Some Tips For Learning Fashion Design

• Develop a working knowledge of design-related software programs such as Adobe Photo shop and Illustrator.
• Always read fashion magazines such as Vogue, Teen Vogue and Elle to keep yourself up-to-date with fashion trends. Also consider subscription to trade newspapers such as Woman's Wear Daily, or regional papers such as Apparel News. This is what the pros read, and you should too.


• Learn about historical fashion. Know fashion styles from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, through the Renaissance, Elizabethan, Victorian and 19th centuries. Know the important 20th century designers: Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Poiret and the others.
• Learn about ethnic or regional costumes: China, India, Africa, Mexico and others. Know the styles that people wear around the world, and how current fashion borrows from those styles.
• Go to shops which sell materials and have a good feel to them so you know which fabric will be suitable for which type of clothes.
• Becoming familiar with the computer and research is something that all fashion designers need to succeed. Try asking people you know who are good with computers to give you some great tips.
• Cut bits of fabric that you like. Find buttons, lace, etc. to go with it and make a collage. Frame it if you wish.
• Take classes in sketching and fashion illustration. Your ideas will usually be presented in sketch form. Computer aided drafting (CAD) is another useful skill.



• Professional designers get ideas on their own time. Work hours are spent dealing with vendors, fitting models, publicity, production schedules and problems.
• Take part in fashion design competitions to build your real world experience. "Sketch Street" runs continuous design campaigns where they help you turn your fashion sketch into real garments.
• It would be useful to carry a camera (it can be a cheap one; it's just so an idea will stay in your mind) around with you, in case you are inspired. And be prepared to be - any designer can be inspired by the smallest things, so start snapping and sketching your ideas.
• Be aware of how far in the future the fashion industry works to produce new styles. When fall merchandise is being shown in the fashion mags, spring or even the season after it is the focus of the designer. The color forecasts are a year ahead.
• Watch Project Runway.
• Always remember there is nothing you can't do so don't give up.
• If you like, try to make paper fashions before you make real clothes.
• Expect low pay when you first start out, because you are just a beginner.
• Fashion designing is a competitive field, like any popular design area it will take work. But don't worry about "who is going to win." Think about how you can do your best work.
• Expect long hours to meet deadlines.
• If you have an unsupportive family, don't let them discourage you.
• Don't overwork yourself. Give yourself a break from time to time. That way you will be able to think of more ideas for future designs.
• Don't expect too much the first time. Prevent yourself from getting discouraged.

Go Ahead & Best of luck.............................