Fashion Designer
On this page
- What's it like to be a Fashion Designer?
- How to become a Fashion Designer
- Fashion Designer role reviews
What's it like to be a Fashion Designer?
Fashion Designers work with fashion and retail brands to design and make clothing and accessories, as well as to source fabrics and other materials. Some Fashion Designers focus on a particular item of clothing or accessory — such as bags, dresses or shoes — or on one aspect of production, such as textile design. As well as working for clothing companies, some Fashion Designers are self-employed and establish their own small or large-scale fashion companies, which requires business skills as well as design and manufacturing skills. Fashion Designers will typically work normal business hours but may work longer hours when there are deadlines to meet, or when preparing for fashion shows.
Tasks and duties
- Designing outfits, garments and/or accessories.
- Creating sketches, plans, fabrics, textiles and samples.
- Producing finished items of clothing that are ready to sell.
- Researching production and manufacturing methods.
- Sourcing materials and textiles.
- Meeting production deadlines by liaising with clients and suppliers.
How to become a Fashion Designer
Employers in the fashion industry typically seek Fashion Designers with experience. You can start in this career by completing a diploma.
Study a New Zealand Diploma in Fashion Technology (Level 5), which can be completed through a polytechnic, or as an apprenticeship.
Alternatively, consider completing a Bachelor of Design (Textiles) — a three-year degree (or four with Honours) which can also lead to a career as a Fashion Designer.
