Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Making Fashion Designing Speedy And Easy

The fashion industry has come a long way and has grown into one of the largest industries in the world. On account of the growth of this industry, the use of technology in this field has increased. Fashion designing software is increasingly being used by fashion designers.

Fashion designing software greatly aids the work of a fashion designer and help in more effective performance. They help in saving a lot of a time, money and energy. These software packages help the designer in experimenting with a number of textures, colors and patterns for producing the perfect design. They provide a variety of sketch backgrounds, tools for designing and repeating patterns and texture mapping.

There are various fashion design software packages available in the market today, such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and CorelDraw among others. Fashion designers have often been observed to use customized software according to their own individual requirements. They aid the designer right from the stage of designing to the production of apparel. Perfectly fitting garments can be created. The process of creating a design or a pattern as well as cutting has become easier with the help of software. Designs can be made faster and more accurately. There are a number of basic designs incorporated in the software, which the designer can make use of. The designers can make modifications in the basic designs and personalize them. Even 2D and 3D formats of a design can be created. These designs can be printed or sent to others through e-mail.

Such software helps the designer in creating a number of patterns and also in the repetition of patterns. They also help the designer in selecting the right texture for the garment. The designer can choose the right color for the garment from the various colors available and can even customize them. It helps in the easy management of production. The efficiency and productivity of the designer increases with the use of designing software.

The Fabric Drapery module in such software allows the designer to drape a design on a model by dragging and dropping the design on the model. Patterns can be created and applied on the design. The Image Repeat option allows the designer to repeat images, rotate them and perform overlays. The Weave Creation option helps in creating different textures using different warps and wefts in different colors. The Fabric Recoloring option allows the designer to change the color of the fabric used in the design and in customizing colors.

Basically, there are two types of software that a fashion designer can choose from – vector-based software or raster-based software. Vector images are also referred to as object-oriented drawings. Vector images provide greater resolution and quality as compared to raster images. These images can be resized without degrading the quality of the image. They are much smaller than raster images. Raster images are more realistic than vector images. They can be used to create a natural picture by providing a number of special effects. It is for the designer to decide whether to use vector-based software or raster-based software.

Fashion - Mode Of Expression

Fashion is a term that usually applies to a prevailing mode of expression, but quite often applies to a personal mode of expression that may or may not apply to all. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening. Fashions are social phenomena common to many fields of human activity and thinking. Fashion design is the applied art dedicated to the design of clothing and lifestyle accessories created within the cultural and social influences of a specific time.

Dress

The rises and falls of fashions have been especially documented and examined in the following fields: Architecture, interior design, and landscape design Arts and crafts Body type, clothing or costume, cosmetics, grooming, hair style, and personal adornment Dance and music Forms of address, slang, and other forms of speech Economics and spending choices, as studied in behavioral finance Entertainment, games, hobbies, sports, and other pastimes Etiquette Management, management styles and ways of organizing Politics and media, especially the topics of conversation encouraged by the media Philosophy and spirituality (One might argue that religion is prone to fashions, although official religions tend to change so slowly that the term cultural shift is perhaps more appropriate than "fashion")Social networks and the diffusion of representations and practices Sociology and the meaning of clothing for identity-building Technology, such as the choice of programming techniques. The more general term "costume" has been relegated by many to only mean fancy dress or masquerade wear, while the term "fashion" means clothing generally, and the study of it. "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only.

Wear

The more general term "costume" has been relegated by many to only mean fancy dress or masquerade wear, while the term "fashion" means clothing generally, and the study of it. A modern version of exotic clothing includes club wear. At this time in fashion history the division between haute couture and ready-to-wear was not sharply defined. Nonetheless, many ready-to-wear, and even mass market labels, claim to produce haute couture, when in fact, according to established standards, they do not. Ready-to-wear collections are usually presented by fashion houses each season during a period known as Fashion Week. Ready-to-wear One-of-a-kind fashion, This is where an item of clothing or fashion is specifically made for a person or persons or a one off piece of fashion to be sold in a shop or on the internet, a website that sells one of a kind fashion items can be found at [1], this is an online store specializing in one of a kind designer clothing and fashion.

Fashion design differs from costume design due to its core product having a built in obsolescence usually of one to two seasons. Fashion design is generally considered to have started in the 19th century with Charles Frederick Worth who was the first person to sew their label into the garments that they created. Fashion won't work its magic if you're not, writes Janice BreenBurns. Fashion per se equals faddism, and promoting more consumption.

