Fashion and Clothing - Lincoln Christ`s Hospital School

Transcription

Working in
Now on the internet
www.connexions-direct.com/
wifashandcloth
fashion
& clothing
Includes 18
real-life case
studies covering:
Designing
Production
Displaying and
marketing
Design, Arts
and Crafts
Contents
2
What is this booklet about?
It is one of over 40 in a series covering many
work sectors, subjects and careers. Each book
contains a number of case studies showing people
in a variety of jobs. All telling you how it is –
including the good things and the bad.
Designing
Footwear designer
Fashion designer
Clothing pattern cutter/grader
Each job shows you what qualifications you will need,
what training you can get and how much you might be
paid. Also, you will see which route each person took in
getting that job.
Handbag designer
7
Production
How can I find out more?
Look on the website www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u which
contains background information on these featured jobs plus many
more. You can talk to your Connexions personal adviser who will help
you research more details. Or you can contact one of the organisations
listed at the back of the book.
Tailor
Clothing alteration hand
Leather machinist
Knitwear product development
assistant
How can I contact Connexions?
Footwear manufacturing operative
In person through a Connexions personal adviser who might
be based at your school, college or reached at your local
Connexions centre. By telephone, text, webchat or e-mail
through Connexions Direct. Open seven days a week,
between 8.00am and 2.00am.
Clothing packer
Merchandiser
Assistant cloth buyer
Check out www.connexions-direct.com or look in the
telephone book to find your local centre. Or ring
080 800 13219 or text on 07766 413219 for
Connexions Direct.
Other formats of this booklet are available –
for details see back cover.
Textile technologist
18
Displaying and marketing
Fashion model
Fashion photographer
Key to salary icons
Fashion adviser
up to £12,000
Fashion writer/stylist
Knitwear buyer
£12,001 to £17,000
over £17,000
This represents the typical
starting salary for the job
featured in the case study.
24
Further reading/
Useful addresses
Working in fashion & clothing
So you want to work in
fashion and clothing?
The fashion and clothing industry offers an exciting range of careers for
young people at all levels and employs nearly half a million people. Even
though the manufacture of clothes, shoes and textiles increasingly now
takes place overseas, the UK still maintains a significant base, provided by
numerous small companies often centred in specific geographical areas.
Fashion is not all about being a designer. Only about one-in-ten
of the 3,000 fashion graduates each year finds work as designers.
Most of these are far more likely to be interpreting trends for a
High Street retailer than using their own original creative designs.
This booklet aims to give you an idea of some of the other
interesting jobs available, as well as case studies of designers
in different parts of the industry.
Is a degree in fashion an advantage?
Sometimes, yes – for some careers a degree or Higher National
Diploma (HND) may be the only way in. The most common
route is to take a foundation course in art and design before
starting a design degree. One of the advantages of a degree
course is that it often includes a module on business studies.
This could be a great help if you go on to set up your own
business as a designer or making clothes, or if you decide
on a career in buying, merchandising or many of the other
jobs available.
However, there are many other routes of entry into the sector –
specific technical courses, Apprenticeships and NVQs/SVQs.
Courses which focus on the technical aspects of textiles and
garment technology, including IT applications, are also
invaluable, both for design and other careers.
What else do I need to consider?
It is important to be flexible and to keep your options open.
Many companies within the sector offer work experience to
young people, and this provides a real insight to the working
environment. Whatever career you decide upon, you will need
to be prepared to work hard, which can involve putting in very
long hours, especially if you are running your own business.
What sort of skills and qualifications are needed?
Practical and creative skills are very important for many of the
jobs featured here. If you are still at school, take every opportunity
to develop these skills, whether they are in photography, art,
craft, design and technology, sewing, fixing and repairs or
making things. Experience of using computer-aided design
(CAD) programs and other IT applications is also a great help.
Literacy and numeracy are important, and for some jobs you
will need science qualifications to an advanced level.
Are Apprenticeships available?
Clothing and textile companies
are keen to improve the training
which is available for young
people. A wide range of
Apprenticeships (Skillseekers
in Scotland) is now available,
including sewing, IT,
administration, warehousing
and distribution, engineering,
and customer services.
What else can give me a
head start?
Experience gained as a sales
assistant in clothing or footwear
retailing will give you an insight
into the industry and customer
knowledge. Prepare a portfolio
of art and design or other
practical work that you can
take to a job interview and
lso use for college or
university applications.
Part-time courses, at a local
college or adult education
institute, can also provide you
with valuable skills and will
show an employer that you
are willing to undertake further
study. Make sure you are well
informed about the area you
are applying for and read
relevant magazines, books
and websites.
1
Designing
The design world is fast moving and exciting. If you’re creative and passionate about fashion, a career in
design could be for you. Fashion designers are trendsetters, but often meet fierce competition and have to
work long hours.
Footwear designer
Footwear designer
Beatrix Ong designs ladies’
shoes and is the owner of a
London-based business. She
has just opened her first
shop selling her own
original designs. Beatrix
finds time to market her
shoes at trade fairs
throughout the world.
What is your role?
My job involves designing shoes and
bags, seeing them through from concept
to production, as well as controlling and
implementing business strategies.
What does your job involve?
Researching ideas for future collections is
the first part of the design process, which
can involve travelling anywhere in the
world. After making some rough drawings
in my sketch book, I compile a mood
board, with inspiration for colour, fabric
and shape taken from a range of sources
including poems, pictures and people. The
shoes may be made in soft leathers, or
other fabrics such as raffia or silk.
I then design and develop the lasts and
heels. The last is the model of the shoe,
with the correct dimensions, that I sketch
my design onto. This is then sent to the
manufacturer who produces the shoe.
Are there any other aspects to your job?
Attending fashion events and
participating in trade fairs in New York,
Las Vegas, London, Paris and Milan are
all part of my job. I also hold regular
meetings with my team in London, to
discuss progress and to implement
strategies for the growth of the business.
2
Promoting the brand is an important part
of my work, involving regular interviews
and events. I work in collaboration with
fashion designers for fashion shows and
also design and consult on collections for
other brands.
What hours do you work?
Why did you decide to run your own
business?
It’s important to me that everyone in the
company really enjoys their work. I make
sure that it is a relaxed atmosphere and
we play music in the background. I work
with an assistant, a sales director, a
finance director, the press office and
my manufacturers.
