Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Trixie:

You've got a head start: you already know that a stellar design career starts with a good foundation! But what is the path to fashion greatness?

After you attend a good fashion college, you can begin to work your way up in the fashion industry. Do internships with designers you respect, and then get a job in a fashion company that you admire. Begin working and learning about the fashion business from those who have been in the industry a long time. Apprentice yourself to a designer whose career you would like to have. Become excellent at your craft.Many big Fashion Designers such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani (A/X), and Donna Karan (DKNY) have or have had both a couture, or made-to-order collection, as well as a ready-to-wear collection. There are opportunities in these companies as well as others. You can learn a lot from working with those who are doing what you want to do, and you'll need to have something to offer in return.

As you develop your skills and contacts in the fashion industry, you might encounter someone who wants to hire you to design for their company or someone who wants to back you in your own fashion line. Perhaps you will get commissions from people to design custom clothing, or you might meet a celebrity who asks you to dress them, and get publicity that way. These are all pathways to fashion fame. There isn't one route to success, but working your way up and developing your talent and creativity through lots of hard work is how the fashion greats get started.

Good luck on your pathway to renown!

Sincerely, Fashion Girl