Fashion Careers

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• Fashion Design
Production
Fashion Designer
Accessory Designer • Fashion
Fashion Merchandiser Marketing/Merchandising
Fashion Sales Rep Fashion Buyer
Showroom Sales Rep Fashion Coordinator
Product Manager Retail Merchandiser
Clothing Patternmaker Visual Merchandiser
Pattern Grader Retail Store Manager
Boutique Owner

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• Fashion Media &
Promotions
Fashion Writer • Other Fashion
Fashion Stylist Careers
Fashion PR Specialist Costume Designer
Fashion Editor
Personal Stylist
Fashion Illustrator
Graphic Designer
Model
Fashion Photographer

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 Fashion Design Production

• Fashion and accessory designers use their knowledge of

design principles, techniques, and tools to create
sketches and models of original garments, shoes,
handbags and other fashion accessories.
• They often specialize in a particular facet of clothing
design, such as men's, women's, children's wear, or
lingerie.
• While some fashion designers control the entire design
and marketing process, others use the services of
patternmakers to create original textiles and trimmings,
production managers to oversee the actual creation of
the fashion line, and fashion merchandisers to introduce
and establish the designs in the fashion marketplace.
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FASHION DESIGNER
Alternate Titles: Clothes Designer, Apparel Designer

Job Description:

1. Fashion designers conceptualize and create new clothing.

2. They analyze fashion trends and work closely with production, marketing, and sales
departments to design, produce, and promote a finished, ready-to-wear product for apparel
manufacturers, specialty and retail stores, and individual clients.
3. Fashion designers usually specialize in a specific line of clothing such as women, men, kids,
maternity, bridal, sportswear etc.
4. In larger fashion houses, individual designers may work in very specialized areas, such as t-
shirts, evening dresses, maternity clothes, baby outfits, or denims.
5. More experienced designers may be required to travel to promote their fashion lines.
6. Fashion design is a demanding and unpredictable job with long hours, especially when
deadlines approach for launches, shows, or individual jobs, an example being tailors who
produce custom designs for weddings and other special events.
7. Potential employers include retailers, haute couturiers, textile and apparel manufacturers,
and fashion studios.

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 Outlook:

• Demand for fashion designers will remain strong as consumers constantly seek
new styles and fashion, and the population is growing, which creates more
overall demand for clothing and accessories.
• Expect long hours in the beginning and be prepared for seasonal slowdowns.

Personal Characteristics and Skills-

• ability to discriminate between colors and judge fabric quality & a good eye for
style, shape, and color
• above-average ability for sewing skills; drawing and sketching skills
• computer skills (especially with the use of CAD - computer assisted design)
• knowledge of fashion trends and forecasts
• knowledge of manufacturing and production process
• ability to deal with ambiguity and rejection and to handle stress due to deadlines
• good business and marketing skills.

Career Path: Design Assistant > Assistant Designer > Associate Designer >
Fashion Director

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ACCESSORY DESIGNER
Also called: Jewelry Designer, Handbag Designer, Shoe Designer, etc.

Job Description:

1. Accessory designers conceptualize and create designs for jewelry, handbags, shoes,
ties, belts, hats, gloves, etc. to go with clothing.

2. Accessory designers usually specialize in a specific line of accessories, as well as the

customers for whom they design these accessories, be it men, women, kids, moms,
brides, and so on.

3. Accessory designers must always stay in touch not only with trends in their own
specialties, but also within apparel and fabric markets, in order to react to create
pieces that complement the new hot styles in the market.

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Outlook:

• Accessory design is a highly competitive field that requires a lot of self-

motivation.
• Few staff positions are available, so most accessory designers work
independently.

Personal Characteristics/Skills –
• above average ability for creative expression
• technical skill in working with materials required for the chosen specialty (such
as metal and semi-precious stones for jewelry designers, etc)
• persistence and determination; ability to work independently, drawing and
sketching skills
• knowledge of and ability to react to current fashion trends
• knowledge of manufacturing and production process
• ability to keep production within a tight budget; handle stress due to deadlines

Career Path:
Design Assistant/ Freelance Accessory Designer > Associate Staff Accessory
Designer > Accessory Designs Director

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FASHION MERCHANDISER
Alternate Titles: Merchandiser, Apparel Merchandiser

Job Description:
1. Fashion merchandisers on the apparel production side track and analyze market trends,
production costs, and previous sales numbers to determine the product direction that the
manufacturers will take each season.

