FASHION DESIGNING

Fashion design is the applied art dedicated to the design of clothing and lifestyle accessories created within the cultural and social influences of a specific time.

Fashion design differs from costume design due to its core product having a built in obsolescence usually of one to two seasons. A season is defined as either autumn/winter or spring/summer. Fashion design is generally considered to have started in the 19th century with Charles Frederick Worth who was the first person to sew their label into the garments that they created. While all articles of clothing from any time period are studied by academics as costume design, only clothing created after 1858 could be considered as fashion design.

Fashion designers design clothing and accessories also for women. Some high-fashion designers are self-employed and design for individual clients. Other high-fashion designers cater to specialty stores or high-fashion department stores. These designers create original garments, as well as those that follow established fashion trends. Most fashion designers, however, work for apparel manufacturers, creating designs of men’s, women’s, and children’s fashions for the mass market. Designer brands which have a 'name' as their brand such as Calvin Klein or Ralph Lauren are likely to be designed by a team of individual designers under the direction of a designer director.

Scope and Importance of Fashion Designing

Designing is one of the most important aspects of the fashion world. In fact, everything revolves around designs. But it's no easy cakewalk. It's a hard grind and you need a lot of stamina to sustain in the long run. Do you feel it's right up your street? Then read on.

You need to have a feel for textures and a flair for styles. Colours and combinations should fascinate you. Your mind's eye should be able to put it all together before you start on a project.

An ability to sketch and draw is of immense help. You need a keen eye for detail. So sharpen your powers of observation.

Unless you have terrific talent and the right contacts, don't venture out by yourself. You're always better off working as a trainee under some designer for a while. You'll pick up valuable pointers. Be willing to learn from them.

Don't expect to hit gold with your first few designs. Your enthusiasm shouldn't wane with rejects. Keep yourself motivated and continue to work hard.

Don't be afraid to experiment with colours and designs. Give your creativity free rein.

Learn to handle people. Customers, tailors, suppliers may each have their own idiosyncrasies. It's important you cope without losing your cool.

Scout around for textiles. Don't go in for the run of the mill stuff. You'll find some priceless stuff in little towns and villages that have a heritage of weaving. Get them to cater to your requirements.

Find a real good tailor. Don't compromise on this issue. Only a good karigar can make your dreams come true. Build up a rapport with him/her. It's important you understand each other. You should be able to discuss the requirements and the possibilities of each design.

Always have a variety of designs. Especially if you are going to hold an exhibition for your potential customers, you need to show off your varied styles. The styles should be market friendly.

Start off with affordable styles. It's almost impossible for a newcomer to succeed with extravagant price tags.

Get to know the nitty-gritties of merchandising. There is a lot more to it than meets the eye.

Learn to enjoy your job. If you have an eye only on the rewards, it will be a relentless grind for you.

Fashion TV - Its Importance in Fashion Designing

Fashion TVan international television channel devoted to fashion and modelling.Founded in France in 1997 by its president Michel Adam Lisowski, Fashion TV has become one of the most widely-distributed satellite channels in the world: 31 satellite and 2,000 cable systems, with a total of 300 million households in 202 countries across the five continents.