Fashion Shows Build Student Portfolios

by Joe Cooper
Fashion School Review Columnist

May 18, 2007

Send to a friend |

Printable Version

A career in fashion requires more than education; it requires experience. Participating in student-run fashion shows in school can increase your chances of landing entry-level design jobs after fashion school.

Student Fashion Shows East Coast Tradition
Fashion design school students in Bethesda, Maryland, started their own fashion show in 1998 called "People United by New Creative Hunches," or "PUNCH." Two students began the show almost 10 years ago, and the tradition is still going strong. The entire fashion design show is student-run, from the clothing designs, to lighting, to invitations. Nearly 30 student designers and over 100 student models are involved in the event, held at the school's theater.

Great Design, Great Causes
PUNCH is a completely non-profit show. All the proceeds from ticket sales go to an organization called Suited for Change. Based in Washington, DC, Suited for Change provides low-income women with professional clothing and helps them with their job searches.

Skills + Fashion School = Experience
Fashion shows in fashion design school are essential to a career in fashion as a designer. Fashion school graduates can pursue a number of paths after graduation, but for students interested in design, fashion show experience is a must. It all starts with a sketch. Then garment sourcing, hours in the design studio, modeling, production, rehearsals, and—finally—the big show.

Getting involved with as many production aspects as possible is a good tip. Having several student-run fashion shows in your portfolio by the time you leave fashion school will give you an edge over less experienced competition in a competitive industry.

Source:

Gazette.net

About the Author
Joe Cooper is a freelance education and technology writer and edits medical literature. He holds a bachelor's in American Literature from UCLA.

Featured Schools
Campus The Art Institutes The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations. See more facts about The Art Institutes Program Offer: Fashion Design (BFA) Fashion Design (AA) Fashion Design (AAA) And more... Campus Locations: Chicago Dallas Denver Fort Lauderdale Houston Indianapolis Miami Milwaukee Minneapolis New York North Hollywood Philadelphia Pittsburgh Portland San Antonio San Bernardino San Diego San Francisco Santa Ana Santa Monica Schaumburg Seattle Tucson Vancouver Campus American InterContinental University Get the design and business skills you need to succeed. American InterContinental University - Buckhead's mission is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and practical work experience they need for success. Whether you're interested in Internati See more facts about American InterContinental University Program Offer: Bachelor of Fine Arts Fashion Marketing Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Marketing and Design Campus Locations: Atlanta Fort Lauderdale Campus International Academy of Design and Tech Start planning for your future. No matter what you want to achieve in your career, the International Academy of Design & Technology in Chicago can help. The Academy offers diverse and comprehensive degree programs in numerous Design disciplines as wel See more facts about International Academy of Design and Tech Program Offer: Fashion Design and Merchandising Fashion Design Fashion Design and Marketing Campus Locations: Chicago Henderson Nashville Orlando San Antonio Seattle Troy Campus Visual College of Art and Design Follow your passion! For over 35 years, the Visual College of Art and Design (VCAD) has taught artists and imaginative people just like you. VCAD's Fine Arts diploma program is highly regarded for providing a well-rounded arts education in an environment that emphasizes creativity and individuality. Which program is right for you? Choose from Graphic Design, Marketing & Merchandising for Fashion, 3D Modelling Animation Art & Design, Fashion Design, and Interior Design. We know that employers want graduates who are knowledgeable about their field and possess the most up-to-date technical skills. That's why our students receive focused and specialized training on the tools, techniques, and technology used in their chosen career field. Visual College of Art and Design offers courses at one campus in Vancouver, British Columbia Get started today by answering a few questions.>>> See more facts about Visual College of Art and Design Program Offer: Fashion Design Campus Locations: Vancouver Online Stratford Career Institute Earn Your Diploma from Home! Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods. See more facts about Stratford Career Institute Program Offer: Fashion Merchandising and Design Campus Collins College Prepare yourself for the future. Collins College, located in Tempe, AZ, is your gateway to the world of design and technology. Get the education you need to start a new career in Visual Communication, Multimedia Production, Animation, Digital Video, or PC See more facts about Collins College Program Offer: Fashion Design and Merchandising Campus Locations: Phoenix