Fashion Designing

A Fashion Designing Course is an educational program that provides students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to pursue a career in the field of fashion design. These courses are typically offered at various educational institutions, such as art and design schools, fashion designing institutes, and universities.

Aspect	Details
Course Duration	Typically 3 to 4 years for a bachelor’s degree
Degree Offered	Bachelor of Fashion Design Or Bachelor of Design (B.Des)
Eligibility Criteria	10+2 (Higher Secondary) with a minimum percentage requirement
Entrance Exams	Common Entrance Exams like NIFT, NID, and others
Specializations	Fashion Design, Textile Design, Accessory Design, etc.
Curriculum	Design Principles, Textile Science, Fashion Illustration, Pattern Making, Garment Construction, Fashion Marketing, etc
Internship Opportunities	Collaboration with fashion houses, design studios, and industry partners
Design Software Training	Expertise with programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and so on
Career Opportunities	Fashion Designer, Textile Designer, Fashion Illustrator, Merchandiser, etc.
Fashion Shows and Exhibitions	Opportunities to participate and showcase designs
Collaborations and Tie-ups	Partnerships with leading fashion brands and companies
Placements	Placement assistance provided with tie-ups with industry leaders
Location of Institutes	Major cities i.e. Indore, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and others

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for fashion design courses in India may vary slightly depending on the institute and the specific program. However, here is a general overview of the common eligibility criteria for undergraduate fashion design courses:

Educational Qualifications:

·         Candidates should have completed 10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognized board.

·         The qualifying examination should be completed in any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts).

Minimum Percentage Requirement:

·         Many institutes have a minimum percentage requirement in the qualifying examination. This percentage may vary, also it is advisable to check the specific requirements of the desired institute.

Age Limit:

·         Generally, there is no specific age limit for undergraduate fashion design courses. However, some institutes may have age restrictions, so it is essential to verify this with the respective institutions.

Entrance Exams:

Most reputable fashion design institutes conduct entrance exams to assess the aptitude, creativity, also design skills of candidates. So Common entrance exams include:

·         National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Entrance Exam

·         National Institute of Design (NID) Entrance Exam

·         Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED)

·         Pearl Academy Entrance Exam

·         Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED)

Portfolio Submission:

Some institutes may require candidates to submit a portfolio showcasing their artistic and design skills. The portfolio is an important aspect of the admission process and is often evaluated during interviews.

Language Proficiency:

Proficiency in English may be necessary, as some courses may be conducted in English, and communication skills are essential in the field of fashion design.

Interviews and Group Discussions:

Shortlisted candidates are often required to attend interviews or participate in group discussions during the selection process.

Scope of Fashion Designing

The scope of a fashion design course is quite vast, and it can lead to numerous career opportunities within the fashion and apparel industry. However, here are some potential career paths and opportunities for individuals who have completed a fashion design course:

Fashion Designer:

Graduates can work as fashion designers, creating original clothing and accessory designs for various markets, including ready-to-wear, haute couture, and niche markets i.e. sportswear or children’s wear.

Textile Designer:

Those with a focus on textiles can pursue careers in textile design, creating patterns and designs for fabrics used in fashion and interior design.

Pattern Maker:

Pattern makers work on creating templates for garments based on a designer’s sketches. This role is crucial in the production process to ensure accurate and consistent sizing.

Fashion Illustrator:

Skilled illustrators can find opportunities to work with fashion magazines, design houses, or online platforms to communicate fashion concepts and ideas visually.

Garment Technologist:

Professionals in this role focus on the technical aspects of garment construction, ensuring that designs can be produced efficiently and meet quality standards.

Merchandiser:

Merchandisers work to promote and sell fashion products. Also, they collaborate with designers, retailers, and manufacturers to ensure that the right products are available to consumers.

Stylist:

Fashion stylists work with individuals or companies to create visually appealing outfits for various purposes, such as photo shoots, fashion shows, or personal image consulting.

Fashion Entrepreneur:

Graduates may choose to start their own fashion label, boutique, or design consultancy. This path requires a combination of design skills and business acumen.

Costume Designer:

Opportunities exist in the film, television, theater, and also performing arts industries for fashion designers to create costumes for characters and performances.

Fashion Educator:

Some graduates choose to share their knowledge and passion for fashion by becoming educators and teaching at fashion schools, colleges, or universities.

Sustainable Fashion Advocate:

With growing awareness of environmental issues, there is an increasing demand for designers who are knowledgeable about sustainable and ethical practices in fashion.

However, the fashion industry is dynamic and competitive, and success often depends on a combination of talent, creativity, networking, and business acumen. As the industry continues to evolve, professionals with a solid foundation in fashion design and a willingness to adapt to new trends and technologies will find a wide range of opportunities.

 

Admission Open – 2024

 

Curriculum of Fashion Designing

The curriculum of a fashion design course usually covers a broad range of topics related to the fashion industry. Also, some of the key components may include:

Design Principles: Understanding the fundamentals of design, including color theory, composition, and aesthetics.

Textile and Material Studies: Learning about different fabrics, materials, and their properties, as well as how to select and use them in designing clothing.

Pattern Making and Garment Construction: Developing the skills to create patterns for clothing and bring designs to life through the construction of garments.

Fashion Illustration: Training in the art of sketching and illustrating fashion designs to communicate ideas visually.