2. A fashion merchandiser needs to be one of the first in the industry to spot the trend.

3. Fashion merchandising professionals on the retail side are responsible for determining store
inventory and to price clothes (MPR)

4. They may also be responsible for tracking profits and losses.  

5. Merchandisers are some of the most powerful employees within an apparel company, and
have large personnel management responsibilities.

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Outlook:
• Every apparel maker needs at least one fashion merchandiser. As a result,
there are a number of merchandiser positions open
• Those who have the business acumen and good fashion judgment to achieve
and maintain profitability in their sector could advance high up the executive
ladder.

Personal Characteristics and Skills –

• extensive knowledge of the apparel industry and trends
• highly analytical with strong math skills
• ability to predict and create fashion trends
• ability to combine information from market sales and production data with
fashion forecasts and translate into smart product-line decisions; decisive;
• ability to work with other executives; well-organized; detail oriented; calm under
pressure.

Career Path: Fashion Buyer > Merchandising Assistant > Merchandiser >
Merchandising Director

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FASHION SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Also called: Manufacturer's Representative, Apparel Sales Representative

Job Description:

1. Fashion Sales Representatives sell a manufacturer's garments and accessories to Fashion

Buyers from wholesale and retail stores.

2. Sales representatives usually solicit orders from new and prospective customers within a
designated geographical area.

3. They show samples, illustrations, and catalogs of their manufacturer's product line, and
must be able to answer any questions regarding the products.

4. They listen to their customers concerns about the product, assist in solving problems the
customer may have with the product, and even help the customer sell more of the product
by arranging special events like trunk shows and in-store fashion shows featuring their
products.

5. This is a position that requires a good deal of travel, sometimes internationally.

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 Outlook:
• Good to Excellent.
• Higher than average growth within the US is projected in this sector, with
additional positions available overseas.
• Often the key to getting a job is the willingness and flexibility to travel to remote
locations.

Personal Characteristics/Skills –
• highly competitive
• belief in the product and ability to maintain enthusiasm for it
• excellent communication skills - both written and oral
• establish good relationships with customers
• self-motivated with good follow-through skills
• ability to deal with rejection and remain upbeat
• knowledge of fashion industry trends and manufacturer's competitors.

Career Path:
Showroom Sales Representative/Assistant > Sales Representative > Sales
Manager > Regional Sales Manager > National Sales Manager > VP Sales

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SHOWROOM SALES REPRESENTATIVES
Also called: Showroom Salesperson, Showroom Representative

Job Description:
1. They work at manufacturers and/or designers offices, where they meet with visiting Fashion Buyers and
show the latest product line.
2. Once they convince the Fashion Buyer to purchase the manufacturer's products, they are responsible
for accurately taking the Fashion Buyers order.
3. They must then make sure that the right quantity of the right product reaches their customers' stores at
the right time and in saleable condition.
4. Showroom sales reps should expect to work additional long hours during the four to six market weeks or
fashion weeks each year.

Outlook:
• Good to Excellent.
• Although a showroom sales rep is a fairly competitive position, college graduates with good
communication skills and the right personality have a good chance of being hired.
• With enough experience and some additional education or training, advancement is a good possibility.

Personal Characteristics/Skills - enthusiastic; friendly; outgoing; good listener; excellent communication and
presentation skills; knowledge of manufacturing and retail sectors of the fashion industry; good
organizational and computer skills.

Career Path: Showroom Sales Assistant > Showroom Sales Representative > Showroom Sales Manager

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PRODUCT MANAGER
Also called: Product Development Manager

Job Description:
1. Product Managers are responsible for overseeing the conceptualization, design, construction, selling
and distribution of a manufacturer or designer's products.
2. They are also responsible for overseeing the set-up and implementation of quality assurance protocols
for their product.
3. Product Managers usually handle a specific product, or product line.
4. This is a fairly senior position within a manufacturer's organization.

Outlook:
• Employment is expected to grow 3% to 9% between 2002 and 2012.
• Most aspiring product managers must work up to this senior level, usually starting at an analyst or
assistant position.
• As product managers gain extensive experience and knowledge of the manufacturer's operations, they
can be promoted into an executive leadership position.

Personal Characteristics/Skills - highly analytical with strong math skills; extensive knowledge of the apparel
industry and trends; ability to combine information from market sales and production data with fashion
forecasts and translate into smart product-line decisions; decisive; well-organized; detail oriented;
ability to work with other executives; calm under pressure.

