Popular Career Options for Fashion Designers in India 2024
Embarking on a journey as a fashion designer can feel overwhelming because of a plethora of career options awaiting young and talented fashion aspirants and students. Let's explore some of the popular career options for fashion designers in India with the help of this article.
Popular Career Options for Fashion Designers in India: Fashion designing remains a favoured career path for those with a passion for creativity. The field is all about transforming ordinary garments into stunning, brand-new looks. If you are intrigued by the world of fashion and enjoy setting trends, do not hesitate to explore this field to hone your creative skills. Popular career options for fashion designers in India are diverse and exciting, making it a top choice for many students. Indian fashion designers have not only achieved acclaim at home but also on the global stage, showcasing the country's rich culture and diversity. As India's cultural and social landscape evolves, so do the opportunities for fashion designers. In this article, we'll delve into the various types of fashion design, the best courses available, essential skills, career prospects, and more. You are in the right place if you are still deciding about your career path after fashion design. Whether you are just starting or looking to advance your career, there's plenty to discover in India's fashion design world.
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Types of Fashion Designers
Fashion Designers are one of the popular career options but it is not limited to only this. It comes from clothing designs to footwear designs to jewellery designs and more. Explore different types of fashion designers here:
- Apparel Designers: Apparel fashion designers are also known as clothing designers. They create various outfits such as party, casual, morning, and evening wear. These fashion designer careers require them to design clothes for fashion shows, events, and individual clients for their personal needs. Designers also create clothing for major brands and retail outlets
- Footwear Designers: Footwear designers create various types of footwear. They work in the manufacturing industry, retail, and high-street stores. They may also work with clothing designers to create the best product
- Fashion Accessory Designer: Fashion accessory designers create accessories that enhance the overall look. They create jewellery, handbags, belts, and other accessories. Fashion accessory designers also work with footwear and apparel designers to create a link between the entire style statement
- Costume Designers: Costume designers create costumes for films and television shows. They research the fashion trends of the time period in which the performance is taking place. These fashion designer careers collaborate with directors, who select and create appropriate attire based on the needs of the production
- Jewellery Designers: Create accessories that match the dress using precious metals such as diamonds, beads, and gemstones. Jewelers have existed since ancient times. We can see it in movies and television shows about ancient history. It gives us a taste of how the rulers and common people used to be dressed. Drawing is not the only skill required for a career as a jewellery designer
Also Read: Fashion Designing Vs Fashion Communication
Role of a Fashion Designer
To begin, fashion designers create rough sketches on paper. They also use computer-aided design (AutoCAD) or computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software to design. They design and make clothing and accessories like jewellery and handbags. To come up with effective ideas and predict the future, fashion designers must study past and present trends. Fashion designers sketch and research trends for their designs. Attending trade shows and visiting manufacturers to select fabrics and trims is required for a career as a Fashion Designer. Designers then transform those materials into various types of clothing based on market demand as well as the clients' specific needs. After that, the product is marketed to retailers and wholesalers.
A fashion designer also does the following:
- Creating a design process from conception to completion
- Participating in market research, fabric and technique trends, and looking for design inspiration
- Editing designs in real-time and developing new ideas
- Choosing appropriate fabrics and snips
- Creating designs for customised packages
- Working with the technical team to ensure that the packages are accurate
- Product re-examination before presentations
- Client presentations of story, theme, and seasonal boards
Top Career Options for Fashion Designers in India
India's fashion industry is booming, thanks to the ever-growing demand from consumers. Trends in designer clothing evolve rapidly, with fashion brands constantly rolling out new collections for every season. People are becoming more discerning about their attire, seeking out designer pieces for various occasions. This fervour for fashion shows no signs of waning anytime soon.
For those with talent and drive and wondering how to become a Fashion Designer, the fashion industry presents numerous opportunities. Leading fashion houses and brands are on the lookout for individuals who are both creative and skilled to elevate their design offerings. Before stepping into this dynamic field, aspiring fashion designers should familiarize themselves with the key employment areas, job roles, and companies in the industry.
Employment Areas | Job Profiles | Top Recruiting Companies |
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Also Read:Scope in Design Industry
Best Courses to Become a Fashion Designer
Completing a relevant course in Fashion Design is an extremely important and crucial step that any design aspirant will have to take on the path of becoming a fashion designer. The leading design institutes of the country offer many programmes in fashion design at the undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, as well as certificate levels. You can choose any course as per your convenience and requirements. The table given below provides a list of some of the most sought-after fashion design programmes that are offered in India.
