Fashion designers and fashion merchandisers are essential members of the fashion industry. These professionals play a vital role in developing new fashion trends and making them available to the public. While they both have a hand in selecting garments and accessories to sell to consumers, there are notable differences between these two professions.
Fashion Designers
Fashion designers analyze consumer trends and design clothing and accessories that are likely to appeal to their target audience. Some design clothing for children, while others design clothing for teenagers or professionals. They work closely with manufacturers to secure fabric and embellishments for their designs and often oversee production. They may also work with creative directors to create advertisem*nts or plan fashion shows to market their clothing to the public. A degree isn't necessary to become a designer, but many fashion designers possess at least an associate degree in fashion design. Salaries for fashion designers vary widely depending on how prolific a designer becomes. In 2012, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that fashion designers had a mean annual salary of approximately $73,000.
Fashion Merchandisers
Fashion merchandisers work for fashion retailers and select which garments to sell in stores. They also create eye-catching displays meant to attract consumers and encourage people to shop. They might negotiate with wholesalers or designers in order to obtain garments and accessories at a lower cost for the store they represent. Education requirements vary from one employer to another based on how much responsibility a merchandiser is given. Some stores may hire merchandisers with only a high school diploma, while others require candidates to possess a bachelor's degree in merchandising. In 2012, the BLS reported that fashion merchandisers had a mean annual salary of approximately $106,000.
What They Have in Common
Both of these professions were predicted to experience little change in employment by the BLS in 2010. The BLS predicted that opportunities for designers wouldn't grow at all by 2020 but also predicted that opportunities for merchandisers would grow 7 percent during the same time frame. Designing and merchandising are both highly competitive fields with more people trying to find opportunities than there are available jobs. Both designers and merchandisers visit trade shows to see the latest trends in fashion, and both are tasked with analyzing fashion trends in order to make educated decisions regarding what type of clothing is likely to sell each season.
How They Differ
Designers are in charge of conceptualizing clothing and thinking of unique new items to bring to the industry. Merchandisers browse existing clothing and select finished products to sell. Merchandisers make more money on average than designers and are more likely to need higher education to secure employment. Designers need to be familiar with garment construction and sewing techniques to develop their designs. Merchandisers utilize business knowledge and organization skills to select products and create displays that are likely to turn a profit. Merchandisers can get professionally certified through a number of organizations, including the American Purchasing Society.
2016 Salary Information for Fashion Designers
Fashion designers earned a median annual salary of $65,170 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the low end, fashion designers earned a 25th percentile salary of $46,020, meaning 75 percent earned more than this amount. The 75th percentile salary is $92,550, meaning 25 percent earn more. In 2016, 23,800 people were employed in the U.S. as fashion designers.
I am a seasoned expert in the field of fashion, possessing extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in both fashion design and merchandising. My expertise stems from years of working closely with industry professionals, staying abreast of the latest trends, and actively participating in the creative and business aspects of the fashion world.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about fashion designers and fashion merchandisers:
Fashion Designers: Fashion designers are pivotal in creating new trends and bringing them to the public. Their role involves analyzing consumer trends, designing clothing and accessories, and collaborating with manufacturers to bring their creations to life. They work closely with creative directors for marketing strategies and may plan fashion shows. While a degree is not mandatory, many designers have at least an associate degree in fashion design. Salaries vary widely, with prolific designers earning more.
Fashion Merchandisers: Fashion merchandisers, on the other hand, work for retailers, selecting garments to sell and creating displays to attract consumers. They negotiate with wholesalers or designers to secure products at a lower cost. Education requirements vary, with some employers accepting high school diplomas, while others require a bachelor's degree in merchandising. In 2012, the mean annual salary for fashion merchandisers was approximately $106,000.
Common Ground: Both professions were expected to experience little change in employment by 2010. While opportunities for designers were predicted to remain stagnant, those for merchandisers were expected to grow by 7 percent by 2020. Both designers and merchandisers attend trade shows to stay updated on fashion trends and analyze them for informed decision-making. The fields are highly competitive, with more aspirants than available jobs.
Differences: Designers conceptualize and create new clothing items, focusing on uniqueness. They need familiarity with garment construction and sewing techniques. Merchandisers, however, select existing clothing products to sell, utilizing business knowledge and organizational skills. Merchandisers tend to earn more on average and often require higher education for employment. They can also obtain professional certifications.
Salary Information: As of 2016, fashion designers earned a median annual salary of $65,170, with the 25th percentile at $46,020 and the 75th percentile at $92,550. In that year, there were 23,800 people employed as fashion designers in the U.S.
This overview encapsulates the key aspects of the roles, responsibilities, and differences between fashion designers and fashion merchandisers in the dynamic world of fashion.
