Thinking of a career in fashion? Hear it from students who showcased their work at the Lakme Fashion Week

Fashion designing can be a fulfilling career for those with a passion for creativity, art, and design. As a fashion designer, you could be creating clothing, footwear, accessories, or other items that reflect the latest trends and styles.

Fashion designers work in a variety of settings, including fashion houses, clothing manufacturers, and retail companies. Some designers may also work as freelancers, creating custom designs for clients.

There are several reasons why someone might choose a career in fashion designing:

1. Creative expression: Fashion designing offers the opportunity to express your creativity and individuality through your designs. As a fashion designer, you get to design unique pieces that reflect your personal style and vision.
2. Demand for fashion: Fashion is a constantly evolving industry producing goods that are constantly in demand. There will always be a need for new clothing designs and styles, giving fashion designers a stable career path.
3. Versatility: Fashion designing is a versatile field that offers a wide range of opportunities. You can specialise in a particular area such as sportswear, bridal wear, haute couture, or accessories.
4. International opportunities: Fashion is a global industry, and fashion designers have the opportunity to work with clients from all over the world. This provides exposure to different cultures, styles, and trends, making the job exciting and dynamic.
5. Financial rewards: A career in fashion designing can be financially rewarding, especially for those who establish themselves in the industry. Successful fashion designers can earn a significant income and enjoy a luxurious lifestyle.
6. Contribution to society: Fashion designers have the power to influence and inspire others through their creations. They can create designs that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and social change, making a positive impact on society.

Muskan Sehgal, a final-year student at Pearl Academy recalls what made her get into the world of fashion, “Since the age of 12, I would spend hours sitting in my aunt’s boutique and see the local tailor beautifully bring fabrics to life in the form of garments before my eyes. I believe since then, I have been captivated by the act of garment-making and the entire concept of fashion.”

“From a very young age, I found myself surrounded by Art and Design whether it was craft sessions in school, painting competitions or attending fashion exhibitions with many immediate family members. I've always been eager to work in the fashion industry and match my curious attitude with this unrestricted line of work,” she added.

Design ideology, career goals and aspirations

Talking about her career goals and aspirations, Muskaan says “Over the course of almost four years in Pearl Academy, my diverse learning in the fields of fashion and design, particularly concerning my own culture and national crafts, helped me in cultivating my own design philosophy “You can create answers for pertinent present challenges only after you have a solid understanding of historical sensibilities and local cultures.”

“Building on this ideology, it is my ambition to become a multidisciplinary designer and make a name for myself in the field as a proponent of ethical and progressive design.”

Similarly, Lakshita G who is also a final year student says, “ I want to introduce new ideas into this fast-moving environment that are futuristic and sustainable in contribution with big designers.”

While a career in fashion design can be exciting and rewarding, it is also highly competitive. It is important to be prepared to work hard and continuously develop your skills and portfolio in order to succeed in this field. Additionally, networking and building connections in the industry can be key to advancing your career.

The students got the chance to showcase their works at the much coveted Lakme Fashion Week which was held in Mumbai on 12 March 2023. It provided them with an impactful stage to introduce their work to the design world.

Learning from her debut experience at the LFW, Lakshita, a student whose work was showcased at the event said, “the ideation includes focusing on the exploration and experimentation. Execution with a time limit was nearly impossible, but I managed and pushed through from the beginning. I would pay more attention to the details of the garment and styling for the ramp.”

Aiming to create a design that involves minimum wastage to zero wastage, Josna Joseph another final year student said, While interning with ' A hundred hands', the idea of denim upcycling came to my mind. Upcycling denim is important as not only does it keep tons of denim from clogging up landfills, but it also aids in prolonging the life cycle of the fabric. I was inspired by Pixel- the first carbon-neutral office building. Pixel is all about sustainability is currently one of the leading sustainable buildings in the world.”

“I collected old pairs of denim and created yardage out of it, which further led to the final garments. The patches used in my garment have been connected together by with colourful herringbone stitches. The stitches symbolise how we as human beings can hold each other up, in the worst of times. Last but not the least, the spiral is a representation of our entire world, wherein we are trying to find hope,” concluded Josna.

Overall, a career in fashion designing can be an excellent choice for those who are passionate about fashion, creative, and want to make a name for themselves in a dynamic and exciting industry.