There are different types of fashion designing courses available at UG, PG & Diploma levels. Have a look at the most popular degree types here:
Course Type | Specialisation |
|---|---|
Fashion Design | |
Fashion Management | |
Bachelors Degree | |
Fashion Styling and Image Designing | |
Leather Design | |
Masters Degree | Fashion Design |
Fashion Design and Business Management | |
Textile Management | |
Fashion Merchandising and Retail Management |
List of Fashion Designing Courses in India: Eligibility & Fees
Check out the table below to learn about various fashion designing courses, as well as their eligibility requirements, duration, and fashion designing course fees:
Name of the Course | Eligibility Criteria | Duration | Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
B.Design in Fashion | 4 years | 1,15,000-1,20,000 | |
Bachelors of Fashion Design |
| 4 years | 3,12,000 |
| Minimum 45% marks in 10+2 | 3 years | 20,000-40,000 | |
B.A. in Fashion Design |
| 3 years | 30,000- 2,00,000 |
| Minimum 45% marks in 10+2 | 3 years | 20,000-40,000 | |
Diploma In Fashion Design | Candidates must have passed 10+2 with at least 50% marks | 1 year to 3 years | 60,000-80,000 |
Computer-Aided Diploma in Fashion Designing | Candidates must have passed 10+2, however, graduates can also apply for the course | 4 months to 1 year | 75,000 |
Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Management | Candidates must have successfully cleared 10+2 to apply | 2 years | 90,000 |
M. Design in Fashion & Textiles |
| 2 years | 97,000-1,39,000 |
| Graduation Degree in Fashion Design | 2 years | 1,19,000 | |
M.A. in Fashion Design | Graduation Degree in Fashion Design | 2 years | 1,63,000 |
| 2 years | 3,12,000 | |
| Candidates must have pursued graduation (preferably in fashion designing) | 1 year to 18 months | 60,000-90,000 | |
Diploma in Fashion Design & Merchandising | Aspirants can apply after passing 10+2 | 1 Year | 40,000-90,000 |
6 months to 1 year | 14,000-60,000 | ||
Advanced Certification in Fashion Design | 1 Year to 2 Years | 80,000-1,30,000 |
Also Read:Fashion Designing vs.Textile Designing
Skills Required to Become a Fashion Designer
Becoming a fashion designer is the ultimate dream of a huge population of today's youth. However, the process of reaching those heights and becoming a fashion designer is not as easy as it looks or sounds. One has to have certain skills and a particular thinking process to become a fashion designer.
If one day you wish to stand next to Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Ritu Beri or Manish Malhotra, you should work on some particular set of skills. An aspiring designer should have some of the same qualities which will help him/ her in the journey of becoming a fashion designer and also when he/ she has set a benchmark professionally. Here are some of the qualities you'll need to succeed as a designer:
- Creativity: Being creative is as important for a designer as for a pilot to know how to fly a plane. Being creative is the fuel for a designer’s career. To design anything you need to be artistic and a creative mind can take you ahead.
- Good Communication Skills: The creation of a garment is not only a designer’s job but many people are also associated with it like tailors, retailers etc. So, you must be able to effectively communicate with everyone involved what he or she expects.
- Time Management Skills: A Fashion Designer is required to have sound time management skills as they have to multi-task and complete the projects before the allotted deadlines.
- Strive to do Better: The need to improve and to be better should never leave your mind. The fashion industry works at a very fast pace and to keep up you need to work on yourself and your way every day. You should strive to do better than your peers to come up with quality innovative designs quickly.
- Sketching Skills: A designer is required to sketch his/ her designs to make people understand their point of view or their vision. So, having really good sketching skills is a must.
- Trendy: Being trendy is a designer’s livelihood. A designer needs to keep up with the trends and create something that people like and want. Being trendy keeps you on top of your game and top of the industry.
Also Read:Skills Required for a Successful Career in Design
Fashion Designer's Job Role & Salary
India is one of the oldest and most prestigious textile and handmade product hubs. It is also the second-largest textile and clothing exporter in the world. So, the popular career options for fashion designers in India are not only restricted to rewarding careers but also career growth in forthcoming.
The excitement and competition in the fashion design field are also leading to a variety of job opportunities for creative minds. Fashion design, garment manufacturing and research, and textile design are some of the most popular career options for fashion designers in India. Refer to the popular fashion designer job roles, along with their salaries below:
Fashion Designer: You can make a lot of money if you are good at what you do and unquestionably relevant. Fashion design entails creating one-of-a-kind designs for clothing and accessories to meet people's fashion needs with changing trends. Fashion design is a broad field that includes jewellery, footwear, accessories, luggage, and other products. The starting salary for a fashion designer varies depending on location and reputation, but on average, a fashion designer earns between INR 3 lakh/year and INR 6 lakh/year.
Fashion Stylists: Maintaining the appearance and elegance of fashion shows, events, publication shoots, and other similar fashion-related promotional initiatives is part of a fashion industry professional's job. They pay close attention to makeup, clothing, and hairstyle to ensure that the show and current cast members look their best. The starting salary is approximately INR 4 LPA - 5 LPA and the year's experience is approximately INR 8 LPA - INR 7 LPA.