Designers - The Gods Of Fashion Industry

Fashion designers help create the billions of clothing articles, shoes, and accessories purchased every year by consumers. Fashion designers working for apparel wholesalers or manufacturers create designs for the mass market. Fashion designers are the people who create the elegant, whimsical, fun, silly, and often expensive clothes we see parading down runways twice a year. Fashion designers design and create clothing and accessories for men, women and children. Some high-fashion designers are self-employed and design for individual clients. Other high-fashion designers cater to specialty stores or high-fashion department stores.

Fashion

Fashion design is the applied art dedicated to the design of clothing and lifestyle accessories created within the cultural and social influences of a specific time. Fashion designers have brought about a storm in this glamour world with their commendably fabulous variety. Fashion industry has always welcomed new talent giving rise to the budding stars of tomorrow. While all articles of clothing from any time period are studied by academics as costume design, only clothing created after 1858 could be considered as fashion design.

Before the former draper set up his maison couture (fashion house) in Paris, clothing design and creation was handled by largely anonymous seamstresses, and high fashion descended from that worn at royal courts. Throughout the early 20th century, practically all high fashion originated in Paris, and to a lesser extent London. At this time in fashion history the division between haute couture and ready-to-wear was not sharply defined. Designers

Designers know they have this power, and will continue to use it to influence global fashions throughout the eras. These designers create original garments, as well as those that follow established fashion trends. Most fashion designers, however, work for apparel manufacturers, creating designs of men’s, women’s, and children’s fashions for the mass market. Designer brands which have a 'name' as their brand such as Calvin Klein or Ralph Lauren are likely to be designed by a team of individual designers under the direction of a designer director. Thus, the tradition of designers sketching out garment designs instead of presenting completed garments on models to customers began as an economy.

Popular Western styles were adopted all over the world, and many designers from outside of the West had a profound impact on fashion. Currently, modern fashion has seen a reference to technology such as designers Hussein Chalayan and Miuccia Prada who have introduced industrial textiles and modern technology into their fall collections. Mass market designers generally adapt the trends set by the famous names in fashion. Increasingly, many modern high-end designers are now beginning to turn to mass market retailers to produce lower-priced merchandise, and to broaden their customer base. Perhaps most importantly, designers use their imaginations to come up with new ideas.

There are a number of well known fashion design schools worldwide. Most fashion design courses last for three years. As well as teaching students about the artistic and technical side of the subject, some courses include a year working in the fashion industry, to give students a taste of commercial fashion design. Others offer the chance to visit fashion houses abroad.

Fashion Photography

Fashion photography is devoted to displaying clothing and other fashion items. The first fashion photographer is considered to be Baron Adolphe de Meyer who was hired by publishing house Conde Nast in 1913 to take experimental pictures for Vogue magazine. Over time, fashion photography has developed its own aesthetic in which the clothes and fashions are enhanced by exotic locations and story lines. Fashion photography is most often conducted for advertisements or fashion magazines.

Now a days the demand is growing for fashion photographers drastically. It’s a field which needs a lot of creativity and also a lot of passion towards fashion. The increase in growing demand for he professionals with those special skills has opened gates to many universities to satrt courses in fashion photography.

If you want to enter this so called glamourous field of fashion photography , you not only need a passion for it but also you should be a qualified professional.

Some of the prestigious schools that offer fashion photography as a diploma course are:-

1. Gibbs College, Norwalk, CT

2. Wood Tope-Coburn School, Fashion Design Program, New York, NY

3. Lehigh Valley College, Fashion Merchandising, Center Valley, PA

4. McIntosh College, Fashion Merchandising Program, Dover, NH

5. International Academy of Design & Technology - Fashion Programs, Las Vegas, NV

6. American InterContinental University - Fashion Programs, London, UK

Al most all these colleges and many more are offering courses that range from the introductory level to advanced level. Be sure while choosing the college and the course as this is going to be the decision that’s going to decide your future in the fashion photography industry.

If you are a professional who already has got some experience and if you want to improve your skills with an advanced diploma, then the online courses are the best suitable ones for you.

Apart from the above listed colleges there are even more number of courses offered online. You can choose one that suits your requirements.

Now that you have got the passion, attitude and the required qualification, now it’s time to take on the universe of fashion photography and reach greater heights in this ever growing and fascinating industry.

