Occupation: Fashion Designers

Fashion Designers

Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.

Reported Job Titles (10)

Core Tasks (13)

Sketch rough and detailed drawings of apparel or accessories, and write specifications such as color schemes, construction, material types, and accessory requirements.
Examine sample garments on and off models, modifying designs to achieve desired effects.
Confer with sales and management executives or with clients to discuss design ideas.
Select materials and production techniques to be used for products.
Provide sample garments to agents and sales representatives, and arrange for showings of sample garments at sales meetings or fashion shows.
Direct and coordinate workers involved in drawing and cutting patterns and constructing samples or finished garments.
Identify target markets for designs, looking at factors such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status.
Collaborate with other designers to coordinate special products and designs.
Attend fashion shows and review garment magazines and manuals to gather information about fashion trends and consumer preferences.
Purchase new or used clothing and accessory items as needed to complete designs.
Visit textile showrooms to keep up-to-date on the latest fabrics.
Adapt other designers' ideas for the mass market.
Test fabrics or oversee testing so that garment care labels can be created.

Supplemental Tasks (7)

Determine prices for styles.
Develop a group of products or accessories, and market them through venues such as boutiques or mail-order catalogs.
Draw patterns for articles designed, cut patterns, and cut material according to patterns, using measuring instruments and scissors.
Sew together sections of material to form mockups or samples of garments or articles, using sewing equipment.
Design custom clothing and accessories for individuals, retailers, or theatrical, television, or film productions.
Research the styles and periods of clothing needed for film or theatrical productions.
Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff to develop design concepts and plan productions.