Fashion History and Trends: Studying the history of fashion and staying updated on current trends in the industry.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Using digital tools and software to enhance the design process and create technical drawings.

Portfolio Development: Assembling a portfolio showcasing the student’s best work, which is crucial for securing employment in the fashion industry.

Industry Internships: Many courses include internships or practical experiences, i.e. allowing students to gain hands-on experience and build connections in the industry.

Key topics in a Fashion Designing Curriculum:

Design Fundamentals:

·         Color theory

·         Design principles

·         Elements of design (line, shape, form, texture)

·         Textile Studies:

·         Fabric types and characteristics

·         Textile science

·         Weaving and printing techniques

Pattern Making and Garment Construction:

·         Understanding body proportions and measurements

·         Drafting patterns

·         Sewing techniques

·         Draping on a mannequin

Fashion Illustration:

·         Drawing techniques

·         Rendering fabrics and textures

·         Creating mood boards

Fashion History and Trends:

·         Historical development of fashion

·         Contemporary fashion trends

·         Cultural influences on fashion

Computer-Aided Design (CAD):

·         Using software i.e. Adobe Illustrator or other design tools

·         Digital sketching and rendering

·         Creating technical drawings

Portfolio Development:

·         Compiling and presenting a professional portfolio

·         Showcasing a range of design projects and skills

Fashion Business and Marketing:

·         Understanding the fashion industry

·         Merchandising and retailing

·         Marketing and branding

Industry Internship:

·         Practical experience in a professional setting

·         Exposure to real-world design and production processes

Specialized Design Focus:

·         Specialized courses based on the program’s focus (e.g., menswear, womenswear, sustainable fashion, etc.)

Fashion Show or Exhibition Participation:

·         Also Planning and participating in fashion shows or exhibitions to showcase designs

Professional Development:

·         Building networking skills

·         Understanding the business side of fashion

·         Resume building and interview skills

Optional Electives:

·         Courses that allow students to explore specific interests within fashion design

Salary

Fashion designing salary in India can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, skill level, location, and the specific segment of the industry in which an individual works. Salaries are often higher in metropolitan cities and can be influenced by the reputation and scale of the fashion company or design house. Also, here’s a general overview of the salary range for different roles in the Indian fashion industry:

Fashion Designer:

·         Entry-level: ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 per annum

·         Mid-career: ₹6,00,000 – ₹12,00,000 per annum

·         Experienced/Senior: ₹15,00,000 and above per annum

Textile Designer:

·         Entry-level: ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,50,000 per annum

·         Mid-career: ₹5,00,000 – ₹10,00,000 per annum

·         Experienced/Senior: ₹12,00,000 and above per annum

Pattern Maker:

·         Entry-level: ₹2,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 per annum

·         Mid-career: ₹4,50,000 – ₹8,00,000 per annum

·         Experienced/Senior: ₹10,00,000 and above per annum

Fashion Illustrator:

·         Entry-level: ₹2,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 per annum

·         Mid-career: ₹4,50,000 – ₹8,00,000 per annum

·         Experienced/Senior: ₹10,00,000 and above per annum

Merchandiser:

·         Entry-level: ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 per annum

·         Mid-career: ₹6,00,000 – ₹12,00,000 per annum

·         Experienced/Senior: ₹15,00,000 and above per annum

Recruiting Companies

Fashion design graduates can find employment opportunities with various companies in the fashion and related industries. The specific recruiting companies can vary depending on factors such as the graduate’s specialization, skills, and interests. Here is a list of potential recruiting companies that often hire fashion design graduates:

Fashion Retailers:

·         Zara

·         H&M

·         Forever 21

·         Gap

·         Reliance Brands

Luxury Fashion Brands:

·         Gucci

·         Louis Vuitton

·         Chanel

·         Prada

·         Burberry

Design Houses:

·         Manish Malhotra

·         Sabyasachi Mukherjee

·         Anita Dongre

·         Rohit Bal

Textile Companies:

·         Arvind Limited

·         Raymond Group

·         Welspun India

·         Bombay Dyeing

E-commerce Platforms:

·         Amazon Fashion

·         Myntra

·         Flipkart

·         Ajio

Footwear and Accessories Brands:

·         Nike

·         Adidas

·         Puma

·         Steve Madden

Apparel Manufacturing Companies:

·         Shahi Exports

·         Orient Craft

·         Gokaldas Exports

Fashion Magazines and Media:

·         Vogue

·         Elle

·         Harper’s Bazaar

·         Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI)

Event and Fashion Show Management:

·         IMG Reliance

·         Wizcraft

·         Fountainhead MKTG

Startups in Fashion-Tech:

·         Limeroad

·         Voonik

·         Wooplr

Global Fashion Houses:

·         Ralph Lauren

·         Tommy Hilfiger

·         Calvin Klein

·         Versace

Sportswear Brands:

·         Adidas

·         Nike

·         Puma

Conclusion

However, a fashion design course is not just about acquiring technical skills; it’s a transformative journey that nurtures creativity, innovation, and personal expression. From the core curriculum to industry connections, it offers a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity, preparing individuals for a seamless entry into the competitive world of fashion. With opportunities for internships, exposure to global trends, and participation in fashion shows, this educational path goes beyond the classroom, shaping individuals into visionaries ready to redefine the future of style. Moreover, For those with a passion for design, a fashion design course is an invitation to weave dreams into fabrics and stitch stories into seams.