I wanted the chance to create my own
designs. I was also challenged by the
prospect of making shoes that were
comfortable enough for women to wear
during the day, and yet special enough
to be worn in the evening.
Beatrix’s route
• BA (Hons) in Graphic and
Media Design.
• Footwear design course.
• Designer at Jimmy Choo.
• Designer at Lulu Guinness.
• Short course in business
management.
• Launched own collection.
Beatrix’s tips
• Learn as much as you can and
don’t expect to stop learning.
• People skills are very important.
Normally, I work from 8.30am to 6.30pm,
but with the travel and running my own
business, I regularly work longer hours.
What is the working environment like?
What personal qualities and skills do
you need?
You need to be artistically creative and
to have a sound business mind. Most
importantly, you need to really enjoy
your work and be passionate about it.
It also helps to have computer skills –
we use creative computer packages
such as Adobe Photoshop and Quark,
alongside Word, Excel and Entourage.
Why did you choose this career?
A shoe comprises 20 different
components and I love the challenge
of creating something beautiful but
practical. Also, running the business
allows me to be artistic in other areas.
Fashion designer
Fashion/clothing designer
What do you enjoy about your work?
I love meeting so many different and
interesting people.
How do you see your future?
I’m hoping to slowly expand the range
and to see the business grow.
Related jobs
Footwear designer
Leather craftworker
Product designer
Retail buyer
Textile designer
Salary information
Footwear designers in their first job
might earn around £14,000, rising
to around £25,000 with some
experience. Senior designers could
earn between £30,000 and £40,000.
Getting in
• A degree in footwear or product
design is the usual way into this
very competitive career. A portfolio
of art work is essential, and many
people complete a foundation
course in art and design before
their degree.
• Some universities offer degrees which
include footwear design, including
the London College of Fashion’s BA
Product Design and Development
for the Fashion Industries and De
Montfort University’s BA (Hons)
Footwear Design.
• The London College of Fashion
offers a one-year diploma course
in footwear design for those with
experience in other areas, and an
MA course in fashion footwear.
Short courses are also available.
Miranda Kirwan works as a
senior designer of women’s
fashion clothes at the
London head office of High
Street fashion retailer, River
Island. Her team produces
two collections of new
clothes each year.
What is your role?
I am responsible for three different
departments within smart ladieswear,
which include blouses and dresses,
tailored clothing, coats and leather
garments. These product areas have their
own designer who I supervise, alongside
two departmental assistant designers and
a design assistant. Together, we produce
two main collections each year, divided
into spring/summer and autumn/winter.
At any given time I am working on
design collections, both for the following
season and for next year’s season. I have
a number of themes, such as cowgirl or
American-influenced, around which I
develop a series of different garments
for each season.
Miranda’s route
• BTEC National Diploma in General
Art and Design.
• BA (Hons) Fashion Design.
• Designer/Creative pattern cutter.
• Design room manager.
• Design manager – evening wear.
• River Island designer, and then
senior designer.
Miranda’s tips
• Confidence and self-belief
are essential.
• Try to find work experience with
a company you would eventually
like to join.
• Make sure you have a strong
portfolio.
I develop the garments from the initial
sketches right through to the manufactured
products, working closely with other
teams including our buyers. To help me
with design ideas, I visit other High Street
retailers and markets in London and
overseas. I also attend fashion fairs in
Paris, Florence and New York.
What happens after the initial sketches
of a new design?
The next step is to prepare a detailed
specification, which includes the choice
of fabric, buttons, trims, thread, stitch size
and pockets. I then liaise with our sample
room manager, before a sample garment
is made up.
If we are happy with the garment we
proceed to a series of ‘fit meetings’,
which might involve making small
changes, before our manufacturers make
a further sample. Once accepted, the
garment moves into full-scale production.
3
Designing
What else do you do?
Attending meetings with our buyers and
sales managers, to review sales and
develop our ranges, is a big part of my
working week. These meetings enable us
to respond to changes in fashion trends
quickly, and ensure we bring the latest
and most popular fashions into our stores.
What are your working hours?
I usually work from 9.30am until 6.00pm,
although I sometimes need to work later
in the evening if we are busy.
What is your working environment like?
I work in a large open plan environment
with all the designers and the sample
room team. The atmosphere is relaxed
and friendly, with a great creative buzz.
What skills do you need for this type
of work?
Creativity and strong communication
skills are essential, combined with an
assertive and confident approach to
present your ideas effectively. The ability
to work in a team is important in such
a competitive, fast-moving environment.
Good drawing skills are also important,
although computer drawing packages
are available to help in this area.
What do you like about your job?
I love the fast-changing and exciting
environment. I find the busy atmosphere
stimulating. Fashion has always been my
hobby and I really enjoy following the
trends and developing new looks.
Is there anything you dislike?
Balancing several different demands
can be challenging at times.
I would like to continue within the
company and progress to a more
senior role in management.
4
Related jobs
Costume designer
Footwear designer
Retail buyer
Tailor/dressmaker
Textile designer
Salary information
Starting salaries for junior designers
can be between £12,000 and £17,000.
With experience, this may rise to
around £24,000. Senior designers can
command salaries of over £50,000.
Jennifer Coyle is a pattern
cutter and grader for Aero
Leather Clothing, a
Scottish company that
makes and restores leather
jackets. These include
flying jackets from World
War II as well as other
specialist garments.
Getting in
• Most designers have degree or
HND qualifications. Many courses
are available, and those which
include business studies and
clothing technology can be
advantageous. In England and
Wales, many students complete
a foundation course in art and
design before their degree.
• BTEC national diploma courses
in fashion and clothing are also
available, which can lead to degree
or HND options.
• A portfolio of art and fashion
design work is normally essential
for entry to courses.
What is your role?
My job is to make the patterns needed for
our clothing, which may involve making
new patterns from scratch, or using
existing clothes to make a pattern. I also
grade the pattern into different sizes.
I make the patterns using special blocks
which give me the basic shape, and then
these are developed according to the
different designs. A typical jacket block
pattern would include pattern pieces for
the front and back body, sleeves, collar,
facings and the lining. To restore an old
jacket, my job might involve making the
pattern for a new lining.
I also help the fabric cutter with the
laying out of the fabric, which is then
cut using a special machine.
What is pattern grading?
