Success in Fashion Starts with Fashion School

by Joe Cooper
Fashion School Review Columnist

May 16, 2007

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Like so many other biographies in fashion design, the story of Iranian-American fashion designer Behnaz Sarafpour begins with fashion school. There, she learned the practical skills of designing, built a fashion network, and began the art of collaboration--all of which lead her to her current success.

Sarafpour's Recipe for Success
Fashion designer Behnaz Sarafpour designs for Barney's in New York (owned by Jones Apparel group, owner of over 400 specialty stores and more than 20 luxury stores). Sarafpour's clients include Cate Blanchett and Salma Hayek, and her designs have graced the runways of fashion shows around the world.

Where Did She Get Her Start?
While earning a degree in fashion from fashion school, Sarafpour managed to land an internship at Anne Klein. She also worked on her portfolio and developed a network of fashionable friends, including many now-notable designers who are enjoying similar success.

According to an interview conducted by Payvand's Iran News, Sarafpour expressed gratitude that her success had made it easier to approach people for collaborations--a skill you first learn in fashion school.

Your Fashion Career
Fashion school is not just about building practical skills, teaching the business of fashion, or earning a degree that you can put on your resume--it's also about working and networking within the industry. Ms. Sarafpour's internship was essentially her first job. And now she is designing for Barney's, one of the most elite stores in one of the most fashionable cities in the world.

The moral of this story? Fashion school isn't just about a degree; it's about a career. Yours.

Source:

Payvand

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.

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