The fashion industry is an extensive web of interconnected parts, with the catwalk merely the central focus. Beyond the traditional careers associated with fashion design, a fashion diploma opens up a series of career paths that make it an enticing tertiary education option. Here’s a look at what you can do with a fashion diploma.
What is a diploma in fashion design?
A comprehensive fashion diploma will provide you with a solid foundation in the various skills and techniques associated with fashion. But more than this, a diploma will also provide you with practical aspects connected with running a successful business including marketing, finances and networking. When you embark on a fashion diploma, your course will most likely include:
- Processes and techniques such as draping, sketching, preparing a mood board and idea generation.
- Textile and fashion practices focusing on fabric choice and experimentation, as well as sewing.
- Patterns and garment making: Creating basic garments, fabric cutting, experimenting with pattern blocks.
- Fashion collection: Developing a collection, from receiving a brief to creating a brand identity and presenting the collection.
- Fashion promotion, marketing and pricing.
Read More: How Do I Apply for Fashion Design Courses?
What careers can be pursued with a fashion diploma?
A diploma in fashion opens up many doors within the industry, beyond the conventional roles. Here’s a look at a selection of the careers that can be considered with a fashion diploma.
Fashion design
The most obvious and direct career related to a fashion diploma is fashion design. This refers to the creation of clothing using a range of fabrics, styles and trends; as well as the related accessories including glasses, footwear, handbags and jewellery. The three categories of fashion design include:
- Haute couture: High-end fashion created for a specific customer using quality materials.
- Mass market: This is clothing and accessories made in multiple sizes and available at a range of stores.
- Ready-to-wear: This is a combination of haute couture and mass market where items are in limited quantities but available for public consumption. This is often seen in the bridal and swimsuit category.
This category comprises elements from both the mass market category and the haute couture category.
Read More: What Subjects Do I Need to Take to be a Fashion Designer?
Buyers
These individuals are tasked with sourcing fabric, garments and accessories for the upcoming season to be stocked in retail stores. They have to attend fashion and trade shows, negotiate prices and have an eye for fashion trends coupled with business skills.
Merchandiser
Another important fashion career is a merchandiser who monitors a retail store to ensure the correct type and quantity of merchandise – clothes and accessories – are available for the consumer. They will manage the sales of the merchandise, keep an eye on performance and ensure the store has sufficient inventory at any given time.
Read More: 8 Tips to Get a Fashion Internship
Public relations
Every good business needs a good public relations team to instil a positive brand image. In the fashion industry, a PR consultant will communicate directly with the media, navigating the fashion label image, assisting in coverage for launches and promotions.
Stylist
These individuals can work for a label or an individual client, and they create outfits and advise on unique ways to wear items. Stylists are often called in for photo shoots or can even be hired to assist an individual in wearing items of clothing.
Graphic or textile designer
Using hand sketches and computer-aided design (CAD), graphic designers are able to create individual images that are then printed onto garments. They bring their own sense of creativity to the design, with the imagery adding a vibrant sense of colour.
Fashion writer or blogger
With the rise of the online influencer industry, fashion blogging has become an important marketing tool. Writers will analyse fashion trends and styles, sharing views in print media, on television or via far-reaching social media pages.
Creative director
This person is tasked with determining the season’s theme, colour palette and style, often working for a brand or fashion magazine. Creative directors will work closely with fashion designers to determine which way the season is going.
Account managers
They specialise in promoting their specific brand or label to sell to other entities, stores and businesses. This requires a lot of relationship developing, as well as building up of individual portfolios. Account managers can also work for wholesale fashion companies that sell to department stores.
Quality assurance managers
This individual is responsible for ensuring the quality of the garments and accessories made remain consistent. A clothing brand, manufacturer or external auditor will use a quality assurance manager who sets up checkpoints throughout the production line.
Read More:Fashion Degree v Fashion Diploma
This is just a taste of what awaits you when you complete a fashion diploma. If you have a passion for fashion but are unsure of your area of specialisation, a fashion diploma gives you the necessary insight to find your way, and grounding to ensure you succeed. Villioti Fashion is a leading tertiary education institution that prides itself in making the ordinary extraordinary. A fashion diploma through this successful fashion brand will set you apart, and secure your future in fashion.