Career Path: Market Analyst > Merchandiser > Product Manager > Director of Product Management

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CLOTHING PATTERN MAKER
Also called: Pattern Maker, Apparel Patternmaker, Fabric Patternmaker

Job Description:
1. Clothing patternmakers make full-size paper or fiberboard patterns for clothing.
2. Patternmakers use their expertise in body proportions and knowledge of fabric to translate the
designer's apparel sketches into its various pattern pieces.
3. Because of their understanding of the technical aspect of a design, patternmakers often act as liaisons
between the design and manufacturing groups.

Outlook:
• Pattern makers are very important to designers and fashion houses, yet the number of people entering
the trade has declined.
• As styles become more complicated, pattern makers are vital to the success of a design.
• There should be opportunities either working for designers, manufacturers or as freelancers.

Personal Characteristics/Skills - great technical skills with an ability to use drafting tools (calipers, squares,
straight and curved rules); expertise with body proportions; good computer skills (specifically with CAD
programs - computer assisted drawing); ability to visualize the finished garment from a designers
drawings, designs, and sketches; detail oriented; understanding of apparel manufacturing process; good
communication skills.

Career Path: Fabric Cutter/Grader > Patternmaker > Assistant Designer > Designer.
Alternatively Patternmakers may be promoted into Manufacturing/Production Management positions.

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PATTERN GRADER
Also called: Grader
Job Description:
1. Pattern graders are responsible for reducing or enlarging a pattern created by a patternmaker
order to produce clothes across a range of sizes (S, M, L, etc) and fits (tall, petite).
2. Pattern graders may use charts, machinery, or computer programs in their work. In general,
pattern grading is considered more of a technically oriented career than patternmaking or
designing.

Outlook:
• Opportunities for pattern graders are available, especially through turnover or attrition.
• Pattern graders may work directly for design houses or manufacturers, but may also work for
firms that specialize in pattern grading (such as an outsourcing provider).
• With the right attitude, technical expertise and experience, anyone starting as a pattern grader
should have opportunities to progress on the road to becoming production managers.

Personal Characteristics/Skills - Understanding of apparel construction and manufacturing and

patternmaking; good drafting and math skills; ability to do precise manual work; analytical and
problem-solving skills; ability to manage deadlines and multiple projects.
Career Path: Pattern Grading Assistant > Pattern Grader > Patternmaker > Production Manager

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 Fashion
Marketing/Merchandising

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 Fashion Marketing/Merchandising

• They are responsible for identifying and creating fashion

trends to sell the products created by fashion designers.

Drawing on their knowledge of consumer psychology

and trends, they promote fashion with advertising and
visual marketing campaigns. The fashion merchandising
field includes jobs in both retail and wholesale sales.

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FASHION BUYER
Also called: Apparel Buyer, Buyer

Job Description:

1. Fashion buyers use their sense of style, knowledge of fashion trends, and understanding of
their target customers' desires to create an attractive selection of apparel for retail stores.

2. Buyers often make their purchases of apparel and accessories from manufacturers,
designers, or wholesalers for the retailers or departmental stores 1 or 2 seasons in
advance, so it is important for fashion buyers to be able to understand past, present, and
future fashion trends.

3. Buyers must also be good at budgeting and planning inventory so that a good selection of
clothing is always available for customers.

4. Buyers for larger department stores usually specialize in a specific line of clothes or
accessories (e.g., men's suits or women's denim)

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Outlook:
• Good to Excellent.
• The overall number of fashion buyer positions available is expected to decrease,
but new positions become available as a result of internal promotions of
experienced buyers.
• Advancement opportunities are good: Those who start at the assistant buyer
level have a good chance of becoming full-fledged buyers within 3 to 5 years.

Personal Characteristics/Skills –
• Fashion buyers must be fashion-lovers with knowledge of fashion history and
trends
• good analytical skills
• good negotiation abilities
• flexible work attitude
• excellent budgeting and planning skills
• inventory management skills
• ability to deal well with deadlines and stress.

Career Path: Assistant Fashion Buyer > Fashion Buyer > Divisional Merchandise
Manager

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CO-ORDINATOR
Also called: Fashion Director

Job Description:

1. Fashion Coordinators are responsible for creating a unified look and feel across all fashion divisions of a
department store, design house, or fashion magazine.

2. They are constantly monitoring industry publications and talking to designers in order to understand
industry trends and keep up with the latest in fabric and textile development.

3. Fashion directors need to assess the potential success of a garment or clothing line and determine the
best plan for promotion and marketing.

4. Fashion coordinators then share their analyses with retail salespeople and/or editors to guide them in
making customer recommendations, and they also share their analysis with buyers to guide them in
making inventory purchases.