Monday, December 24, 2007

Fashion Design Programs

The fashion industry is a fierce business. The cliche "One day you're in, and the next day you're out" really holds true to this trade. Numerous fashion designers have already come and gone but if you will notice, those who are still out there have reliable, solid collections. For example, designers such as Tom Ford have gone from one fashion house to another, making Gucci an in-demand brand in the 90s. Betsy Johnson has created hip, funky, and crazy designs that are still making waves in the fashion industry, regardless of the fact that they are not really wearable.

Fashion design schools play a major role in shaping and honing the next Betsy Johnson and Tom Ford of the fashion industry. Programs set by the school board every school year usually determine if the students can cope with the real world. Internships to famous fashion houses are also included in these programs so student can apply what they have learned in fashion to school to the real fashion scenario.

The International Academy of Fashion program was described by critics as a comprehensive, technical and very demanding. The fashion curriculum provides a solid learning program with a specific goal of developing in their students creative individual thinking and a sense of uniqueness as well as preparing them for a professional career. An associate in science degree in fashion design and marketing or a bachelor of fine arts degree in fashion design and marketing are usually the choices offered to students.

The American Intercontinental University, on the other hand, has an Association of Arts degree in fashion design that fashion experts say is designed to inspire the individuals to construct innovative and edgy designs. Computer skills in designing are also taught so students can combine traditional techniques with computer-assisted designs. An association of arts degree in fashion marketing is another program offered to talented and fashionable students. The programs in this curriculum offer teach the inner operations of retail and wholesale fashion, market analysis, and evaluation of the production needs of the fashion industry.

Fashion Design Software

The textile and Fashion industries are the second largest industrial sector in the world, second only to the food industry. As in any high volume sector, the textile and fashion industries include a large variety of sub sectors: from elite fashion designers in Europe and the United States to mass production sewing workshops in India and China, from exclusive car upholstery designers to bedding products manufacturers etc.

Given the fact that a mere 30% of textile and fashion designers and manufacturers use computer aided design (CAD) software for the design process, these sectors hold substantial market growth potential in coming years.

When you keep in mind that the other 70% still work in a completely manual process using scissors and cardboards, there is a great deal of operational and production effectiveness this industry still has to achieve in order to catch up to its complementary industries (car, aircraft, elite fashion etc.).

Given the fact that all these factories with non-computerized work processes do use different software solutions for other processes, a non-dependent software solution is necessary – if only for its hardware flexibility and the abilities to fit into any existing or newly acquired hardware.

There are a few fashion design software firms who have picked up that flag, and now make software solutions that are easier to implement. Hopefully this process in which fashion design software companies have made a step towards their clients, will make the switch to computer aided design in the fashion and textile industries an easier and faster one.

Fashion Design Internship

The impressive growth of the fashion industry and the resultant intense competition in the market has made fashion design internship immensely significant. It is significant not only for the candidates seeking internship in different companies, but also for the companies taking them. The objective of the two might be different but it has contributed to the growth of internship programs for budding fashion designers.

Fashion design internships help companies get the ready availability of skilled and fashion educated candidates. These candidates, with their knowledge, bring value to the companies in a cost effective way, as their salaries are relatively low.

For the fashion design candidates the internships offer an opportunity to get a first hand experience of the fashion design industry. They view this experience important for their career. The experience gives them an edge, which they can use to their advantage once they enter the industry. Very often, the interns end up getting full time employment opportunities in the company.

Companies offer internship programs for different duration. Some have continuous programs while others offer seasonal ones such as the summer internship, which is generally from the month of May to September. They can be for national as well as international students with definite eligibility criteria.

The information about the internship programs conducted by different companies is available on websites and the candidates can register for them online. The websites have a database of all the companies looking for fashion design interns.

The internship can be paid, unpaid or college credit internship. In some cases, internships are in combination with online courses. The students are also equipped with the course related information while executing their internship. The course keeps the students abreast of the latest trends in the realm of fashion design during the internship.

The interns need to fill out the application form for the internship program. The submission dates of these forms can be different for different companies.

A fashion design internship is ideal for the passionate fashion design students to get an insight into the fashion industry. It also enhances the skill of the students by exposing them to a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Fashion Design Sketches

The intense competition in the fashion industry makes it important for any fashion designer to showcase the designs to a larger audience. This can be done by creating fashion sketches and displaying them on the Internet. The sketches give an insight to the fashion fraternity and also to the common audience on the concept behind a particular fashion design. It is a way of communicating the theme to the people associated with the apparel industry. Hence, they are extremely important for any fashion designer.

