Hidden Career Paths After Fashion School You Might Be Unaware Of

In the past two decades, there have been significant advancements in the Ghanaian fashion sector. Whether perusing social media feeds or flipping through fashion magazines, encountering images of African models or individuals adorned in garments crafted from African textiles has become increasingly commonplace, indicating a surge in the acceptance of African designs.

Key contributors to the propagation of African fashion include the burgeoning cadre of African designers who exhibit their creations both domestically and internationally. Esteemed figures such as Christi Brown, Pistis, and Ophelia Crossland exemplify this trend.

The burgeoning Ghanaian fashion industry is not only captivating but also lucrative, garnering attention on a global scale. Much of the acclaim and prosperity enjoyed by fashion designers can be attributed to the caliber of education provided by fashion schools. These institutions play pivotal roles in nurturing talent within the industry, offering abundant opportunities for aspiring individuals and students.

Students enrolled in fashion schools undergo comprehensive training to cultivate a distinctive mindset that enhances creativity and fosters expertise in generating innovative ideas and concepts. Instruction encompasses various techniques including illustration, technical drawing, pattern drafting and draping, tailoring, sewing, and utilization of digital technology in fashion, among others.

Moreover, students gain insights into fashion trends, consumer behavior, brand and market awareness, as well as ethical and ecological considerations pertinent to the fashion sector. They are also equipped with transferable skills such as communication, presentation, problem-solving, critical thinking, research, and teamwork.

Consequently, owing to the specialized nature of their education, graduates are adept at integrating into a plethora of industries directly or indirectly associated with their field. Let us explore some of the career pathways available to individuals post-fashion school.

Fashion Designer

Among the most sought-after career paths for fashion students is that of a fashion designer. Given the significant role fashion plays in shaping our identity and culture, the fashion industry continues to thrive. Fashion designers are responsible for crafting original apparel, footwear, jewelry, accessories, and more. Their tasks include developing sketches, selecting fabrics, creating patterns, and assembling outfits, among others. Whether by hand or using computer-aided design (CAD) software, they bring their designs to life. To excel in their field, fashion designers must stay abreast of emerging trends in fabric, colors, cuts, and silhouettes.

The realm of fashion design encompasses various categories, including high street fashion, ready-to-wear, and haute couture. Many designers gravitate towards high street fashion, where garments are mass-produced for widespread consumption.

Alternatively, ready-to-wear designers focus on creating collections that are immediately available to consumers, typically in limited quantities.

Then there are haute couture designers, who dedicate extensive time to crafting unique garments showcased in extravagant shows, often impractical for everyday wear. These designs serve to elevate the brand and showcase the designers’ artistic prowess.

Fashion Retail Buyer / Manager:

A career as a fashion retail buyer or manager is increasingly popular in the country, offering considerable satisfaction. Whether in a departmental store, fashion boutique, or major brands, these professionals are tasked with sourcing, negotiating, and procuring fashion materials for sale in stores. It’s a dynamic role that demands a deep understanding of the fashion industry alongside fundamental business acumen. Fashion students gain valuable insights into consumer preferences and market trends, enabling them to identify trending colors, designs, and upcoming fashion seasons.

Stylist:

Stylists leverage their fashion design knowledge to create visually compelling displays or outfits, typically working within specific briefs. Suited for those who thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy collaborative problem-solving, this role requires effective communication and teamwork skills. Stylists curate wardrobe pieces from various sources to suit clients’ personalities, body types, and occasions, often extending to makeup, accessories, and hairstyles. From red carpet events to weddings, stylists play a pivotal role in shaping personal and professional aesthetics, collaborating with celebrities, models, photographers, influencers, and publications.

Textile Designer:

Textile designers specialize in creating 2D patterns, woven fabrics, and printed textiles, used in interior design or garment production. They may work independently or as part of a design team, utilizing Fashion CAD to develop patterns and textures. Proficient in technological advancements in fabric innovation, textile designers operate in diverse settings, including factories, studios, or remote workspaces, demonstrating mastery in fabric and material manipulation.

Fashion Blogger / Fashion Magazine:

If you possess exceptional writing skills, you have the option to pursue a career in either writing for a fashion magazine or establishing yourself as an independent fashion blogger. Fashion magazines are constantly seeking fresh talent, and you could be their next discovery! Fashion editors and bloggers earn significant income through their content creation, offering invaluable fashion tips and tricks. Additionally, you can share your insights through videos, articles, or stories on social media platforms. It’s widely known that social media influencers on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube can earn substantial income based on engagement metrics such as comments, likes, and subscribers.

Beyond writing, you may also engage in publication production, taking on roles in sub-editing and design.

In summary, there are numerous career pathways available to explore post-fashion school. I trust this article serves as a helpful resource for considering fashion design as a course of study, and more importantly, encourages you to pursue a fulfilling and sustainable career path.