Fashion and Apparel not only reflect the latest styles and trends but are the supreme icons of changing cultural and traditional settings. There are many opportunities available in this field for students who wish to pursue a career in the fashion and apparel sector. But before that, it is important to get a thorough education in the details of this field.

If you want to pursue a career in this field, then B.Des Fashion & Apparel Design is a great option for you. Let me tell you, how and why....

About the Programme

As we have seen, the B.Des Fashion & Apparel Design programme is important for those who are not only interested in this field but also want to make a big career in it. But before we go any further, let's learn a little about this programme.

This is a four-year full-time degree programme that equips you with creative skills and technical vision to excel in the fashion industry. This programme introduces you not only to the dynamics of the contemporary fashion world, but also to the changing societies, cultures, and environmental changes that are, in a way, the creators and carriers of changing fashions.

There are several design colleges in Pune, where you can gain thorough knowledge of this field. MIT-WPU, Pune, offers a comprehensive programme named B.Des. Fashion and Apparel Design, that blends design with technology.

Core Subjects Include

• Textile Processes
• Fashion Merchandising
• Fashion Designing
• Garment Construction
• Apparel Manufacturing

Entering the world of Fashion

With admission to the B.Des. Fashion and Apparel Design programme, you’ve already opened the door of the fashion world for yourself. Once you complete the degree, it is very important to build a portfolio. A strong portfolio can lead you to your target clients, your professional guides & mentors, and of course, your successful career. Your portfolio must include:

• Mood and Concept Boards
• Fashion Illustrations
• Technical Drawings
• Sketchbook
• Final Photography

Careers in Fashion & Apparel Designing:

Comprehensive education in any stream is the path to a successful career. Fashion design and Apparel Design are no exceptions. With a strong educational background and a mind-blowing portfolio, this field can give your creativity a world-class platform. Fashion and Apparel Designing is the most prominent path in fashion design careers. Let us know about them briefly.

Fashion and Apparel Design

The job and responsibilities of a Fashion and Apparel Designer include conceptualising, creating, and designing clothing, fashion items & accessories. The core tasks of Fashion and Apparel Designers include

• Designing and developing new concepts and themes for Collections
• Analysing fashion trends, Consumer requirements, and market needs
• Researching the latest fashion trends and customer preferences to develop new concepts
• Creating storyboards, detailed technical drawings, and sketches
• Selecting fabrics to create prototypes

Key Skills Required

• Sketching and Visualisation
• Trend Analysis
• Fabric Knowledge
• Expertise in CAD
• Garment Construction
• Draping
• Trend Forecasting

Job Roles

• Fashion Designer
• Apparel Designer
• Textile Designer
• Fashion Buyer
• Fashion Stylist
• Visual Merchandiser
• Fashion Illustrator
• Costume Designer
• Apparel Production Manager
• Fashion Brand Manager
• Fashion Consultant
• Fashion Analyst

Salary

The salary structure is dependent on Role, location, employer, and experience.

• Freshers (0-2 Years): Rs. 2–4 LPA
• Mid-Level (3-6 Years): Rs. 5-10 LPA
• Senior Level (7+ Years): Rs 12-20 LPA
• Top Level (More than 10+ Years): Rs. 25-60 LPA

Top Recruiters

• Retail Brands: Reliance, Fab India, BIBA, Raymond
• International Brands: Tommy Hilfiger, Marks and Spencer, Zara

Emerging Career Paths

Like other professions, AI is gradually gaining importance in this sector. With the help of AI, major changes are taking place in the field of designing, conceptualising, and sketching, and at the same time, new employment opportunities are also emerging rapidly. Let us take a brief look at these modern sectors.

• Fashion (CAD) Pattern Designer
• E-Commerce Specialists
• Virtual Fashion Stylists
• Digital Marketing Manager

Fashion Merchandising

There is another sector which you can opt for after graduating: fashion merchandising. Fashion merchandising plays a crucial role in the Fashion and Apparel industry. Fashion merchandisers are prominently responsible for getting the right products to the right stores in the right quantities. Fashion merchandisers are involved in the entire lifecycle of garments, from conceptualisation to shops. To become a successful fashion merchandiser, one needs to have an accurate knowledge and understanding of the latest fashion trends, marketing, and consumer behaviour.

Final Thoughts

B.Des Fashion & Apparel Design is a programme that guides students who are interested in working in the field of fashion. This programme is important for those for whom Fashion Designing is not just a hobby but a passion. With the changing times, many new career opportunities are emerging in this field. Due to this, more and more students are turning towards this field. If you also have the determination to make a significant contribution in this field, then you should choose the B.Des. Fashion & Apparel Design programme at MIT-WPU Pune.