Fashion sketches are illustrations made by professional artists and designed in a way that they can be easily displayed on the Internet. They portray the true creative genius of the designer. These can be considered a blue print of the final product. The perfection in making sketches is a prerequisite as they serve as the main marketing tool of the fashion professionals. The sketches reflect trends and the value added features of the design. They can also be used to evaluate the various patters used by different designers.

Fashion sketches are important, since they are the preliminary designs that have to be taken to the different apparel manufacturers in the market. The sketches are then used to select the different fabric samples from the wide range on offer.

Computers are increasingly being used for the purpose of making fashion design sketches. Several software are now available that assist the designers in making the drawings. While some still prefer the traditional hand-drawn sketches, others choose to opt for the speed and convenience of computer-aided designing. Hand-drawn sketches can also be fed into the computer with the help of a scanner.

The art of making fashion design sketches is important for creating a niche in the highly competitive fashion industry. Fashion designers can make their presence felt only if their sketches are different and original. Good quality sketches are the only means of establishing a firm foothold in the fashion industry.

The World Of Fashion Design

The world of fashion is one that has the eyes and ears of a vast amount of people; we watch television, read magazines, and stay tuned to see what the rich and famous are wearing from day to day – and we follow suit. Fashion can change perceptions, impact an entire retail economy, and influence a generation. It’s no wonder that more and more people are interested in joining the world of fashion design.

Fashion design entails the creation and manufacturing of clothing styles. Fashion designers work based on seasons – they design, create, and then introduce their line of clothing on the fashion runways. The clothing that is well-received suddenly makes its way to Hollywood where actors and actresses come decked out in the latest fashion to the latest movie premiers. And what happens on that carpet trickles down to the masses making its way to retail outlets all over the country in more affordable forms.

Fashion design can be a fantastic career journey but it requires a vast amount of skill, education, and hard work. Those interested in fashion design should already possess an innate ability to create beautiful design and effectively communicate them on paper. Such creative fashion enthusiasts should be sure to supplement their skill with formalized education. A fashion design school will teach the fundamentals of design, drawing to scale, textiles, fabrics, sewing, and manufacturing. An education such as this can open up many doors in fashion design.

Following a school program – or even in conjunction with a school program – those pursuing a career in fashion design should be sure to involve themselves in an internship or apprenticeship with a reputable design house. The experience gained in this capacity is unmatched and will begin building your portfolio – your most important tool in a fashion design career.

Fashion design can be a wonderful career filled with adventure, creativity, and a chance to influence clothing choices all across the nation and even around the world.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Online Fashion Design Schools

Online fashion design schools meet the growing need of the people who do not have the time and resources to go for full time course, but still want to learn the nuances of fashion design. These schools provide all the information and knowledge to the students through their online course material. This lets the students familiarize themselves with all the skills and technicalities of fashion design from the convenience of their homes.

Though conducted from a distance, the online fashion design schools keep the students abreast of the latest trends in the realm of fashion design. So the knowledge imparted is practical.

The advantage of such schools is that no campus attendance is required. Hence, there are no deadlines or commuting hassles. The students can gain the knowledge at their own pace and according to their own grasping ability.

The examinations conducted are of the open book type and guarantee the student a diploma or degree that is nationally accredited. The online fashion design schools do not have specific enrollment dates. So the students can take up the course at their own convenience. They have the flexibility of completing the course according to their own schedule. Moreover, the content of the course is almost the same as what is offered by the regular schools and colleges. The tuition fees are without any interest rates, which renders the whole course affordable. This flexibility and affordability assured by the online fashion design schools makes it the one of the favorite options for national and international students.

The online fashion design schools offer different programs such as high school diplomas, career diplomas, associate and master?s degree. The degree or diploma offered can be earned anywhere and is recognized by the concerned industry. Thus, after completing the course, the students can jump-start their career in fashion design.

The enrollment for the course can be done online, by filling out the online application forms. The online catalog provides all the requisite information to the candidates.

Fashion Design Courses

The fashion industry is one of the most fast paced industries, offering extensive job opportunities to people who are creative geniuses and have a knack for fashion. The increase in the number of schools offering courses in fashion design is an example of the potential in this field.

The courses in the fashion schools are designed to channelize the talent of the creative students in the right direction so that they can make the best use of the opportunities available. While the main objective of most fashion design schools stays the same, the curriculum may vary from place to place. Fashion design courses are more popular in top fashion destinations around the world such as Paris, New York and London.

