How To Make Successful Applications To Fashion Design Schools

By Kelly Hunter

There are many ways to get into a career in fashion. Gianfranco Ferrer, who recently left us and was best known as the creative director of Christian Dior from 1989 on, studied architecture instead of art. He then turned to fashion design, launching his own label in 1978.

For most of us mortals, however, going to design school will be a necessary and pleasurable way of stepping into a career in fashion. There are more openings than ever before in this exciting field. Fashion awareness has grown enormously in recent years and people are becoming more brand-conscious. Many fashion design schools offer degrees in fashion design, marketing, and merchandising, to give you the necessary leverage launch the career of your choice. For a strong foundation in both traditional and high-tech approaches, you could opt for any number of excellent schools. Fashion design school is like a little bit of history repeating. You will find that there is nothing new under the sun – the most abstruse-seeming designs are almost always borrowed from somewhere or other. The knack is to come up with a new fashion or accessory design based on a development of something with a historical perspective.

Fashion is an expression of the times, so it is important to keep up with the latest trends in politics and art. Design school courses will help you to explore these tendencies.

Design would be nothing these days without a deep understanding of technological devices and tools – CAD is something you will need to learn in depth.

Fashion design schools also teach the necessary technical and business skills involved, from sketching and pattern-making, sowing, design theory to the practicalities of accounting, retail, store merchandising, marketing and management.:

Getting a job in the fashion industry is no easy business, but do not be discouraged – prospective employers are looking for commitment, enthusiasm and a solid foundation in terms of training. Only the determined will make it in such a highly competitive field. To optimize your chances of getting on, follow our tips below: Connections are everything. Employers like recommendations and it is up to 60% likely that you will be offered a job because a friend or acquaintance has passed on your résumé. Bosses from way back, former colleagues, neighbors, your hairdresser or bank manager - Networking is where it’s at. So send out those mails, letting everyone know you are looking for a post. If you do not currently have a job, you should be investing at least a full 40 hour working week in job hunting, half of which you will be devoting to networking. Follow up leads, make notes, call back, insist. There is no mystery – perseverance will get you what you want.

There are a number of things you should watch out for when choosing a school: Look at their statistics – how many of the ex-students went on to successfully embark on a fashion career? The hub of the fashion design world is in New York City and Los Angeles, so people tend to gravitate there – about two thirds of those working in the industry are established in these cities. A quarter are self-employed, while 35% are working under a corporate umbrella. Another quarter are clothing wholesalers, while a mere 15% are clothing manufacturers. Competition in all fields is fierce, so you will do well to enter the fashion school which will give you the best chances possible.

Kelly Hunter operates http://www.fashion-design-schools-center.com and writes about Fashion Design Schools

When People Think Fashion Design School - They Think Italy

By Robert Byrnes

Think of all those fine leather shoes, the smart looking dresses, and the attractive hats that the rich and famous wear everyday. Most of us have admired them, but have you ever thought of designing them yourself?

If you have, chances are you know that today the highlight in the world of fashion is Italy. Just mention that something is Italian and everyone will know that, if you are talking about fashion, it belongs to the top of the line.

And everyone knows that for that very reason the best fashion designer schools are in Italy. But because there are so many good ones, how do people go about selecting the right one?

If you are thinking of traveling to Italy to attend one of the many schools of fashion design, here are some tips that may help you decide which one will best meet your needs.

1- School Background:

Some schools tend to focus on one or another area, and that is important when making your selection. What field interests you the most? Are there any well known designers in that field that have graduated from that school? How well have other exalumnae fared after graduation? The school mission and goals are important aspects to understand, as they will inform you about what you should expect to achieve there, and what the school expects from its students.

2- Word of Mouth:

Besides learning about a school from their own publications, another way to find out what it is truly like is to talk to graduates from that school, or others that have attended there. Find out what positive and negative experiences they had, and what they liked and disliked about it. Then consider what you have learned and weigh the pros and cons. Keep in mind that not all schools are made for everyone, and not everyone is cut out for all schools. Compare your own goals and interests with what you glean from others' experiences.

3- Finances:

This will obviously be a determining factor in your selection process. Check the fees carefully to ensure that all possibilities are covered. Are all the expenses listed, or are there any hidden fees? What about room and board? Do you have to find an apartment on your own, or does the school have anything available for students? Are the materials included? If not, will you be able to afford the extras? Or can you work and study at the same time and, if so, are there jobs readily available? Don't be afraid to ask, for you do not want to discover that you have unexpected costs once you are in Italy.

4- Entrance Requirements:

Most schools have a specific list of qualifications needed in order to be admitted into their school. Be sure to review this list carefully; some find that a checklist can be very helpful to ensure that nothing is missed. Gather and send all the necessary documents together. This will save you and the admissions officer time and additional expense. It will also allow you to understand whether or not you do possess the required conditions, and will allow you to concentrate on the schools where you are more apt to be admitted.

If you have the appropriate qualifications, and are determined to get into the Italian school of fashion design you have selected, the tips listed above will certainly help you obtain your goal. It may not be easy to gain admittance, but with clear and concise guidelines your dream of becoming a renowned fashion designer may become a reality before you know it!

For more information on fashion design schools please visit http://fashiondesign-school-info.com a website which specializes in tips, advice and resources on fashion design schools