Grading the pattern begins by drawing
around a base pattern size, which can
then be reduced or enlarged to produce
clothes across a range of sizes. I do this
manually, although larger companies
might use a computer.
Clothing pattern
cutter/grader
The sewing machines make the
environment fairly noisy, and there can
be quite a lot of dust and fibres from
the fabrics.
I would like to develop my design skills
further, possibly working on ladies’
leather jeans and jackets.
Do you work alone?
No, I liaise closely with other members of
the manufacturing team, including the
cutter and sewing machinists. This helps
to ensure that the finished garments are
of the highest quality.
What are the challenges in your work?
Leather is much more difficult to work
with than other fabrics and requires
special consideration in terms of the
way it handles and drapes.
you need?
I usually work a normal day from 9.00am
until 5.00pm. Each new pattern takes
around two to three hours, with a new
pattern grading taking around an hour
and a half.
Jennifer’s route
• H grades in English, chemistry
and Latin.
• BSc Degree in Clothing Design
and Manufacture.
• Six-month university placement
with Aero Leather Clothing.
• Pattern cutter.
Jennifer’s tips
• There is great competition for jobs
in this changing industry – it’s
important to work hard and aim
for the highest marks at college.
• Visit potential colleges and check
course content.
• Have confidence in your ability,
because anything is possible if
you put your mind to it.
Accuracy is vital – you need to be
prepared to check and re-check your
work to ensure the pattern fits together
properly. You also have to be very logical
and able to think things through clearly.
Numerical skills are important for
working out the right measurements
needed for different sizes.
I like being creative and have always
been interested in fashion, sewing,
dressmaking and crafts. My degree
has enabled me to develop my creative
skills further.
What training have you done?
My degree course included pattern cutting
and when I started with the company
I shadowed an experienced worker.
Do you use any special tools?
I use scissors, measuring tapes, rulers
and a set square to enable me to draw
parallel lines for grading.
I find it rewarding making garments for
people who may have difficulty getting
clothes to fit, due to their size and shape.
The noise of the sewing machines in the
factory can make concentration difficult.
Related jobs
Clothing sewing machinist
Costume designer
Leather technologist
Retail buyer
Tailor/dressmaker
Salary information
Salaries can vary greatly. Pattern
cutters might start on around
£12,000. With experience this could
rise to £20,000, and very skilled staff
could earn more.
Getting in
College or university based training
is usually essential. Available
courses include:
• City & Guilds 7802-27 Pattern
Cutting and 7802-71 Computer
Pattern Cutting.
• BTEC National Diploma in Clothing
and Fashion.
• HND courses in fashion and clothing
related subjects.
• Degree courses in fashion and
clothing. A portfolio of design
work is often necessary.
• NVQs/SVQs in Manufacturing
Sewn Products at Levels 1 and 2.
5
Designing
Handbag designer
Sophie Scott is based in
London and works as a
handbag designer for
Jane Shilton. Part of
her role is researching
and developing new
ideas, which involves
overseas travel.
At the start of a new season, I travel to
New York, Paris, Milan and Hong Kong
to look at fashion trends in the designer
shops and department stores, as well as
attending trade fairs and visiting London
shops. I also work closely with a company
who updates me on the latest styles and
colours. Regular meetings are held with
the design team, chairman and sales
director, where we discuss ideas and
develop the range.
I travel overseas regularly, attending
trade fairs and markets to source materials
for the handbags, including leather, nylon,
fabric and polyurethane. I also work
closely with our Hong Kong office.
Sophie’s route
•
•
•
•
Foundation course in Art and Design.
Degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing.
Short course – Design for Handbags.
Self-employed, selling own range
of handbags.
• Handbag designer.
Sophie’s tips
• Experience gained using IT design
packages is invaluable.
• Gain knowledge of the industry
by reading fashion magazines,
using the internet and visiting
factories if possible.
• Be energetic and passionate
about what you do!
6
How do you actually design a handbag?
Once the research phase is underway,
I sketch ideas and then use a computer
drawing program to produce a detailed
technical drawing. I need to consider size,
shape and colour, and also the fabric,
linings, stitch colour, trims and zips.
This detailed drawing is then sent to a
pattern cutter, who will make a sample
of the handbag.
I work from 8.30am to 5.30pm each day,
with occasional extra hours if needed.
Jane Shilton is a family business and
the working environment is very friendly.
The design room is spacious and light.
Who do you work with?
There are three designers in our team.
I also work closely with our chairman,
sales director and overseas contacts.
you need?
You have to be very artistic and creative,
with an eye for current trends. The ability
to sketch ideas is also important. Excellent
communication skills are needed to ensure
our ideas are interpreted correctly, both
within the design team and with our
overseas suppliers.
I have always loved art and design.
Although I studied jewellery design, I
had the chance to design handbags in
my final year, using my own gold and
silver fastenings. A tannery sponsored
me to make my own range of handbags.
After graduating, I sold my range of
leather bags at craft fairs and undertook
private commissions.
The production side of the fashion industry offers a wide range
of job opportunities. Those working in production have the
satisfaction of bringing designers’ creations to life and delivering
them to the customer.
Tailor
What about the training?
Before joining the company, I completed
an intensive course in handbag design
and construction. Since then, all my
training has been on the job, working
alongside experienced designers.
Do you use any special equipment?
Special design packages on the computer
help me with my work.
I love the travel.The job is constantly
changing and is always exciting. It’s so
satisfying to see someone wearing a
handbag that I have designed!
Related jobs
Footwear designer
Leather craftworker
Product designer
Retail buyer
Textile designer
Salary information
Handbag designers in their first job
might earn £17,000 a year, rising to
around £23,000 with experience.
Senior designers could earn from
around £30,000 to over £40,000.
Getting in
• A degree in fashion or a designrelated subject is essential for this
very competitive career. A portfolio
of art work is essential, and many
people complete a foundation
course in art and design before
their degree.
• Some universities offer degrees
which cover accessory design,
including the London College
of Fashion’s BA Product Design
and Development for the
Fashion Industries.
• Short courses in accessory and
handbag design are also available.
Tailor/dressmaker
Stanley Tow is a tailor
working for Kilgour in
Savile Row, a highly
prestigious company
making bespoke clothing
for men, including royalty
and celebrities. He became
an apprentice as soon as
he left school.
