Fashion Designers

Key Responsibilities

• Sew together sections of material to form mockups or samples of garments or articles, using sewing equipment.
• Confer with sales and management executives or with clients to discuss design ideas.
• Determine prices for styles.
• Identify target markets for designs, looking at factors such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status.
• Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff to develop design concepts and plan productions.
• Visit textile showrooms to keep up-to-date on the latest fabrics.
• Collaborate with other designers to coordinate special products and designs.
• Test fabrics or oversee testing so that garment care labels can be created.
• Select materials and production techniques to be used for products.
• Examine sample garments on and off models, modifying designs to achieve desired effects.
• Design custom clothing and accessories for individuals, retailers, or theatrical, television, or film productions.
• 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.
• Sketch rough and detailed drawings of apparel or accessories, and write specifications such as color schemes, construction, material types, and accessory requirements.
• Adapt other designers' ideas for the mass market.
• Provide sample garments to agents and sales representatives, and arrange for showings of sample garments at sales meetings or fashion shows.
• 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.
• Direct and coordinate workers involved in drawing and cutting patterns and constructing samples or finished garments.
• Research the styles and periods of clothing needed for film or theatrical productions.