Fashion Design and Merchandising |
Who Are Fashion Merchandisers?Is This Program in My Area?What Do Fashion Merchandisers Do? Fashion designers and merchandisers study fashion trends, draw clothing and accessory designs, choose fabrics and colors and then oversee design production. Many fashion designers and merchandisers cover all types of design while others specialize in a specific type; like clothing design, which includes outerwear, formalwear or intimate apparel; or footwear like boots, pumps and sandals; or accessories like boots, belts, scarves, hats or handbags. Fashion merchandisers and designers do extensive research to ascertain what styles, colors, and fabrics will be popular with shoppers. They’ll visit manufacturers or attend trade shows to get samples of fabrics that may work for their designs. Merchandisers bring the finished products to fashion shows to display for retailers who will then distribute the clothing lines. Fashion Merchandising Training Most employers prefer fashion designers who have completed training at a National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredited fashion design school or fashion college. These technical institutes, trade schools, vocational colleges, proprietary schools, art schools, community colleges and 4-year colleges and universities offer fashion school graduates diplomas, certifications, Bachelor’s of fine arts or associate degrees. Some fashion design schools also combine a fashion designing degree with a business, marketing, or fashion merchandising degree. This is especially useful for those fashion college graduates whose goal is to run their own business or retail store. Fashion design schools teach courses in color, textiles, sewing and tailoring, pattern making, fashion history, computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), and design of different types of clothing such as menswear or footwear. Fashion design school applicants are usually asked to submit sketches to demonstrate their artistic ability. Fashion Merchandising Certification There is not a formal certification for fashion merchandisers or designers. Credentials are established through the designer’s portfolio, illustrating their best work. Fashion Merchandising Job Prospects Skills and experience gained at fashion school can be used to give future designers an edge. Fashion designers and merchandisers found employment with apparel wholesalers, design firms, retail chain stores, brand corporate offices, performing arts companies, fashion magazines and specialized design firms. Other fashion designers with an entrepreneurial spirit were self-employed. Fashion Merchandising Job Security and Salary The job market for fashion design and merchandising is highly competitive. Designers fresh from fashion school tend to work directly under experienced designers as pattern makers or sketching assistants until they hone their skills. Experienced designers advanced to chief designer, design department head, or another supervisory position. Some designers launch their own design company or retail store. A fashion designer and merchandiser’s salary can range from $30,000 to $87,000. |