Becoming a Fashion Designer

It is difficult not to enjoy a book that provides so much insight into an industry that affects the lives of so many people. The main focus of this guide tends toward sharing the experiences of industry insiders, which is a tremendous benefit to those aspiring to a career in fashion design.

I was fascinated by the interviews from many of the biggest names in fashion, though I initially expected the interviews to subside toward the end of the first chapter, and for the author to transition into a deep discussion of the various procedures that are involved with fashion design. I was not disappointed to discover that interviews continue throughout the book among the topics that relate to the interviewees, as they are all interestingly unique. The interviews are not only from the rulers of their own fashion design empires, but also from those professionals and interns who take on specific roles within the fashion design industry.

The interview questions are very similar among the interviewees, inquiring about the first inspiration that lead to the career path, when realization came that it was the industry to choose, who was the first celebrity client and how each got where they are today, and the like. The base questions change as the chapters switch topic, but with the many interviews, it can seem redundant reading the same questions for a different person, though the unique responses are so invaluably helpful for prospective fashion designers, offering a full spectrum of inspiration and choices that are as unique as the individual achieving results from them.

The fashion design process, covered in the fourth chapter, contains what I had expected to be most of interest to myself, yet this is the briefest chapter in the book. Since it is not a how-to manual, I do not begrudge the lack of detail.

I highly enjoy “Becoming a Fashion Designer.” It creates a dynamic persistence in my view of the industry as a whole, whereas rather than noticing only that which emerges seasonally, the behind the scenes work that makes it all happen, now seems more ever-present. I found the “History of Fashion: Then and Now” section quite fascinating for its significance.

This book can be interesting for any readers looking for insight into the fashion industry, yet it is ideal for those considering fashion design as a career. This is the book author Springsteel wishes she had when she got started, and she has done a fine job in delivering such a vast collection of advice from her peers to her readers, so that they can learn from others’ mistakes and successes. The broad overview, coupled with an abundance of valuable feedback from industry professionals makes this pleasantly compelling book a must-read in the earlier stages of the pursuit of a career in fashion design.

Prior to purchasing Becoming a Fashion Designer, I had very little industry experience. Reading this book provided me with an extremely detailed and well thought out overview of every step needed to start my career. From building your brand, to understanding the education needed to be competitive, to learning the business requirements of a clothing brand, Lisa masterfully ties it all together. She also included many interviews from world renowned designers who give their take on almost every aspect of the career. The book also further motivated me to work with Lisa and her company, Launch Your Collection (LYC), to officially kick start my brand. I highly recommend this book as the first stop in your fashion design career!

I choose this book because I’m a jewelry designer wanting to know more about fashion design. Afterall, our jewelry creations are accessories to fashion so it’s important that we know more about the entire picture. The book explains the different styles and price points in fashion such as haute couture, designer, bridge, better, contemporary, secondary, moderate, private label, mass, and discount. What I enjoyed the most were the fashion designer interviews. The book also goes into explaining the accessories designer (my world), and textile designer. There’s some information regarding the history of fashion design from the 1600’s until today which is very interesting. And some blips about Charles Frederick Worth, Paul Poiret, Jean Patou, Madeleine Vionnet, Mriano Fortuny, Jeanne-Marie Lanvin, Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, Cristobal Balenciaga, and Christian Dior. There’s three times greater jobs in fashion in New North than the entire USA. Fashion is the largest manufacturing industry in New York which generated approximately $55 billion in revenue a year. In 2012, during the two weeks of Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week alone, it contributed a staggering $865 million to the New York City economy. Wow! So if your want to be a fashion designer, New York is the place to go. There are tidbits about the fast-paced environment of fashion and some advice about communicating, grace when under pressure, rely on your sense of humor, self-promote yourself, don’t take things personally, live fashion, and being flexible. There are fashion designers that give advice to newbies to the fashion world and different educational institutes for educating fashion designers. They speak of personal branding, portolio development, resume, networking, and negotiating a job offer. The book further explains the design process from conceptual ideas, sample creations, patternmaking, finalization, and presentation. And the last section covers launching your own fashion collection(s).