc in the garment district but I have two ways to get in. First if your just out of college and your still living at home and can afford to do this , this will be the quickest way in. Apply as a intern at a great fashion house,(ie: Calvin Klein, Donna Karan) You will not be getting paid at first, but if you play your cards right you will be very soon. While you are there you will see and learn how fast paced this industry is (and stressful). You will be asked to work and help in number of different areas, which is great because it allows you to see which field really suits you and which you think you'll succeed in.(ie: design, sales, promotional etc) One thing I have to make clear is it is not all glamour, glitz and fashion shows. You really will bust your butt, working long hours, you will be expected to stay late almost every day, and remember your not getting paid.(yet) The harder you work,( without complaining)the faster you will be offered a paying position. Trust me on this! I've seen this happen numerous times with interns.

4. Once you've worked in retail for many years and understand the consumer, what they want, what they like, what it takes to manage a store,(This gives you so much valuable business experience) . I always said there is no school, book or person that can teach you these skills, the best way to learn is by having hands on experience. You have to learn step by step by working in the field, and its not something that happens over night. It takes years to become a expert, and to learn all aspects of the business. Working in wholesale, teaches you how to become a buyer, you build close business relationships with department store executives, you travel around the country to different stores meeting with buyers and department managers. You have what's called "market week" several times a year, where you are showing the line and getting buyers to place orders. You are deciding what makes the final cut and goes into production. You will work closely with the designers, making decisions on the fit and style of a garment. Working in wholesale is so valuable if you want to ever own a clothing store.

5. No matter which field you decide on, you must work in all different aspects first. It's very important to understand the business as a retailer and a wholesaler in order to succeed in the Fashion Industry. Designers will not hire you if you have no retail or wholesale experience. It is a very competitive field and there is always someone with more experience out there and waiting to take your place. That's why I emphasize that you will have to work extremely hard, long hours, and put in your time, before moving up the corporate ladder. For some it happens quickly, others it doesn't. Those are the breaks! When you truly enjoy what you are doing it shows, and you will be successful, then time seems to fly. It has for me! It's been 24 years in the fashion Industry and I have loved every moment!!

Tips & Warnings

• Hard work pays off!
• Love what you do!!
• Being in Fashion is very addictive, and can warrant a very big closet!

[fashionguru]

on 12/19/2008 If you would like a more detailed Fashion consultation you may contact me. I am available by phone for one hour appointments. Price is $150.00