5. Additional responsibilities of a fashion coordinator may include organizing fashion parades, supervising
fashion photography shoots for promotions, and serving as a middleman with fabric mills, suppliers, and
wholesalers to ensure that things are on schedule and colors, designs, and textiles are according to plan.

6. Long hours and frequent travel are part of the job.

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Outlook:
• Fair to Great.
• There are only a limited number of Fashion Coordinator positions available
since it is a high-level position.
• However, these are available in areas like fashion magazines, design
houses, and department stores.

Personal Characteristics/Skills –
• excellent understanding of fashion (e.g., fabrics, colors, styles, cuts, etc.)
• knowledge and understanding of fashion trends
• a flair for style; in-depth understanding of consumer behavior
• an interest in artistic and creative pursuits; great networking skills
• great organizational skills
• excellent communication, negotiation, judgment, and presentation skills.

Career Path:
Retail Sales Associate > Buyer > Assistant Fashion Coordinator > Fashion
Coordinator > Fashion Director

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RETAIL MERCHANDISER
Also called: Merchandise Manager, Fashion Merchandiser

Job Description:
1. Retail Merchandisers select, purchase, promote and sell clothing and accessories for a retail store,
department, division or chain.
2. They study fashion trends, visit manufacturers, designers and merchandise markets, and make fashion
forecasts basted on the information they collect.
3. They work with a team of buyers and managers to decide the most effective way to sell their products
including advertising and display of merchandise & on how and where best to position and place
merchandise.
4. They may also be responsible for organizing and coordinating promotional activities like fashion shows.
5. Like Fashion Buyers, Merchandisers may also specialize in a specific line of clothing.
6. Long hours and plenty of travel are often part of the job.

Outlook: Good to Excellent.

Personal Characteristics/Skills –
Exceptional analytical skills; in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of the fashion marketplace, consumers,
designers, competitors, manufacturers and products; great leadership and management skills; highly
organized; expertise in planning, pricing, forecasting, product development and sales; strong time
management skills.

Career Path:
Buyers > Associate Merchandising Manager > Merchandise Manager > General Merchandising Manager
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VISUAL MERCHANDISER
Alternate Titles: Merchandise Display Artist, Visual Display Designer

Job Description:
1. Visual Merchandisers are responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and implementing window and in-
store displays for both online and brick and mortar retail stores.
2. Visual Merchandisers must combine their creativity and artistic flair with technical know-how to set up
displays that maximize the space of the store while effectively catching the eye and appealing to the
senses of their target customers.
3. Their mail goals are:
(1) create and maintain an image for a department or store that resonates with their target customers,
(2) increase customer traffic in the store, and
(3) guide their customers' browsing through merchandise placement and store layout to result in an
eventual sale.
4. Visual Merchandisers may provide input or oversee the design and layout of a store or department,
fashion showrooms, tradeshow displays, and any other areas where the store's apparel and accessories
are displayed, promoted, or sold.
5. In addition to drawing on their knowledge of customer tendencies when designing their displays, Visual
Display Artists take into account current fashions and trends, promotions, and seasonal factors, such as
holidays (e.g., Christmas and Valentine's Day).
6. In larger department stores or retail chains, Visual Merchandisers coordinate with the head office and
other design teams (including buyers and sales staff) to ensure consistency with the corporate brand or
image.

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Outlook:
• Good to Excellent.
• In the coming years, Visual Merchandiser jobs are projected to grow at a pace
higher than the national average.
• Now that retailers have realized the positive impact that displays can have on their
in- store customer traffic and therefore their bottom lines, skilled Visual
Merchandisers have become more sought after.
• Experienced Visual Merchandisers who have a proven track record of creating great
displays may have the option of joining or starting their own firms specializing in
visual merchandising for retailers, or they may be promoted to managerial positions
of greater responsibilities.

Personal Characteristics and Skills:

1. Creativity is key with an above-average ability for artistic expression.
2. Technical and design expertise (e.g. building stet, props, setting up proper lighting,
etc) is helpful, as well as knowledge of fashion and art/design industry trends and
forecasts. It is also important to have the ability to work well with others.

Career Path:
Visual Merchandising Assistant > Visual Merchandiser > Visual Merchandising
Coordinator > Visual Merchandising Director
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RETAIL STORE MANAGER
Also called: Store Manager, Department Store Manager

Job Description:
1. Retail store managers are very high-level employees who are responsible for overseeing all
aspects of a store's operations.