What is your role?
How is the jacket finished?
My job is to make made-to-measure
jackets of the highest possible quality,
using a combination of hand and machine
sewing techniques. The jacket pieces are
handed to me by the cutter, who meets
the customer to take measurements and
to discuss the choice of design, fabric
and trims.
After a further fitting with the customer,
which may result in alterations, the jacket
is sewn by machine, with the addition of
the linings, breast and outside pockets. Each
buttonhole is hand sewn, followed by the
buttons. Throughout the process I use a
steam iron to shape and press the fabric.
How do you start to make a jacket?
My first task is to work out from the pieces
I am given the style of the jacket, be it
single or double breasted, and the number
of buttons and pocket designs. Using
hand sewn tailor tacks, I mark the position
of buttonholes, front edges and seams.
After this, I carefully cut out the canvas
and other fabrics which form three layers
inside the jacket. This essential preparation
helps to give weight and shape. These
layers are then loosely stitched into the
front piece, known as the forepart. In a
similar way, I stitch the other sections of
the jacket together – first the back seam,
followed by the shoulder, collar and
sleeves. Darts are sewn by machine,
giving additional shape.
I work freelance and I’m paid for each
completed garment. I can therefore
choose my hours – I usually work from
8.45am until at least 6.00pm, including
Saturdays. Each jacket takes between
two and three days to complete.
Stanley’s route
•
•
•
•
Apprentice cutter.
Apprentice tailor.
Tailor – various companies.
Tailor – Kilgour.
Stanley’s tips
• Visit tailors to find out about the job.
• Develop an interest in clothes and
how they are made.
• Experience of making your own
clothes is an advantage.
7
Production
I work in a small workroom with another
tailor, next to other workrooms with
tailors and cutters. The atmosphere is
friendly, with everyone working hard
together to produce top quality menswear.
you need?
Patience is the most important quality,
particularly when you are learning your
craft. You also need to be practical, with
an interest in sewing. I am paid for each
jacket I complete, so the ability to work
very accurately at speed is essential.
My mother always made clothes and as a
child I played with her sewing machine.
When I left school, I worked as an
apprentice cutter for two years and
then became an apprentice tailor.
What training have you received?
My apprenticeship took five years to
complete. Different companies also have
their own way of tailoring and, if you move
around, you will learn new skills. All of my
training has been on the job, learning from
an experienced person, perfecting and
practising my own skills and gaining speed.
What are the main challenges?
If you make a mistake you need to be very
persistent to work out what is wrong and
rectify the problem, perhaps by unpicking
a seam. Very light or heavy materials can
also be more difficult to sew. I ensure
each jacket I make is better than the last.
Related jobs
Costume designer
TV/film/theatre wardrobe assistant
Salary information
The starting salary for an apprentice
tailor is around £9,000. An experienced
tailor could expect to earn £23,000.
Highly skilled and experienced tailors
can earn as much as £50,000. These
earnings are often based on piece work.
Getting in
• Some people enter tailoring following
a BTEC national certificate/diploma,
a HND or degree course in fashion
or clothing. However, it is still
necessary to complete lengthy
on-the-job training or an
Apprenticeship, which usually
takes over three years.
• City & Guilds 7822 Level 2
Certificate in Design and Craft
has a tailoring option.
• The London College of Fashion
offers relevant courses, such as the
Certificate in Handcraft Tailoring
and the Diploma in Production
Tailoring.
• Short courses in tailoring are often
available, as well as City & Guilds
sewing courses.
• Skillfast-UK is developing an
Apprenticeship in tailoring, and
a group of tailors in Savile Row
is organising accredited
Apprenticeships.
I love everything about this job – it’s very
satisfying to see a quality garment at the
end of the process. I also enjoy making
clothes for famous people.
8
Lucy Welsh works as
a self-employed dressmaker
in the Midlothian area of
Scotland. Working from
her own studio, she makes
and alters garments for
customers, mainly women’s
day and eveningwear.
Sometimes, she makes
new clothes for customers.
A customer might bring me a skirt or a
dress to be shortened or taken in at the
seams. A more complex alteration could
be shortening the sleeves of a tailored
jacket. Having pinned the garment, I
then alter it using the sewing machine,
or by hand.
If a customer requests a new garment,
I then make the garment in the chosen
fabric, using the sewing machine. At
the next fitting I check the finer details,
such as hem length, strap length and
positioning. The garment is then
completed, using machine and hand
sewing, ready for customer collection.
What sort of equipment do you use?
I use an industrial sewing machine, an
overlocker to sew fabric edges, an iron,
scissors, a set square, a pattern wheel
and a tape measure.
I usually work from 9.00am until 7.00pm
about four days a week, although I might
finish later if I’m really busy. I combine
my dressmaking business with a part-time
fashion retail job.
Clothing
alteration hand
A love of sewing since childhood led me
to this career. At school, I also enjoyed
art and had a strong interest in fashion.
Meeting deadlines and managing your
own time can be a challenge – you
have to be very organised to run your
own business.
Related jobs
Do you work alone?
Although I sew alone, there is a lot of
contact with customers and suppliers,
both in person and on the telephone.
My purpose-built studio is light and airy,
and I work surrounded by fabrics, threads
and trimmings.
Lucy’s route
• HND in Fashion Design with
Technology.
• Degree in Fashion Design with
Technology.
• Worked in fashion retail.
• Alteration hand.
• Seamstress – evening and bridal wear.
• Own business as
dressmaker/designer.
Lucy’s tips
• Try to gain experience, perhaps in
a clothing alteration shop during
school or college holidays.
• Take every opportunity to study
art-based courses.
• Take business studies as well as
fashion and clothing, as this will
help you if you set up a business
in the future.
you need?
You need to be patient, organised and
able to plan ahead in a logical way. Good
communication skills are also important,
as you have to be able to express your
ideas clearly. Creativity is essential and
the ability to draw is an advantage.
It is very satisfying when a customer has
had an input into the design and you have
made a garment they like. I also enjoy
being my own boss. Working with fabrics
gives me the chance to be creative.
I find it hard to take time out from
designing and sewing to do the book
keeping, which is a core part of running
your own business.
Much of the training has been on the
job, although I learnt a lot about garment
construction at university.
