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Leading Companies & Markets

As a fashion designer, you can find employment in a range of areas. Fashion graduates may be employed by design firms, clothing manufacturers, wholesalers, designer/maker boutiques, clothing importers and distributors, department stores, fashion retailers, or performing arts companies.

Among the leading fashion houses (Haute Couture) are Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Issey Miyake, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Marc Jacobs, Paul Smith, Chanel… the list is endless but competition for jobs is very strong. To supplement a declining top end market, more and more designers are entering the ‘ready to wear’ market.

In Australia some of the leading design labels are Hussy, Ksubi, AM Eyewear, Alice McCall, Sass and Bide, Easton Pearson, One Teaspoon, Chronicles of Never and Kirrily Johnston and Zimmermann to mention a few.........and again there are many more well recognised labels.

Fashion designers can teach in universities or other educational institutions, while some are employed by magazines as fashion journalists. You may decide to branch out and open your own business, or simply opt for self-employment, and work on a contract or freelance basis.

Environment & Culture

As a fashion designer, you will work in a comfortable indoor environment, such as a studio. You will spend some of your time liaising with manufacturers, suppliers, and customers. You generally work a standard full time week; creativity, however, never sleeps. You will find yourself constantly developing new ideas and concepts – so always carry a sketch book with you.

In terms of uniform, the design industry is known for its creativity, and so you can dress expressively and uniquely on the job - in fact, in fashion, it’s expected. While many in this industry are dedicated and hard-working, you will find politics and “playing the game” can be as important a skill as your creativity.

If you are self-employed, your work environment will vary depending on your project at hand. You may need to work flexible hours to meet the needs and deadlines of your clients.