Career in Fashion and Design

The term ‘Fashion’ has never been out of fashion in the history of mankind. Fashion has existed and evolved through the ages with the human society. And more than ever, the word 'Fashion' has become popular in the modern times. Since the 'Globalization' phenomenon hit the world, the range and reach of fashion has reached new heights. The Indian fashion and design sector contributes to the Indian economy and impacts the country’s fashion presence in national and international arena. The fashion and design sector of India has enormous potential to compete and establish itself in the international market. Fashion has hit every aspects of human life. And this phenomenon is growing in a fast-paced manner due to increase in fashion consciousness and brand awareness, among affluent Indian population. If you love fashion and follow trends happening around the world, then taking up a course in fashion might be just right career choice for you! Fashion Courses and Eligibility: There are many fashion institutes and colleges in India which offer under grade, post grade, diploma, post grade diploma and Ph.D programmes in Fashion, Technology and Management streams. Aspiring candidates can opt for Graduate fashion course or diploma of their choices -- Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fashion Technology, and Graduate Diploma Programme in Design after completing their 12^th qualifying exam. If a student is looking for post graduate courses or diploma, he/she can pursue Masters of Design, Masters of Fashion Technology, PG Diploma and Masters of Fashion Management. The duration for graduation and post-graduation courses are 3-4 years and 2 years. There are also many short-term courses offered in fashion and design by various universities. Also research oriented programmes such as M.Phil and Ph. D in Fashion Design, Technology and Management are offered by various institutes. Fashion and Design Career Streams Design Design programmes aim to teach students design methodology, production process, market dynamics, business practices and market trends, in the fashion and design sector. There are a number of streams in design -- Film and Video, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Textile Design, Visual Communication, Accessory Design, Leather Design, Knitwear Design, Vehicle Design and Mobility etc. There are a number of courses or diploma offered in Design -- Bachelor of Designing, Post Graduate Programme in Design, Ph.D, Masters of Design and Graduate Diploma in Designing. Employment Opportunities A candidate who has received his/her graduate degree or diploma in Design can pursue a range of careers such as:

• Product Developers
• Textile Designers
• Colourist
• Trend Forecasters
• Creative Designer
• Pattern Maker
• Visual Merchandiser
• Merchandiser
• R&D Contributors in Govt. & Private Agencies

Fashion Technology It is a multi-disciplinary and technology-oriented field which prepares aspiring students to meet the emerging challenges of the apparel sector. Fashion technology focuses on core apparel manufacturing technology, with emphasis on best practices and application of Information Technology. Experts can contribute significantly to the fashion technology domain of the apparel industry. Available courses or programmes in Fashion Technology are Bachelor Degree, Master Degree and Ph.D in Fashion Technology. Employment Opportunities:

• Quality Assurance
• Garment Technology
• Product Development
• Project Analysis
• System Analysis
• Software Application
• Sourcing
• Apparel Production

Fashion Management Fashion Management is a lucrative career option for candidates as it develop managerial skills in the field of marketing, merchandising and retailing. It suits quite well to the requirements of garment export and fashion retail sectors. Aspirants can take up Master Programmes and Ph.D. Employment Opportunities:

• Brand Management
• Retail Buying
• Retailer
• Retail Store Manager
• Visual Merchandiser
• Export Merchandising
• Fashion Education
• Lifestyle
• Customer Relationship Management

Popular Fashion and Design Institutes in India

• National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
• National Institute of Design (NID)
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur
• Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM), Jabalpur
• Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International School of Textiles & Management, Coimbatore

In conclusion, making a career in fashion opens up door of immense possibilities in the present and future. People who have creative bent of mind, dynamic, energetic and who are passionate about fashion and design trends, should pursue fashion and design programmes. The Indian fashion and design is a multi-billion sector and there are ample employment or business opportunities for current and future fashion and design professionals in the field. If you want to take up coaching classes in fashion and design post your learning needs here.