Costume designer
Salary information
Salaries for a trainee usually start at
£9,000. More experienced dressmakers
might earn £14,000, and this can be
considerably higher for successful
dressmakers/designers. Self-employment
is common and income can vary greatly
according to the type of work you do.
Getting in
• Formal academic qualifications are
not always necessary to start work
as a clothing alteration hand.
However, sewing craft or fashion
courses are a great advantage.
• City & Guilds offer the 7822 Level
2 Certificate in Design and Craft
with a Fashion Wear option, and
the 7815 in Basic Sewing Skills.
• A wide range of BTEC national
certificates/diplomas, HNDs and
degree courses in fashion and
design provide training and skills
for this field.
• Apprenticeships (Skillseekers in
Scotland) may also be available.
9
Production
Leather machinist
What sort of equipment and tools do
you use?
Julie Kelly works as a
machinist technician for
a company that makes
leather jackets. Each jacket
is unique and presents
different challenges. Julie
also repairs specialist
leather clothing.
I use a heavy duty sewing machine
designed for working with leather and
another machine to sew the linings. A
sharp knife helps me to make precise cuts
on the leather. Sometimes the leather
needs to be pressed down on the seams
using a hammer, and I also use pliers to
reduce the number of teeth in a zip.
I would like to stay within the same
company and develop my skills in
training others in the work.
When making a new jacket, I am given
all the necessary pre-cut pieces. It is my
job to sew the garment together correctly
following individual specifications, using
a heavy duty industrial sewing machine. I
specialise in sheepskin and it is important
not to make any mistakes when sewing,
as it is very difficult to rectify afterwards.
The other part of my job is making
repairs to old jackets which are of great
value to their owners. This can include
anything from inserting zips and
renewing stitching, to replacing worn
linings. Much of this work involves hand
sewing as well as machine work.
I work from 8.30am until 5.00pm from
Monday to Thursday, and until 2.00pm on
Fridays. A new jacket takes me about two
and a half hours from start to finish, whilst
restoring an old jacket can take two days.
Do you work alone?
No, I work as part of a team of eight
people, including my manager.
10
What skills do you need for this type
of work?
Patience and meticulous attention to
detail are vital, along with the ability to
concentrate for long periods and to work
accurately at speed.
Why did you choose this type of work?
After leaving school I trained as a
hairdresser, which I didn’t enjoy. The
advertised post for a general assistant
here looked interesting. I have always
enjoyed practical work.
What did your training involve?
My training for this work has been on
the job. Very experienced staff in leather
machining are always on hand to help. I
have also completed a certificate in first aid.
Julie’s route
• General assistant – clothing company.
Julie’s tips
• A high level of motivation and
commitment is essential.
• Be prepared to start at the bottom
of a company and turn your hand
to anything.
Related jobs
Tailor/dressmaker
Textile technician
Upholsterer
Salary information
A clothing sewing machinist might
expect to earn between £12,000 and
£14,000 with some experience. Salaries
for new staff may be lower, and those
with extensive experience could earn
in excess of £16,000. A leather
machinist is paid around £15,500.
Getting in
not needed, although experience
using a sewing machine is
often essential.
• Apprenticeships are available,
leading to NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in
Manufacturing: Sewn Products.
Apprenticeships in clothing at
NVQ/SVQ Level 3 are also offered.
• Relevant City & Guilds courses
include Basic Sewing Skills 7815 and
Clothing and Knitting Crafts 4600.
Knitwear product
development assistant
Manufacturing production planner
What is the atmosphere like?
Jackie Nason works as
a product development
assistant in Nottingham
for the designer, Paul
Smith. She is part of a
team which produces top
quality ladies designer
knitwear. Her job involves
trips abroad to seek new
raw materials.
What is your role?
My job involves co-ordinating all the
technical aspects of the production of
ladies knitwear, including jumpers,
cardigans and jackets. Working closely
with our design team, I follow this process
through to our suppliers, ensuring quality
finished products.
I work in an office environment, in a
team of ten technical and support staff.
There is a friendly atmosphere. It can be
hectic at times, but I love the buzz when
we reach our goals!
you need?
You need strong communication skills,
along with tact in dealing with both the
manufacturers and designers. In addition
to technical skills and experience, a flair
for colour and style, plus a love of fashion
is vital.
My job also involves a lot of administration,
including dealing with the manufacturers
to ensure the whole process runs
smoothly within tight deadlines.
I usually work from 8.30am to 5.00pm each
day. Occasionally, I work late if we are busy.
Once I have finished the technical
specification, I instruct our manufacturer
to make a sample. On receipt of the
completed garment, I check the dimensions
and quality, making changes as necessary.
I go to Italy twice a year to visit yarn fairs,
where I source the raw materials for our
knitwear. I am always looking out for new
products, such as sheer, lightweight yarns
and those with elastic in their composition,
which give shape and stability to the
garments. The yarn suppliers give me
swatches that I pass to our designers.
Knitting machinist
Quality control inspector
Retail buyer
Textile technician
Salary information
From a designer’s sketch I use a specialist
computer design package to develop a
technical specification. I advise on the
selection of suitable yarns, as well as
the amount and thickness. Working out
detailed measurements and the fit of the
garment is also part of the job.
Related jobs
Jackie’s route
• GCSEs.
• Assistant with a leather
manufacturer.
• Assistant – Jaeger Knitwear.
• Part-time Degree in Textiles and
Knitwear Technology.
• Knitwear product development
assistant – Paul Smith.
Jackie’s tips
• It is important to be fully trained –
aim for a specialist clothing
technology degree.
• Organisational skills are important
as they help with the administrative
aspects of the job.
Knitwear product development
assistants can expect to start on
around £17,000. Salaries for
experienced staff are usually
between £20,000 and £25,000.
Getting in
• Degree or HND qualifications are
normally essential.
• A limited number of specialist
fashion knitwear courses are
available, although a general
fashion design or technology course
would provide a good background
for this career.
• Entry is with a good portfolio and
either a foundation course in art
and design or a BTEC National
Diploma in Clothing, or equivalent
qualifications.
11
Production
Footwear manufacturing
operative
Colin Wilson works as a
heel scourer for Church’s
and Co in Northampton, a
manufacturer of traditional
gentlemen’s hand-finished
shoes. Each pair of shoes
takes eight weeks to make
and his job is to create a
perfect finish to the heels.
What is your role?