2. Depending on the size of a store, store managers do or at least are involved in some
manner in everything from approving visual displays and print or television advertisements,
ordering a store's merchandise inventory, setting up pricing policies, to hiring, training, firing
and promoting employees.

3. They are ultimately responsible for the store's bottom line, and as such must have the right
combination of fashion industry knowledge, business acumen, and interpersonal skills to
keep their stores profitable.

4. Working long hours, weekends, evenings and holidays are often part of the job.

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Outlook:
Employment for retail store managers / supervisors is expected to grow 3% to
9% between 2002 and 2012.
Candidates with retail experience will have the the best opportunity for jobs as
store managers.
The growth of national chains has created more jobs at companies (instead of
small retail stores) and thus created a career development path for many
aspiring managers.
Job stability for Retail Store Managers is now more than ever determined by
the store's ongoing profitability.

Personal Characteristics/Skills –
• interpersonal and management skills
• highly organized
• detail oriented yet constantly thinking of the big picture
• good business skills particularly in marketing, accounting, sales and
management.

Career Path: Retail Sales Associate > Associate Manager > Store Manager >
Department Store Manager

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BOUTIQUE OWNER
Also called: Specialty Store Owner, Owner

Job Description:

1. Successful boutique owners are very entrepreneurial-minded and driven people who use a
combination of savvy business skills and in-depth knowledge of the fashion retail industry to
make a profit.

2. Their stores often target a specific customer profile and often carry a specific mix of clothing
and/or apparel designers that appeal to this demographic.

3. Boutique owners must be jacks of all trades as they typically oversee all aspects of a
boutiques operations from planning and purchasing their inventory, setting up the in-store
displays and managing employees.

4. One could start a fashion boutique in one of the following areas: sportswear, beachwear,
novelty items, vintage, T-shirts, dresses, tuxedos, shoes, handbags, accessories, lingerie,
watches, sunglasses, and more.

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Outlook:
• Being a small business owner is a dream for many people, and the value of being one's
own boss cannot be underestimated.
• Setting up a boutique usually requires obtaining a bank loan or drawing from personal
savings to cover initial investments.
• Often, successful owners are those who can attract investors with a solid business plan
and operational structure.
• Once the store is profitable, owners can go on to open additional stores, or if they have
created a strong enough brand, sell franchises for subsequent locations.

Personal Characteristics/Skills –
• entrepreneurial and risk-taking personality
• solid business background in fields such as Marketing, Accounting, Sales and
Management
• in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of the fashion retail marketplace, including trends and
forecasts
• flexible; multi-tasking capabilities; excellent time management and communication skills.

Career Path:
Retail Sales Associate > Buyer > Retail Manager > Boutique Owner

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Fashion Media &
Promotions

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 Fashion Media & Promotions

• The fashion industry offers a number of opportunities for

creative professionals who aren't attracted to the design
side.
• Fashion writers and editors are employed by
newspapers, magazines, web sites, and other media
outlets to keep consumers up-to-date on style trends.
• Fashion photographs, illustrators, and stylists are often
employed by catalogs and magazines.

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FASHION WRITER
Also called: Fashion Journalist, Fashion Critic, Fashion Reporter

Job Description:
1. Fashion writers produce editorial copy for media outlets such as fashion magazines,
newspapers, fashion / design websites or blogs, and of course for television.

2. The majority of the industry's fashion writers work within editorial departments of fashion
design firms, but for those who specialize in areas like designer collection reviews...
submitting articles on a freelance basis is often the preferred career direction.

3. Talented fashion editors tend to partner with photographers, who together dig up their own
stories e.g. formal portraits of designers, editors, models, celebrities and others who make
up fashion's inner circle.

4. After developing these stories behind the scenes, they are pitched to chief editors or other
fashion media buyers like Vogue or Cosmo. Like all journalists, fashion reporters must do
thorough research and/or conduct interviews when preparing articles.

5. Most draw upon their personal interest and incorporate their own personality into stories
to make their pieces fun, interesting and engaging to readers.
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Outlook:
• National employment demand for all fashion journalists and writers is
expected to grow through 2014.
• Two thirds of the nations working fashion editors will reside in either New
York or California (US Dept of Labor).
• The fashion writing industry can be extremely competitive.

Skills –
• Excellent English communication and writing skills (e.g., spelling and
grammar), attention to detail, and superior research and fact-checking skills
are essential.
• A love of fashion and knowledge about the industry, historical trends,
designers, textiles, fabrics and business are also important.

