Students get thorough training in sewing techniques and construction methods. Fashion influences and history, coupled with art courses, ensure that students create a portfolio that can help them gain admittance to competitive fashion programs. Fashion Design 1 introduces sewing concepts and studies world fashion influences on design. Fashion Design 2 students continue refining their sewing skills and begin learning to design and construct clothing. Fashion Design Major 1 gives students additional design and advanced clothing construction skills. Fashion Design Major 2 students create original-design sample garments and fashion sketches for their portfolio. Students may work at an internship to get an inside view of the fashion industry. Since portfolio development and sketching are critical skills for fashion designers, students in the Fashion Design career major should take Art classes in conjunction with their Fashion classes.
What can you do with your Fashion Design career training?
Fashion Designers create clothing, footwear, and accessories. They predict trends, research color and fabrics, sketch designs, work with manufacturers, and oversee final production. In larger design houses, designers may perform specialized tasks such as fitting or pattern cutting. Designers also create costumes for films and theatre. Designers can work as buyers and managers.
Training you need:
Employers generally hire designers with 2- or 4-year college degrees in design. While computers and computer drafting play an increasingly important role, a good portfolio with original sketches and sample garments are often key to getting hired.
Where you can work:
Twenty-eight percent of designers work for apparel wholesalers, 24% are self-employed, and about 48% work for corporations, clothing stores, performing arts companies, and design firms.
What you can earn:
Average salary ranges from $42,140-$87,510 but beginning designers usually make considerably less. Top designers with their own fashion lines or signature lines in large fashion houses earn considerably more.
Career outlook:
Job growth will be 5% over the next 10 years. The best opportunities are in mass market and department store wholesale companies. Job competition is high, as many designers are attracted to the creativity and glamour of the occupation. The best opportunities will be designing mass-market clothing sold at department stores and retail chain stores, such as apparel wholesale firms.
Equipment/software you will learn to use:
Brother Pacesetter PS3700 Sewing Machine, Singer Ultralock Serger.
Certifications or Licenses You May Earn While in High School:
- Fashion Design Program Certificate
Articulation Agreements:
Mount Ida College: Students can earn college credits toward degree
What kind of job can you get with this training?
Most fashion studios and clothing manufacturers require a 2- or 4-year degree for employment. Students can begin work at department stores and learn the fashion-buying business from the inside, but many stores also require a college degree to advance as buyers or managers.
With additional training/education, what jobs are available?
Fashion designer, pattern designer, fitter, custom clothing manufacturer, fashion photographer, accessory and shoe designer, clothing buyer, costume designer, custom wedding gown designer, fashion writer, and management.
What you should know...
Fashion Design courses give students the opportunity to discover their fashion sense and creativity while learning how to sew and construct garments. Students explore many exciting career opportunities in the fashion industry. Our students obtain the rigorous grounding in clothing construction and fashion sketching needed to succeed in fashion.
Recommended Course of Study
Grade 9
English
Foreign Language
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Physical Education
Pathways
Fashion Design 1
Grade 10
English
Foreign Language
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Physical Education
Fashion Design 2
Art 1
Grade 11
English
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Physical Education
Fashion Design Major 1
Art 2
1 Elective Course
Grade 12
English
Social Studies
Physical Education
Fashion Design Major 2
Art Major
3 Elective Courses