Fashion Merchandiser: To determine which products to provide for a company, they investigate their clients' historical purchasing habits. Budgets and revenue-generating goods are typically created in collaboration with management by fashion designers. A Fashion Merchandiser's starting salary ranges between INR 3 - INR 5 lakhs per year. After gaining experience, it is possible to earn more than INR 8 LPA - INR 9 LPA.
Retail Manager: A store manager is in charge of a variety of tasks, including setting sales goals and promoting products. One of its primary responsibilities is to provide the highest possible level of customer satisfaction. Retail managers in the fashion industry have the same functions and responsibilities as they do everywhere else. The starting salary is around INR 3 LPA - INR 5 LPA, and after working for a few years, the income will be around INR 10 LPA - INR 12 LPA.
Textile Designer: Textile designers in textile and fashion design studios are in high demand. Their work determines the product's inherent quality, composition, and general suitability. This field pays a starting salary of more than INR 4.5 lakh per year, which increases with experience.
Popular Colleges to Study Fashion Design
Some of the most well-known colleges for aspiring fashion designers are listed below. You can use the link to learn more about the college or to apply for admission.
- Pearl Academy
- Parul University
- Apeejay Institute of Design (AID)
- Inter National Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD)
- LISAA School of Design (LISAA)
- Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID)
- Vogue Institute of Fashion Technology (VIFT)
- Amity University Manesar
- Karnavati University (KU)
- Arch Academy of Design
Also Read:How is a Fashion Designer Different from a Fashion Stylist?
To make the application process for a desired design college hassle-free, do not forget to either dial 1800-572-9877 (toll-free) or fill up the Common Application Form. For any further queries, write to us in the QnA zone.
You can also go through the top design colleges in the country and shortlist the best institute for yourself. Some popular design entrance exams are conducted for selecting students for the fashion design course in India.
Stay connected to CollegDekho to get more information about design admissions in India!
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FAQs
What are some tips for building a strong portfolio as a fashion designer?
- Showcase Diversity: Display a variety of pieces that illustrate your design journey, from initial sketches to finished garments.
- Highlight Your Skills: Feature work that emphasizes your technical abilities and distinctive design style.
- Know Your Audience: Customize your portfolio to suit the preferences of the design roles or educational institutions you are applying to.
- Keep it Simple: Present your portfolio clearly and concisely. Avoid clutter and confusion by organizing your work neatly and using high-quality visuals.
Is a fashion design degree absolutely necessary to become a fashion designer in India?
In India, having a fashion design degree is not a must, but it sure can give you a leg up. Many big companies prefer candidates with degrees, especially from reputable institutions. However, if you have got talent and experience, you can still make it without one. A killer portfolio and taking part in workshops or apprenticeships can open doors too. The trick is to flaunt your skills and connect with people in the business.
What qualifications are needed to become a fashion designer in India?
You don't have to go to school, but having a fashion design diploma or degree (like BSc, BA, BTech or B.Des) is a plus. These courses teach you practical skills like sketching and draping, as well as give you insider knowledge about the industry. Some schools might need you to take an entrance exam. But no matter where you study, it is important to build up a solid portfolio and get hands-on experience through internships if you want to make it big in this field.
What are the top trending specializations within fashion design in India?
Right now, Indian fashion design is heating up in more ways than one. It is not just about clothes anymore. While focusing on women's, men's, or bridal wear remains popular, there are exciting new areas gaining traction. Sustainable fashion, for instance, is on the rise as consumers become more conscious of their choices. Fashion technology is also making waves, with designers using technology in their designs and production processes. Fashion communication, which involves visual marketing for the fashion industry, is another growing field. These are the latest trending areas in Indian fashion design today, where creativity meets innovation to shape the industry's future.
Is 12th marks important for fashion designing?
Students must pass their class 12th with a minimum of 50% mark to be eligible for fashion designing. However, the merit-based or entrance-based selection will depend on the institution.
Is fashion design a high-paying job?
Yes, fashion design is a high-paying job. Candidates who have gained experience in this field can get handsome salary packages. The average salary package for this specialisation is INR 4.3 Lakhs.
Can I make a career in fashion designing after 12th?
Yes, candidates can pursue fashion designing after 12th. They can do bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fashion design after completing their class 12th. Admission to this specialisation will be either based on merit, entrance test, group discussion or interview.
Is a career in fashion designing in India rewarding?
A career in fashion designing in India is not only rewarding but also exciting. Being one of the growing career paths, it is also the best way to stay aware of the current trends.
What are the career opportunities in fashion designing?
Some of the career opportunities in fashion designing include:
- Fashion Designer
- Fashion Journalist
- Jewellery Designer
- Fashion Photography
- Retail Market
- Fashion Model
- Fashion Blogger/Writer
- Art Direction