Fashion design courses vary, depending on the type of program. These include the associate degree program or the diploma /certificate program. These fashion design programs aim at providing proficiency to the students in different streams of the fashion industry by including different courses. These are creative design, technical design, merchandizing management, and fashion marketing to equip and hone the requisite skills of the students who wish to pursue this lucrative career.

The courses are designed in such a way that the students can combine theoretical concepts with their creative ideas. These are further aligned with technical and business practices in the course.

Creation and presentation of the portfolios and conducting stage fashion shows is an integral part of the course. The courses develop the necessary skill of the students so that they can create a signature style of their own and reap the benefits of the immense potential of the fashion industry. The students are familiarized not only with the designing aspect of the apparel, but also the ways of presenting and marketing it.

Fashion design courses aim at providing the necessary skills to the students and assist them to become proactive to reap the benefit of the fast growing but extremely competitive profession.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Careers in the Fashion Industry

Interest in the fashion industry is on the rise, and so are the opportunities – and the competition. It is relatively easy to earn a degree in fashion design, merchandising, or fashion marketing. Each of these segments focuses on a different aspect of the fashion industry. As the fashion industry continues to grow, there is an increased need for educated and specialized staff in the fashion world. Those who have the appropriate fashion degree education will find that they are more marketable in this competitive industry. You will find that a fashion degree education offers programs that are tailored to what specific field you are interested in. The three main opportunities with a fashion degree are fashion design, fashion marketing and fashion merchandising.

Becoming a fashion designer is a dream for many people. But only those with artistic ability and serious determination will succeed in this competitive industry. A fashion designer has an eye for lines, textures and color and brings their vision to life through drafting. Once a final sketch is complete, the designer must choose materials to be used in the final product. After the fabric is chosen, a pattern is cut from the fabric and sewn together.

Fashion Marketing involves the advertising, design and business side of the fashion business. A fashion marketer has to have a comprehensive knowledge of the fashion industry to be able to identify what will be stylish and appealing to their target markets. They are responsible for recognizing and tracking upcoming trends as well as being familiar with the various consumer groups. Fashion marketing connects the designers to the public by tracking consumer-buying habits. The fashion marketer then come up with advertising campaigns to target specific groups that might be interested in the products.

Fashion Merchandising and marketing work hand in hand. Fashion merchandisers are responsible for buying the clothes and presenting them to stores. One of the largest parts of fashion merchandising is creating displays to help consumers want to buy the products. Fashion marketing is basically the selecting of clothing lines and choosing how the will be presented to the market.

You should consider a career in the fashion industry if any of the above fields are appealing to you. Fashion is a career that combines business aptitude and an artistic eye. When you have a degree in fashion, you will make more money and hold higher positions than those without formal training.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Fashion Concepts and Design

Fashion design has always been an industry that has both reflected and created pop culture trends. Fashion designers have been able to take the trends and social philosophies of an era and translate that into a piece of wearable art. In addition to pieces that are created as an artistic statement, the fashion industry has also excelled in creating fashion pieces that are functional and practical for every day use.

The three types of fashion design that a designer can specialize in are haute couture pieces, ready-to-wear pieces, and mass market pieces. Most people are familiar with the mass market pieces. These pieces are geared towards a specific demographic and they are intended for everyday use. You typically find mass market pieces in retail stores and outlets. Ready-to-wear fashion is created on a limited basis and it involves more tailoring and needlework. These pieces are typically displayed in specialty boutiques and high end clothing shops. If you are looking for a fashion design that has a lot of needlework and originality then you are probably looking for a haute couture piece. These pieces are high end garments that are made in extremely limited quantities and they are marketed through high end clothing stores and designer boutiques.

Fashion design concepts are not limited to just finished pieces of clothing. Fashion designers are also needed to create the textiles that apparel is made from. Textile designers have a great influence on what clothing designers are able to create. They put together colors, textures, and patterns in a single fabric, creating the canvas from which clothing designers work off of.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

History Of Fashion Design

The realm of fashion design, by its sheer glamour and grace, has always been exciting and intriguing. When we talk of fashion design, it implies a form of art that incorporates the nuances of creating clothes and accessories.

The history of fashion design can be traced back to the beginning of the19th century when the designs were the product of the dresses worn in the royal courts. Eventually, Charles Frederick Worth, the first fashion designer, set up his first fashion house in Paris. His designs greatly influenced the people and they labeled them as the designs of the "House Of Worth." As a result, a designer became synonymous with a particular brand.