Personal Characteristics - Good interpersonal communication skills are needed

for interviews and dealing with editors. Freelance fashion writers must have
persistence and perseverance and be good at marketing their work

Career Path:
Editorial Assistant > Staff Fashion Writer > Fashion Editor

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FASHION STYLIST

Job Description:

1. Fashion stylists are responsible for bringing to life a photographer or director's vision for a
fashion photo shoot, layout, commercial, print advertisement, music video, etc.

2. Fashion stylists often scout locations, create the mood for the shoot by selecting and setting
up the appropriate props, fashions, accessories, and even models to fit the theme of the
shoot.

3. They coordinate colors and styles and ensure that all clothes are ready for the shoot, which
can include basic tasks such as steaming and ironing garments.

4. Companies such as magazines, newspapers, retailers, catalog publishers, television and film
production houses, public relations firms, advertising agencies, and music production
companies often employ fashion stylists.

5. Stylists may also be employed by agents, celebrities, or wealthy clients as wardrobe

consultants to help them prepare for major events or appearances. Many stylists also
choose to run their own businesses.
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Outlook:
• Aspiring fashion stylists should expect to work their way to the top.
• The most successful fashion stylists have extensive networks of contacts within the fashion industry to get the job
done quickly and on budget.
• In addition, clients usually hire stylists they have used in the past or those who have proven success in the business.
• Once established, stylists who maintain a good professional reputation can expect plenty of repeat business and
often take advantage of this by setting up their own independent businesses.

Personal Characteristics and Skills –

• eye for style; creativity and resourcefulness
• broad knowledge of fashion history, trends and forecasts
• technical know-how for setting up sets; good interpersonal and networking skills
• persistence and self-motivation; ability to market oneself
• savvy business skills to deal with invoicing, bills, budgets, etc.

Career Path: Intern/Stylist's Apprentice > Assistant Fashion Stylist > Staff Fashion Stylist

Famous Fashion Stylists:

Jeff Ihenando: Stylist for supermodels Kate Moss, Libery Ross, Naomi Campbell
Rachel Zoe: Celebrity clients include Nichole Richie, Mischa Barton, Keira Knightly
Wardrobe stylist for Madonna, Lauren Hutton, Kylie Minogue, Kelly Price

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FASHION PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST
Also called: Fashion Publicist, Fashion Media Relations Specialist

Job Description:

1. Fashion Public Relations Specialists and Publicists help apparel companies and retail stores
build and maintain a favorable public image.

2. Because they do not pay for publicity or media coverage, Public Relations (PR) Specialists
must find creative ways to keep the company's brand name in the public eye.

3. PR specialists select information that they want to share with the public and write up press
releases or conduct press conferences to distribute the news through television, newspapers,
radio and direct mail.

4. They are also responsible for interacting with media when questions or crises arise from
outside sources. As such, PR specialists must maintain strong professional relationships with
media personnel.

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Outlook:
• Good to Excellent.
• The market for PR specialists focused solely on fashion is growing quickly.
• In addition to working on staff for design houses and retailers, PR specialists
may also work at PR firms that handle work for a variety of clients. After 3-5
years of experience in the field, PR specialists often move into more senior PR
Coordinator positions.

Personal Characteristics/Skills –
• Knowledge of journalistic basics including proper news release formats
• excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills
• good interpersonal skills; good time management and multi-tasking skills
• ability to maintain an even temperament under stress.

Career Path:
Promotions Assistant > Public Relations Specialist > Public Relations
Coordinator > Director of Public Relations

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FASHION EDITOR
Also called: Apparel Editor, Accessories Editor, Fashion Producer

Job Description:
1. Fashion editors supervise the process of creating, developing and presenting content for fashion-
specific magazines, photo shoots, websites, newspaper sections, or television shows.

2. Editors occupy the mid to highest-level positions at publications

3. Under guidance of the editor-in-chief, they are responsible for deciding the creative influence and
direction that their departments will pursue during a given season or issue.

4. Editors may specialize in apparel, accessories, beauty and make-up, and so on.

5. Some fashion editors choose to freelance, working on a per-contract basis and assuming all of the costs
of the fashion shoot (e.g., clothing and accessories).

