How to Become an Independent Fashion Designer
Fashion designers create the clothing and accessories found in department stores and high-end boutiques. Their names are often unknown because they work for a fashion house or clothing business that sells a brand and not a particular designer. Independent fashion designers work for themselves and some may contract their designs and name to a fashion house. These designers have the opportunity to let the world know who they are and where their inspiration comes from. There is no clear path to becoming an independent fashion designer but there are steps you can take to get started.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Get Training
-
1
Obtain training as a fashion designer and increase the chances of becoming successful. Enroll in a two- or four-year fashion program. Some design programs require a portfolio from applicants as part of the admissions process. Be prepared to show sketches and examples of your drawing skills and artwork.
-
2
Work in the fashion industry alongside fashion designers and stylists. Many fashion designers learn their trade working for a fashion house before setting out on their own. Designers living in areas other than fashion-forward cities like New York or Los Angeles can work for tailors, dress makers and local designers to gain work experience.
For example, Donna Karan got her first fashion job at Anne Klein while attending the Parsons School of Design. She worked her way up to lead designer and worked for Anne Klein for 10 years before she became an independent designer.
-
-
3
Practice by creating a line of garments and dress your friends and family. You can't be a fashion designer without designing and you cannot become a good designer without constant practice.
-
4
Learn to present and sell your garments. Start with local retailers and move on to larger retailers once you are comfortable with presenting to buyers and have had some success at selling your designs. Stage a local fashion show of your work to let everyone know what you do and how they can purchase your designs.
Start Your Business
-
5
Operate like a business from the start. Contact your state's business license and regulations department and find out how to set up and conduct a business where you live. Attend training workshops for small business and learn about marketing and managing a company. Many independent fashion designers fail because they don't approach their designs as a business.
-
6
Imitate successful independent fashion designers. Find out how successful independent designers gained their skills. Read biographies, visit their websites and review their marketing campaigns.
For example, Tommy Hilfiger began his career right out of high school, opening stores near college campuses and selling fashionable sportswear. Later, he became interested in designing his own line of clothing and did so without formal training, selling to upscale stores such as Bloomingdale's and Macy's.
-
7
Make industry connections. Introduce yourself to local fashion photographers, editors and freelance writers. Meet potential buyers and even suppliers, visiting markets during fashion weeks in locations such as Dallas, Chicago and Los Angeles. Conduct buying markets annually for each fashion season. Start your own fashion week in your hometown.
-
8
Purchase a booth and show your garments during fashion week. Be prepared to sell your designs to interested buyers. You will need samples of your designs, a model to wear them, a way to display them and order forms in duplicate so buyers can purchase and take their order with them. Markets only allow licensed fashion businesses to purchase booth space during fashion market week.
-
1