Another important designer who made a significant contribution to the evolution of the fashion was Paul Poi Ret. He blended the classical style consisting of aesthetic dressing with Paris fashion. Other important designers of this age were Patou, Vionnet, Fortuny, Lanvin and Chanel.

Throughout the 20th century, Paris remained the world's fashion hub, with countries such as the US and Britain openly aping the French designs. The post World War era saw the emergence of other countries as the centers of fashion and Paris ceased to be the sole influential factor. The rising British fashion industry brought a new range of street fashion focusing mainly on the young consumers.

Later, American designers such as Calvin Klein And Ralph Lauren came to the fore with their sportswear and made it a style statement. Today, fashion designs can be categorized into two main categories. The haute couture is designed for individual customers. The other category is the ready-to-wear collection. While the former is based on certain themes and is more for creating a style statement, the latter is meant for the masses.

The mid-90s saw the emergence of a new breed of designers who redefined traditional concepts. They looked at fashion from a new angle, creating their own new concepts.

Thus, the world of fashion design has witnessed a steady evolution over the years and has been the by-product of the sincere efforts of many of the top designers.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Fashion Design Career

Got an eye for style? Do you pride yourself for setting the trends? Maybe it's time to get out of the fitting room and into a classroom. The field of fashion design is ripe for the next big name--and with the right education and fashion training yours could be on the hottest handbags, dresses or heels!

Is Fashion for You?
OK, you like to dress well and enjoy mixing fabrics, colors and styles in a unique way. "So what?" you might think. Don't sell yourself short. If you're passionate about the artistry and creativity that goes into designing clothing and accessories, then you should take a serious look at a career in the world of fashion. Before discarding the idea as a crazy whim, consider that Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and Vera Wang were all in your shoes once upon a time--just regular people with an interest in fashion design.

World-famous designer Anna Sui got her start early by dressing up dolls and toy soldiers. As an older child, Sui began designing her own clothes and kept extensive files of fashion magazine pages. Sui followed her dream to Parson's School of Design and is now an internationally renowned designer of clothing and footwear, in addition to owning boutiques worldwide. With some skills under your belt your boutique could be next to Anna's in SoHo!

24 Hours as a Fashion Designer
It's always wise to research the day in, day out activities involved in a profession before pursuing a career in fashion. Depending on your position and where you're employed, you could expect to do some or all of the following things as a fashion designer:
· Make sketches of your ideas
· Create patterns
· Choose fabrics
· Organize public showings for your line
· Attend fashion shows and read trade publications

Sound like fun? Like any job, fashion design has its ups and downs. However if you have a natural interest and ability in this area imagine how exhilarating it could be to launch your own line or see you skirts on the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow!
A Fashionable Education
Due to the competitive nature of this industry, it is recommended that you put in some time in the classroom before trying to find a job. Fortunately, you have several choices when it comes to getting a fashion design education:

Bachelor’s or Associate Degree?
Bachelor's degrees in this field are available from a large number of accredited colleges and universities. However, at many schools you will need to major in art and specialize in fashion or costume design. Alternatively, many vocational schools offer two-year fashion design programs. Though a four-year degree has the benefit of giving you a well-rounded education, the two-year Associate of Arts degree is the faster and cheaper option if you're convinced that fashion design is the career for you.

On-Campus or Online?
Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, you also have the choice of how you'd like to earn your degree in fashion design. Online fashion sc0cools are now as close as the nearest Internet connection, making fashion courses accessible to even the busiest or most remote Calvin Klein wannabe. If you have the time, attending a campus-based fashion design school is also a great alternative.

Star-Studded Career Opportunities
Once you've completed your training it's time to think about some fashion design jobs. Many people start out as Assistant Designers, helping head designers in tasks such as patternmaking or supervising tailors and sewers. Lead Designers create designs (including choosing fabrics and colors) and oversee their production. Designers can also specialize in areas such as sportswear, children's apparel, or footwear. (Manolo Blahnik, beware!)

While jobs in the fashion industry are not as plentiful as those in healthcare or education, talented, motivated individuals with the right training can find employment. Be warned, however, that you might have to move to California or New York, where two-thirds of all fashion designers are employed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While jobs in this field are only expected to grow up to 8% in the next 7 years, self-employment is a viable option as well--in fact, over 25% of designers work for themselves.

Do you have what it takes to clothe the stars? Even if your designs never make it to the red carpet, the rest of us need cool threads, too. It's time to share your creativity and flair for fashion with the world. The catwalk is waiting!
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