My job involves scouring shoe heels
to give a smooth and fine finish. I
occasionally help with staining the sole,
using ink to ensure the colour matches
the leather on the uppers, and rubbing
up the outside of the soles, using wax
to create a perfect heel.
I work from 7.30am until 4.30pm from
Monday to Thursday, with half an hour
for lunch, finishing at 12.30pm on Fridays.
I work as part of the finishing room team,
although when I use the heel scouring
machine I work alone.
Church’s and Co is an old factory
building, with three levels of floors for
different types of work. I work on the
ground floor, which is warm and light.
What special skills or qualities do you
need for your job?
Accuracy is important, as a perfect finish
to the shoes is vital. This is a very practical
job, so the ability to work with your hands
is important. You also need to be able to
work at speed.
12
The heels that are passed to me for
scouring are rough and unfinished. I use
a special scouring machine, which has
differing abrasive wheels, to achieve the
desired finish. Knowing how to apply the
right amount of pressure to the heel is an
important skill I need.
Why did you choose this type of work?
Previously, I worked as a butcher, which
I didn’t enjoy. I decided to change my
career and I heard about this job through
my family. As I have a hearing impairment
my mother came to the interview with
me to act as an interpreter.
Colin’s route
• Apprentice butcher.
• Footwear manufacturing operative
– Church’s and Co Footwear.
Colin’s tips
• Try to get experience of practical or
mechanical work.
• Keep an open mind about what you
want to do in the future and be
prepared to undertake training and
try new things.
What did your training involve?
All my training has been on the job.
When I started, an experienced operative
showed me how to use the heel scouring
machines and the inking and rub up
processes for heels.
What challenges do you face?
Each day presents a challenge, as I have
to get people’s conversations translated
by writing or gestures. I attend company
meetings with a sign language interpreter
who helps me understand the
conversations – this helps a lot.
What do you like about your job?
This job gives me an opportunity to
communicate with other people. Although
I have hearing and speech difficulties,
I tend to use gestures and writing for
my conversations.
Related jobs
Engineering craft/CNC machinist
Leather craftworker
Shoe repairer
Textile technician
Salary information
The minimum wages set by the shoe
industry are £7,126 at aged 16 years,
£8,144 at 17, and £10,180 for those
aged 18 and over. Highly skilled
experienced staff could earn well in
excess of the minimum adult rate –
up to around £20,000 a year.
Getting in
• Jobs in footwear manufacture are
available in certain parts of the UK
only; the largest area is Northampton.
not always necessary, depending on
the job. English and mathematics
at GCSE/S grade are helpful, along
with practical subjects such as craft,
design and technology. Practical
skills and experience of using tools
are a great advantage. Manual
dexterity is very important and
may be tested at interview.
• NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Footwear
Manufacture, and Level 3 in Footwear
and Leather Manufacture are offered.
Apprenticeships are also available.
A foundation degree in technical
textiles with related modules in
footwear is being developed.
Sushank Agarwal is a
textile technologist for
Marks and Spencer and
is based in London. His
role is to make sure that
their customers can buy
clothes manufactured
from the latest and most
innovative fabrics.
Part of my job involves working with
overseas manufacturers to develop
exciting new fabrics for the next season’s
garments. Developing contacts within
textile manufacturing is important to
keep up to date with new technologies.
I do this by visiting manufacturers, fabric
fairs and other High Street retailers.
I work in an open-plan office alongside
other members of the team, which is
light, spacious and airy.
Liaising with fabric testing houses is
another part of my job, as all fabrics must
meet the highest standards. I also visit
fabric mills overseas to find new suppliers
and check that they are complying with
these standards.
I also monitor stock quality using customer
feedback. I need to ensure the fabrics we
use meet our performance standards, for
example, for colour fastness, tear strength
and durability. This involves liaising with
industry experts and dyeing and finishing
technologists.
I start at around 8.30am and finish at
6.00pm. I can work longer hours when
I’m overseas. I usually travel overseas
about six times a year.
Our team comprises a garment
technologist, a merchandiser and a product
developer, as well as the manager. Two
administrators provide valued support.
Sushank’s route
• A levels in chemistry, physics
and mathematics.
• Degree in Textiles Technology
and Management.
• Part-time retail work whilst studying.
• Textile technologist – Marks
and Spencer.
Sushank’s tips
• Try to develop leadership and
team skills, perhaps through
sporting activities.
• Choose science subjects at school
or college, particularly chemistry.
• Retail experience is a great
advantage as it helps to develop
customer awareness.
13
Production
What personal qualities and skills
do you need?
As well as a strong background in textiles,
commercial awareness is essential, along
with good analytical and leadership skills.
A background in science, particularly
chemistry, is useful.
The sciences were my favourite subjects
at school and I love clothing and fashion.
My training lasted two-and-a-half years,
beginning with a six-month period spent
shadowing an experienced technologist.
During the next year I was given more
responsibility, dealing with customer
service returns and visits to suppliers.
In the final six months my role developed
to that of a normal technologist, with
responsibility for running the department.
Computers are at the centre of our
work and I also use some fabric analysis
equipment, such as a magnifying glass
to examine fabric construction.
Related jobs
Quality control inspector
Retail buyer
Textile designer
Textile dyeing technician
Textile technician
Salary information
A trainee graduate textile technologist
might earn from £14,000 to £20,000.
This could rise to between £25,000 and
£43,000 with experience, rising above
£50,000 for those in senior positions.
Jonathan Bell works as
a clothing packer for
J Barbour and Sons, a
company that manufactures
waxed jackets and other
outdoor clothing. He packs
clothes into boxes and
helps to dispatch the
goods throughout the
UK and overseas.
Getting in
• A degree in textile technology
is essential. Courses with strong
science content provide the
best background.
• Textile science and technology
degree courses often require
A levels/H grades in maths and
either chemistry or physics, or
equivalent qualifications.
There is great satisfaction when you
have developed a major order for fabric
which is then manufactured into
popular garments.
Overseas travel can be very demanding.
On returning to the UK office, there is
usually a backlog of work to catch up on.
This job has a lot of responsibility, as
I must always ensure the quality and
range of new fabrics meet our high
performance standards.
I use a computer to scan the different
items of clothing which arrive from our
manufacturing factory. They are then
carefully packed into boxes, ensuring
they are not crushed or damaged. It is
important to use as few boxes as possible
to minimise transport costs.
