Fashion Week Begins! How to Start a Career in Fashion

For all you fashionistas out there, this is the week you've long been waiting for. New York Fashion week kicked off on September 9 at Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park, with the entire fashion world holding its breath to see what clothes we'll be wearing in Spring 2011.

The final products you'll see over the next few days are the result of months of hard work and collaboration between a variety of players in the fashion industry. From the designers who make the clothes, to the models who wear them, to the stylists who use them for celebrity clients, everyone has a role in bringing the newest styles to the public eye.

If one of these jobs sounds like your dream career, now might be the time to consider a career in fashion. Whether you're watching coverage of the shows online, or you're lucky enough to be attending, there are a variety of careers you can consider as you watch the latest looks roll down the runway.

It all starts here . . .
Fashion Designer Careers
Days, weeks and months before Fashion Week begins, fashion designers begin sketching, planning, and designing clothes for upcoming seasons. With an extensive knowledge of fashion history, designers combine past trends, beautiful fabrics, and their vision of the future to create wearable works of art. The clothes they display on the runway eventually influence what we wear to work, to school, and even to the beach.

On the runway . . .
Modeling Careers
It's not enough for clothes to look beautiful on the rack—NY Fashion Show attendees need to see how clothes move, hang and appear when they're worn by real live human beings.

That's where fashion models come in. Although their jobs might appear easy on the outside, professional models have to cultivate their look, walk and attitude to help designers showcase their creations and make them appealing to stylists, editors, and merchandisers.

In the audience . . .
Fashion Stylist Careers
At Fashion Week, celebrities, style editors, and fashion stylists alike are in the audience to preview next season's looks and trends. Attendance is extremely important for anyone in the styling world, as it gives them a chance to scout outfits for their clients, network with designers and other fashion insiders, and stay up-to-date on the hottest new designs.

From the runway to your closet . . .
Fashion Buyer & Merchandising Careers
As the hottest new looks are unveiled, fashion buyers and merchandisers get to work, deciding which designs and styles are right for their customers. Whether they work in large department stores or small, exclusive boutiques, fashion buyers and merchandisers are in charge of monitoring and predicting trends, deciding how much merchandise to order, and keeping an eye out for hot new items.

Ready to get started?
In addition to a passion for fashion, all of the careers listed above require an extensive knowledge of design principles, fabric and textiles, and fashion history. A fashion design degree can be a great place to start.

Fashionable Career Gear

Getting ready for the work week does not mean leaving all fashion sense in the closet.  Fashion is booming, even in the career world.  From stilettos to briefcases, the world of work has adapted to amazing fashion.

When dressing for your career, the goal is to project a high level of professionalism, and class, no matter what your career path.  This does not always mean shirts uncomfortably buttoned to a tight neckline, nor does it mean nude stockings are always necessary.  Professionalism in fashion is reaching new heights.  Here are some out of the ordinary fashion ideas for your career-gear assembly:

Less Is More:  Being fashion forward does not mean adding out of context prints or flashy color.  Although color is great, and so are prints, softer colors such as pinks and greens can work just as well.  

This theory can also apply with accessories.  It is often better to make one statement with a bangle necklace or beaded earrings, than to wear both, as well as fifteen rings.  One fantastic piece of jewelry can make an entire ensemble.  It's good to go bold, it's not so good to overdo it.

Be Polished:  To be polished does not have to mean dressing like your grandmother.  Polished can be projected through a fitted leather jacket over a crisp shirt.  It can also mean strutting a freshly polished pair of tall boots with a pencil skirt.  The more clean your look appears, the more professional and organized an image you will give yourself.

 

Even when purchasing stellar clothing articles from your online boutique, don't be afraid to get them hemmed to fit you perfectly.  Designer clothing will also sport classy buttons, tiny logos, and tailored workmanship.  

Fit Your Fashion To Your Routine:  While some workers may only need a small clutch or a leather handbag, others may require a large leather bag or briefcase.  All of these items now come in fashionable designs.  If your position requires sitting throughout most of the day, perhaps some comfortable pants or a cotton skirt is in order.  If constantly walking is your daily routine, maybe comfortable shoes or sandals would be a main priority.  

Each person has a different daily routine in the workplace.  While looking sharp, don't be afraid to think out the day's comfort in advance.  Looking good does not need to mean being completely uncomfortable.

Follow Suit:  When in doubt as to what may or may not be appropriate attire, with respects to human resources and the outline of your company, look to your boss.  Although you boss may not be up to par with fashion, the general do's and don'ts will often revolve around this individual.  If your boss is wearing a suit to work every day, it might not be in your best interest to walk into work with khakis and a tank.  Learn from those above you, and use them as your baseline.  Then make your own alterations, to create a look that exhibits who you are as a career individual.