What Every Aspiring Clothing Designer Should be Reading
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by Sarah Clark
Fashion School Review Columnist

July 12, 2006

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What are smart fashion school students reading? They are likely perusing the same material as those with established careers in fashion. Here's a list of what you should be reading to be in the know.

Women's Wear Daily (WWD)

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p> WWD is a daily fashion publication that reports on all aspects of the fashion business, from shifts in clothing trends to developments in global supply chains. You'll learn about everything from allegations of child labor in clothing factories in China to how successful a new silhouette is selling. Annual subscriptions may be a bit too pricey for a student's budget, so ask your school or local library to purchase a subscription if they haven't already.

Vogue

This is mind candy for fashion school students, to be sure. There is a compelling reason to read Vogue, however, as it remains the top fashion magazine aimed at consumers of fashion. At the same time, the magazine has a serious side, featuring profiles of fresh new clothing designers and the people---socialites, actresses, and members of the international glitterati--who are setting trends. Keep this one on your subscription list throughout your career in fashion.

Fashion Blogs

Here's an easy way to stay on top of clothing design gossip--read fashion blogs such as 360 Fashion, Fashion Schmasion, and Daily Fashion Report. Want to hear what a former fashion editor thinks about the film adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada? Check out the Daily Fashion Report for such commentary. Fashion Schmasion is a more informal account of the clothing design industry; on it you'll read about goings-on like Pierre Cardin's new men's collection, Stella McCartney's vegan clothing line, and the latest dish on Hedi Slimane's future with Dior. Visit 360 Fashion to get perspectives on all aspects of the fashion business from those with careers in fashion, including clothing designers, magazine editors, models, and fashion marketers. You can even check out blogs written by fashion students who are studying fashion at one of many online schools, as this type of education allows them to work and design--while they learn at their own pace.

Preparation for a Career in Fashion

Fashion school will teach you what you need to know to run a fashion operation, but it likely won't expose you to the latest fashion news affecting those with and working toward careers in fashion. While in fashion school, be sure to stay on top of the latest clothing design and fashion business news.

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About the Author
Sarah Clark is a freelance writer specializing in career development and postsecondary education.

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