The computer prints out labels for the
boxes and I check the addresses to
make sure they are delivered to the
right customers.
If we are not busy, I help out in other
sections of the warehouse. This can include
helping to off-load the products as they
arrive from the factory and selecting the
goods ready for packing. Some shops
have their own special labels and I attach
these to the garments.
I would like to become an industry expert
within the same company, progressing to
head of technology.
14
Once the boxes are ready, I use a motorised
pallet truck to move them to the dispatch
area, as well as a special stacker for the
larger ones. A special tape gun helps to
ensure the boxes are securely fastened.
All of our systems are computerised and
we share one computer between two
people in the warehouse.
Clothing packer
Clothing packer
Has the company provided any training?
On joining the company, I spent two
weeks shadowing another member of the
packing team, learning all aspects of the
job. The company has also provided
training in health and safety, and is now
introducing NVQ Level 2 qualifications in
Packaging Operations.
What do you enjoy about the work?
I enjoy the busy and friendly atmosphere.
There is great satisfaction in completing
the work to a high standard.
The work can be hectic and you have to
be careful not to make mistakes, which
can be costly.
I work an eight-hour day from 8.00am
until 4.30pm each day, with half an hour
for lunch. Overtime is available during
peak operating periods.
The working environment is fast paced
and friendly – we all work hard together.
The warehouse can become hot in the
summer and cold in the winter, but the
company provides special clothing to
keep us comfortable.
There are 13 of us in the packing team,
as well as a team leader.
Jonathan’s route
• GCSEs.
• GNVQ Intermediate in Leisure
and Tourism.
• Canvasser with double-glazed
windows company.
• Clothing packer with J Barbour
and Sons.
Jonathan’s tips
• Be willing to work hard.
• The ability to work well alone and
as part of a team is important.
• Try to maintain a good level of
fitness, perhaps by playing a sport.
What skills and qualities are needed for
this role?
Patience is the most important quality.
You need to be hard working with a
positive approach. The ability to use a
computer is also necessary, as is the need
to be fit and healthy due to the physical
demands of the work.
Related jobs
Assembler (Light industry)
Lift truck operator
Removals operative
Warehouse worker/manager
Salary information
Starting salaries for packers are usually
around £8,500, rising to £11,000 with
experience. Pay could rise to £16,000
and above for jobs requiring additional
experience, or for supervisory roles.
Getting in
• Formal academic qualifications
are not usually needed, although
GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) in English,
maths and ICT (Information and
Communication Technology) are
an advantage.
• You need practical skills, with the
ability to work at speed. This is
sometimes tested during the
interview. Knowledge of computers,
or a willingness to learn, is important.
Physical fitness is also an important
requirement for most jobs.
• NVQ/SVQ Levels 1 and 2 in
Packaging Operations are available.
15
Production
Related jobs
Merchandiser
Merchandiser
Salary information
Farhan Wasti works as a
merchandiser for River
Island, dealing with
approximately 200 stores
across the UK and Ireland.
He ensures all the stores
have the right stock levels
of men’s knitwear, which
involves keeping extensive
sales records for each store.
Getting in
Each season, the buyer and I make a series
of decisions about our new range of
knitwear, in terms of colours, styles and
prices. Using a specialist software system,
I extract previous sales figures to help
predict what will sell well in our shops.
I am responsible for managing and
developing an allocator, senior allocator
and an assistant merchandiser. We also
work closely with the buying team and
have regular meetings with our designers,
and fashion and buying directors.
Gauging what customers want is vital.
This involves monitoring sales and liaising
with our factories in Hong Kong to ensure
supply meets demand. Organising repeat
garment orders and the transportation
of goods, by air or ship, is also a key
responsibility.
Our office hours are 9.30am until 5.30pm
each day, although I occasionally need to
work later during busy periods.
16
An assistant merchandiser might earn
from £18,000 to £27,000, depending
upon experience. Merchandisers are
paid between £25,000 and £35,000,
rising to £55,000 for senior positions.
Managing the distribution process of
garments is one of the major elements
of my role. Deciding on the appropriate
quantities and styles for each store is
based on a number of factors, such as
store size and location. Certain lines go
to every store, whereas some of the more
high fashion orientated lines are selected
for specific stores.
Distribution manager
Purchasing manager/administrator
Retail buyer
Sales assistant
Sales manager
Store owner/manager
You have to constantly think on your feet,
make quick decisions and always be flexible
enough to adapt to customer demands.
Farhan’s route
•
•
•
•
•
Degree in Business Decision Analysis.
Retail experience with River Island.
Allocator – River Island.
Assistant merchandiser – River Island.
Merchandiser – River Island.
Farhan’s tips
• Retail experience gives you an
understanding of the fashion market.
• Numerical skills are a great advantage.
• Personal qualities are important
in the retail industry and if you
combine talent with working hard,
promotion is usually possible.
• A degree is normally required in a
business related subject or another
relevant discipline, such as fashion
or retail management.
• Some companies offer graduate
training schemes and may accept
graduates in any subject, if they can
offer strong analytical skills.
• Numeracy and analytical skills are
important and may be tested at
interview, although maths A level/H
grade is not essential.
you need?
Merchandisers need a combination of
analytical and numerical skills to analyse
and interpret data. Excellent organisation
and time management skills are also
essential. A sense of humour helps to
keep the job in perspective!
Having always loved fashion, I found a
temporary opportunity in a local River
Island store after graduating. I really
enjoyed the work and my manager
encouraged me to consider a career
with the company.
I love the buzz when I see garments
I have put into the stores selling well.
The team atmosphere here is great and
we also enjoy socialising together outside
of work.
Assistant
cloth buyer
Buyer
Joanna Cattanach works as
an assistant cloth buyer for
Jaeger in London. She helps
to source and buy the
fabrics needed to make
sample garments. Part of
her job involves regular
contact with fabric suppliers
throughout the world.
It is very satisfying seeing clothes for
sale in the shops, knowing that you have
been part of the team responsible for
their production.
If I make a mistake, thousands of metres
of expensive fabric could be wasted.
The job therefore carries responsibility,
although my manager and the rest of
the team are always available to offer
support. Working within the timescales
can also be a challenge.
What is your role?
Do you have a typical day?
