Plan, design and create clothing and accessories that reflect style and trends.

As a fashion designer, you design and create clothing, footwear and accessories by combining ideas about form, fabric, colour and styles with practical techniques for manufacture. You talk with clients and stakeholders to understand the design brief, research styles and trends, and balance functional, commercial and cultural needs. You sketch and prepare samples to show your concepts, then work with management, sales and manufacturing staff to agree on solutions. You choose materials and finishes, document designs for production, and oversee prototypes to bring your ideas to life.

For further information:
Design Institute of Australia
Phone: 1300 888 056
Email: info@design.org.au
Website: www.design.org.au

TAFE SA offers courses relevant to this occupation including the Diploma of Apparel, Fashion and Textiles. Pathways include the Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles

Flinders University offers a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Fashion) or (Costume Design) that incorporates the Diploma of Apparel, Fashion and Textiles where you study concurrently at both the University and TAFE SA to complete both Awards.

Still unsure? Then try a short course also offered through TAFE SA. Check the website for the full list of courses.

Fashion designing also requires a thorough knowledge of the manufacturing process, everything from cutting and sewing to pattern making. Most of the skills required can be gained via practical on the job training. Fashion Vision an important part of a fashion designer's job is to stay one, or many, steps ahead of fashion trends. To keep abreast in this industry, designers should be knowledgeable about past and present styles, and even art history. Well reputed fashion designers generally know what colour and hemline will be 'in' two years before the public knows they have to have 'it'.