6. Due to the deadline-driven nature of their work, both salaried and freelance editors should enjoy a fast-
paced environment. In addition, editors are often required to travel to keep up with the latest fashion
trends through meetings with designers and visits to fashion shows throughout the world (e.g., New
York, Paris, London, and Milan), retail stores, specialty boutiques, and vintage clothing stores

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Outlook:
• Employment of editors and writers is expected to increase 10% to 20% between 2002 and 2012
• There are a variety of outlets in which prospective editors may seek employment including but not
limited to: fashion magazines, fashion sections of news, entertainment and lifestyle magazines,
newspapers, television shows, websites, etc.
• Growth in any of these sectors means an increased demand for experienced writers and editors.
• Because competition for these jobs is fierce, aspiring editors must be creative, hard working and
willing to start at the bottom and take opportunities as they arise.
• Once in the system, opportunities for advancement become more readily available.

Personal Characteristics/Skills –
• Passion for fashion; broad knowledge of fashion industry trends and forecasts
• excellent writing/journalistic talent with the ability to communicate effectively and clearly
• great organization and planning skills; excellent interpersonal and management skills
• competitive spirit
• ability to perform well under stress.

Career Path: Associate Editor > Editor > Senior Editor > Editor-in-Chief

Famous Fashion Editor-in-Chiefs:

Anna Wintour: Vogue Magazine
Cindi Leive: Glamour Magazine
Robbie Myers: Elle Magazine

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FASHION IILUSTRATOR
Also called: Fashion Artist

Job Description:
1. Fashion illustrators conceptualize and create sketches and drawings of apparel, shoes, and
accessories for fashion advertisements, catalogues, and other media either by hand or use special
computer software programs (e.g., computer aided design/CAD).
2. Fashion illustrations are used in newspaper and magazine advertising layouts, department store ads,
direct mail catalogs, television commercials, films, brochures, and flyers.
3. Professional fashion artists may work on a freelance basis for an advertising agency, manufacturer, or
department store, or out of their own studio.

Outlook:
• Many of the jobs once performed exclusively by fashion illustrators are now also done by fashion
photographers; however, there are still opportunities for fashion illustration and fashion artist jobs.
• For example, well-trained and skilled illustrators are sought by employers like pattern companies and
fashion forecast firms, for whom photographs will not suffice.
• In addition, full-time jobs are often available with clothing catalog firms.

Personal Characteristics/Skills –
Excellent computer skills, particularly with CAD software; exceptional drawing skills; high level of
creativity and artistic expression; ability for self-promotion; basic business know-how.

Career Path: Fashion Illustrator Freelance > Staff Fashion Illustrator

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Also called: Graphic Artist

Job Description:
1. Graphic Designers design and prepare camera-ready copy for any type of printed material, including
business cards and stationary, brochures, advertising, packaging, book covers, and many other types of
materials, for various fashion businesses.
2. Graphic designers may work for an advertising agency, fashion magazine, graphic design firm, as a
freelance designer, or out of their own studio. In large agencies, they work on a team with the Art
Director and Creative Director in order to conceptualize and create specific designs to be approved by
their client.

Outlook:
• Good to Excellent.
• Faster than average growth is projected for graphic designers in the coming years thanks to the growth
of the Internet and the increase in competition among apparel designers and manufacturers.
• Success for graphic designers is usually based on creativity and design sense, variety and length of
experience, business acumen, and turnover in top positions.
• Those who fit the bill may progress to become art directors or creative directors, or may decide to open
their own graphic design firm and hire other designers.

Personal Characteristics/Skills - Good sense of style, color and design; ability to tolerate criticism; creativity
and imagination; attention to detail; good computer skills; ability to collaborate other professionals.

Career Path: Paste-up Artist > Graphic Designer > Art Director > Creative Director
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FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER
Also called: Photographer, Catalogue Photographer, Magazine Photographer

Job Description:

1. Fashion photographers either freelance or are employed by catalogs, magazines, Web sites,
and fashion houses to conceptualize, shoot, develop, and print still photos and/or videos to
show off clothes and accessories in a creative manner that catches the eye of consumers.

2. Professional fashion photographers must have a good eye for style and beauty and be skilled
at working with models to achieve & capture the best possible poses and photos.

3. In addition to taking pictures, photographers may also be responsible for scouting locations
and hiring models and personnel for the photo shoot

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Outlook:
• Competition for jobs in magazine and commercial photography is stiff, and aspiring fashion
photographers may outnumber the available assignments.
• However, increased use of the Internet may spur further growth in fashion photography, as Web sites
look to continuously refresh their content. S
• starting as an assistant or an apprentice is one way to get a foot in the door.
• With experience comes more opportunity, and those who can develop a solid portfolio (body of work)
may attain full-time staff positions or set up their own studios and work with more exclusive or well-
known fashion clients.

