Style Savvy Men Spur New Fashion Careers

by Sarah Clark
Fashion School Review Columnist

June 13, 2007

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Fashion design often focuses on the feminine form, sometimes considered the ideal canvas for creativity, individual expression, and experimentation. After all, women are typically more open than men to trying new styles and trends. The latter typically prefer to stay with fashion's status quo, like T-shirts, khakis, jeans, and navy suits.

Still, fashion designers can have satisfying careers in fashion creating menswear. For instance, Tom Ford, the onetime head of Gucci, is now overseeing his own menswear fashion line in his flagship upper Madison Avenue store. His collection reflects not trends, but a deep reverence for quality and custom design. You may not find any feather-trimmed accessories there, but you will find exquisite tailoring and intensely masculine luxury.

The Rise of Fashion Conscious Men
Renewed interest in fashion among men has been attributed the rise of a new class of men who takes more interest in appearance than is customary. This fashion savvy group may be more inclined to try apparel that is a little different in an effort to distinguish themselves from the T-shirt-and-jeans crowd. They may try more interesting fabric, prints, and color combinations.

A career in menswear fashion is sure to be different from a career in women's fashion. One isn't inherently better than the other, to be sure. What matters is that you choose the path that allows you to realize your passion for design--whether it's to dress men, women or both genders.

Fashion School and Menswear
You can study menswear fashion in fashion school, although you may still learn some of the basics of women's fashion, which is sure to make you a better-rounded fashion designer. Some fashion schools may be more flexible than others in this regard, so be sure to research schools to find the one that best suits your career goals.

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

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