How To Find A Job In The Fashion Industry

A blog reader emailed me and asked “ how do I find a job in the fashion industry?” So I jot down the following list to help her out and thought I would post this here to help anyone who have the same question. Just trying to help and giving my two cents, I’m not claiming to be an expert in this, in fact I would appreciate comments and additional information.

We’ve heard this before, it’s a tough economy. People are losing jobs and the ones hiring are more meticulous in choosing employees than ever before. It’s even harder when you do not know where to start. So here I’ve listed a few things that might be helpful to you & I added some job resources websites at the bottom.

1. Know exactly what you want to do ( Fashion Industry Careers)

So as not to get lost and waste your gas & time, before you travel you need to know your destination. The fashion Industry is HUGE. There’s a fashion designer, stylist, merchandiser, buyer, editor and so much more. I’ll give a summary/definition of some of the jobs I mentioned.

Fashion Stylist - From the root word style, stylists have an eye for style. They are responsible for bringing together the best pieces to create the best photos/outfit/look etc. They can work with magazines, celebrities, runway, catalogs, dress wealthy clients to events, commercials, films etc. Check out successful fashion stylists for reference like Rachel Zoe &Jeff Ihenando.


Fashion Designer - They conceptualize & make new clothing designs. They are responsible for researching trends, designing, creating, producing and promoting their lines. There are several jobs within this like, pattern maker, & technical designer. Also, most designers have specialized areas such as womens, juniors, evening, bridal, denims etc.

Fashion Merchandiser - they analyze retail and consumer trends, production costs and product direction.

Boutique Owner - A fun career to have, boutique owners have a huge closet of trendy clothes and accessories they share with their customers. They intertwine their business skill with fashion retail knowledge and style.
Fashion Illustrator - They sketch clothes and fashion accessories by hand or using softwares like CAD (computer aided design) and Adobe Illustrator. Most fashion designers do this themselves ( I do) but some not very good at drawing still hire professional illustrators, and others like magazines, catalogs and advertisers still use illustrators but most prefer photographers.

Fashion Photographer - well, surprise! They take & compose photos. Most photographers work for magazines, catalogs, fashion houses and books.
Fashion Buyer - they buy clothes for retail stores using their sense of style, trend & target customer knowledge.

Fashion Editor - they create content or supervise its process for fashion magazines, websites, newspapers, television etc.

So let’s say you already know where you are going, and sure as hell you have what it takes to do that, or at least have the passion to pursue that career.

2. Get Education The best foundation for a fashion career is to get a degree from good fashion schools like Parsons The New School for Design in NYC; Central St. Martins University of arts in London and so on . Schools teach you almost everything you need to know in your field, I said ‘almost’ because it is only by trying that you learn something fully. It also offers you the opportunity to network. Sometimes the best contact you have are your best buddies in school. Here you will see who’s good at sewing, merchandising, drafting etc. that you might need in the future. It is also good for your curriculum vitae or resume. But if you’re too cool for school and prefer to learn things your way. There are books and online tips and resources to help you know more about your chosen career and ways to hone your skills be it in drawing, photoshop or photography. After all, practice makes perfect.

3. Apply for a job
Well, after number two.. I’m not sure if you’re still there or you’re already in barnes and noble or other local bookstores or have filled out a form at some local schools. But anyway, when you think you got what it takes to do the job. Research related companies you want to work with, make a resume and cover letter. Depending on the job you want, some requires a portfolio of your past works, sketches, pictures etc. Start applying to them or you may visit the job resources sites I’ve listed below. You may start with an internship or assistant position and work your way up. And, always remember the quotes by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe “ Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it“ & by William Hutchinson Murray “ The Moment One Definitely Commits Oneself, Then Providence Moves Too”

Fashion Job Sites:
Style Careers - http://www.stylecareers.com/
Fashion.net - http://www.fashion.net/jobs/
The Fashion Tool - http://thefashiontool.com/
24 Seven Inc - http://www.24seveninc.com/
Hint mag - http://www2.hintmag.com/index.html
Fashion Career Center - http://www.fashioncareercenter.com/
WWD - http://www.wwd.com/
http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-3906134-10378406