Getting Down to Business in Fashion Design

by Sarah Clark
Fashion School Review Columnist

March 21, 2008

Send to a friend |

Printable Version

So you want a career in fashion and business? Getting the right education and training is critical for success--take college courses and seek out professional experiences that stimulate your sense of fashion and sharpen your mind for business.

It seems the most successful fashion designers also have a knack for business. When we think of Vera Wang, Donna Karan, Tom Ford, and Michael Kors, we think of people who are very good at marketing, negotiating, and identifying opportunities and trends in their industry.

They are, of course, also great designers. How can you master the creative and business sides of the fashion design industry?

Fashion School and Business
The U.S. Department of Labor recommends that entrepreneurial fashion designer hopefuls get schooled in design as well as a business discipline, such as marketing or merchandising. Many fashion design schools offer dual degrees in design and business, preparing students who wish to start their own boutique, launch their own brand, or simply prepare for a variety of careers in fashion design.

Getting business skills can also give you an advantage over your designer peers who can't draft spreadsheets, read financial statements, or devise an effective marketing plan. Attending fashion and business school also shows that your creative side can synch up with Wall Street priorities - with a business education, you may be less likely to compromise business interests in the name of strict adherence to a creative vision or design aesthetic.

Of course the business side of fashion is not going to appeal to all types of designers. Some would prefer to be distanced from the sound of keyboard tapping, boardroom chatter, and water cooler banter to concentrate solely on their creations. That's okay too - it just depends on the type of career in fashion you want, and how far you wish to take it.

Source:

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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

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 (AAA) Fashion Design (AA) 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 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 Campus Locations: Chicago Henderson Nashville Orlando San Antonio Seattle Troy Campus American InterContinental University If you want to get serious about getting your degree, come to the school that doesn’t mess around. Our real-world based curriculum is industry-focused and made for busy, working professionals. We offer accelerated Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees with specializations in Business, Technology, Criminal Justice and Design that can be completed in as little as 15 months.* Tuition - No financial surprises here. We provide a net price calculator for you to get a quick estimate of your program costs/financial aid Adaptability- Attend classes on campus or online, this way, you can choose the class format that suits you best. Flexibility- You’re in control of the pace at which you want to learn because you can select between our part-time and full time pace options. We even have accelerated undergraduate degree programs and Master’s degrees that can be completed in as little as 15 months.* Generous Transfer-In-Policy- Transfer** up to 75% of our degree requirements from your approved past college credits or your work, even military experience. We are AIU. America’s #1 Unparty School™. Legal: Not all programs are available to residents of all states. AIU cannot guarantee employment or salary. Find disclosures on graduation rates, student financial obligations and more at aiuniv.edu/disclosures. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. * Program length may vary. Future costs and financial aid estimates are subject to change. Results of the calculator are not guaranteed and special circumstances are reviewed by the Financial Aid Office on a case-by-case basis. The accuracy of your estimated awards is based on the information you provide. It is intended for undergraduate domestic students. The estimated awards are based on the assumption that the student will complete the FAFSA. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. 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 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 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 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