Personal Characteristics/Skills –
• Artistic and creative expression
• thorough knowledge of the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography, including camera
operations, lighting, composition, darkroom procedures, and special characteristics of films and paper
• good business and networking skills; solid interpersonal skills to communicate with models and convey
your ideas; ability to promote oneself
• knowledge of trends in both photography and fashion industry.

Career Path: Photographer's Assistant > Staff/Freelance Photographer > Photo Editor > Director of
Photography

Famous Fashion Photographers: Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, Mario Testino, Steven Meisel,
Patrick Demarchelier, Michael Thompson, Mario Sorrenti

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Other Fashion Careers

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 Other fashion career opportunities include ---

• costume design - for TV, film and theater

productions
• personal stylist - positions with high-end department
stores and private clients
• and modeling work - for everything from newspapers
ads to strutting the catwalk in Milan or Paris

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COSTUME DESIGNER
Also called: Theatrical Designer

Job Description:

1. Costume Designers research and design for authentic period, country or social class
costumes.

2. They work primarily for motion pictures, television, concerts and stage companies.
With any given project, costume designers must get a feel for the mood, time period
and setting in which the action occurs.

3. They do research, create sketches of costumes, and develop costume budgets for the
entire production.

4. A good costume designer plays a big part in character or time period to vivid life on
stage or screen.

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Outlook:
• Employment opportunities for costume designers depends largely upon the Entertainment Industry.
• As demand for movies and theater grow and the productions themselves become increasingly rich
in design and costume, demand for costume designers should follow.
• Aspiring costume designers usually start as assistants - often as unpaid volunteers in college
productions.
• With the right skills, experience, perseverance, and a little luck, this hard work should enable the
designer to land a higher-paying job in the television and film industries.

Personal Characteristics/Skills –
• Creativity; knowledge of fashion history and art history
• as well as general world history
• good research skills
• technical skill in designing and dressmaking
• ability to work and collaborate with other professionals
• ability to handle stress from deadlines.

Career Path: Design Assistant, University/Regional Theatre > Costume Designer, University/Regional
Theatre > Costume Designer, Broadway/Off-Broadway Productions > Costume Designer, Television
and Film

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PERSONAL STYLIST
Also called: Wardrobe Consultant, Personal Shopper

Job Description:
1. Personal stylists work with individuals or companies to educate clients about general fashion apparel
and accessories.
2. Consultants make an evaluation of their clients' physical attributes, lifestyle, and fashion style in order
to make recommendations on which fashion choices will help the client achieve and maintain their
desired image.
3. Personal stylists may often shop for their clients and pick out items that suit their image.

Outlook:
• Aspiring stylists should first get some experience in fashion retail positions.
• With enough experience, personal shoppers and merchandise buyers can gain credentials to work as
independent consultants.
• Personal stylists may give classes for small groups or run seminars for a client company.
• Some lucky stylists work exclusively with high-profile celebrities in the sports and entertainment
industries where a client's everyday look or image is often more important than how they look while
they work.

Personal Characteristics/Skills –
Excellent fashion sense; good listener, friendly and tactful; great presentation and oral communication
skills; knowledge of fashion trends and forecasts; ability to promote oneself; good networking skills;
business savvy; enjoy shopping.

Career Path: Retail Sales Associate > Related Fashion Position > Personal Stylist 48
FASHION MODEL
Also called: Fashion Model, Runway Model, Print Model

Job Description:
1. Models try to convey an idea by their appearance, persuading people to buy the products they
advertise.
2. Models work with clothing, make-up, and costume accessories in a variety of poses and settings.
3. They may model in showrooms, retail stores, custom salons or specialty stores. Others work in fashion
show modeling, which is more theatrical. Others work mainly pose for still photographs used in print
ads, brochures and catalogs.

Outlook:
• Demand for both male models and models who are representative of diverse racial and ethnic groups
should rise higher than average for all models.
• Like most glamorous and high status careers, many people aspire to become models and the
competition is healthy.
• Yet, those who succeed often segue into careers in fashion and entertainment.

Personal Characteristics/Skills photogenic and physically attractive with height, weight and body
measurements falling within certain industry standards; familiarity with different modeling techniques,
formal fashion show procedures and the use of cosmetics; excellent fashion style; good people skills;
self-discipline; a positive attitude.

Famous Supermodels: Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford, Christie Brinkley, Naomi Campbell, Heidi Klum, Karolina
Kurkova, Tyra Banks, Adriana Lima, and Laetitia Casta.
Career Path: Print Model > Runway Model > Supermodel 49