My role is to assist the cloth buyer at
Jaeger. I work closely with fabric mills to
ensure we can source the latest fabrics
for the collection and maintain high
quality standards.
My first task each morning is to respond
to my emails. The rest of the day is spent
on a wide range of tasks, including
developing new designs, prints and
colourways, and sourcing new base
fabrics and suppliers. I also manage our
fabric budget, deal with invoices and
chase the mills for deliveries.
Keeping in regular contact with fabric
suppliers around the world is an important
aspect of my work. Visiting trade fairs
and shows is another way I keep up to
date with fabric trends and fashions.
I meet regularly with our buyers, designers
and cloth manager to develop colours
and cloth for new garment ranges.
Joanna’s route
• Degree in Textiles and Fashion
Design Management.
• Assistant merchandiser.
• Assistant cloth buyer – Jaeger.
Joanna’s tips
• Keep a scrap book of all your ideas.
• Work experience is a big advantage.
I work from 9.00am until 5.15pm, although
I can work longer hours if we are very busy.
Do you work alone?
No, I work closely with the cloth manager,
who is my boss. We work as part of a team
with the buyers and designers, collaborating
to research and develop ideas.
I work in bright and airy open-plan
offices. The atmosphere is very friendly
and energetic.
you need?
You need to be hard working and able
to prioritise a huge volume of work.
A diplomatic approach to problem
solving is also important, along with
communication skills.
I would like to continue learning as
much as possible and to progress within
the company.
Related jobs
Merchandiser
Store owner/manager
Textile designer
Salary information
An assistant cloth buyer might earn
between £20,000 and £24,000. A
junior buyer may earn from £24,000
to £30,000. Experienced buyers can
earn between £30,000 and £40,000,
with higher salaries possible for head
buyers in charge of large departments.
Getting in
• Buying as a career is very
competitive, with many more
applicants than vacancies.
• It is often necessary to start as an
administrator and you will usually
need a degree or HND qualification,
either in fashion, business or a
combination of the two.
17
Jobs in this area involve promoting the finished product. Even the best designs do not sell themselves!
The following people ensure new designs are seen by the right people in the right places, encouraging
profitable sales.
Fashion model
Fashion model
Trevor Oram is a fashion
model for menswear,
modelling designer clothes
on the catwalk and for
fashion magazines. He is
self-employed and travels
all over the UK. However,
being self-employed, he has
to get involved in keeping
his own business records.
Modelling agencies contact me on a
regular basis to check my availability.
As well as editorial work for fashion
magazines, my job involves commercial
modelling for advertising. I might be
offered a job for two hours, a half day,
or a longer booking.
On a photographic shoot, the designers
usually pick the outfits they want me to
model. In any one session I may have to
change garments up to ten times. The
photographers take dozens of photographs
of me to achieve different looks or angles.
Depending on the shoot, I might be
standing for long periods.
Trevor’s route
• GCSEs.
• Institute of Business Management
– Diploma in Management.
• European Computer Driving Licence.
• IT consultant.
• Fashion model.
Trevor’s tips
• Always have another career behind
you, as continued success is never
guaranteed.
• Don’t spend lots of money on
expensive photographs – often family
photos can be enough to begin with.
Also, beware of expensive courses
which may not be beneficial.
18
Models are self-employed, so I have to
know all about running a business and
paying tax. I also need to contact the
photographers so I can have copies of
their shots for my portfolio.
The hours can be long and sometimes
involve evening or weekend work,
particularly for catwalk modelling. Most
sessions start at about 9.00am and are
finished by 5.30pm, excluding travelling
time. Occasionally, I could work until
midnight. I combine my modelling
career with a regular day job in IT.
You can be working in all weathers, often
modelling summer garments on a cold
day. Photographic lighting can make the
working conditions hot.
models need?
A lively and confident personality is
important. The ability to build rapport with
photographers is essential, as they will then
recommend you to the model agencies. You
have to be fit and healthy too.
You also need to be organised and
reliable, as you are running your own
business. It is important not to take the
inevitable rejections personally.
I really enjoy the social aspect of the
work and travelling around the UK. I love
wearing designer clothes and seeing the
successful photographs.
Fashion
photographer
Photographer
How and why did you become a model?
I have enjoyed being photographed since
childhood. When I was at college, friends
suggested that I should try modelling to
earn some extra money. I had a few
professional photos taken and went
around all the modelling agencies until
I was offered my first job.
Related jobs
Actor/actress
Beauty consultant
Beauty therapist
Dancer
Make-up artist
Antony Crook is a freelance
fashion photographer
based in Manchester. He
creates images of people
for fashion magazines,
public relations companies
and designers. He worked
as an assistant after getting
his photographic degree.
Salary information
Modelling does not provide a secure
salaried income and models are selfemployed. Pay varies dramatically
according to experience and each
individual job. Models might earn
between £50 and £150 for a job
lasting half a day, whilst a top model
can command several thousands of
pounds a session. Many combine
modelling with another job.
Getting in
• Academic qualifications for this
highly competitive line of work
are not essential. Excellent physical
appearance, with clear and healthy
skin, good teeth, hair and hands
are all vital. There are also height
restrictions for models.
• Do not spend lots of money getting
a portfolio of photographs – just
send two pictures and your details
to agencies which are part of the
Association of Model Agents.
• A fashion related college or
university course may be an
advantage, and will provide you
with skills for other areas of the
industry. Be wary of private
modelling courses, as they rarely
lead to a career in modelling.
What is your role?
On behalf of advertising agencies, it is
my role to employ and co-ordinate the
whole team of people involved in a
photographic shoot.
I often work seven days a week, which
usually involves long hours. A shoot may
include working to midnight or beyond.
I also go overseas about six times a year
with the job.
Before starting a job, I need to choose
the right team of people, which includes
make-up artists, models, hairdressers and
stylists. Although the stylist puts the
outfits together, I also influence this.
Choosing appropriate locations and
organising props, which could include
anything from a horse to a phone box,
is also my responsibility.
I work with assistants who set up the
equipment, such as lighting and cameras,
and I choose the right film for the job.
Then I start taking the photographs, which
could take anything between one hour
and three weeks. Liaising with specialist
photographic laboratories is also part of
my work.
What equipment do you use?
I use medium format film and highresolution digital cameras. Freelance
photographers need their own lighting
and each year I invest a lot of money in
new equipment.
I work in a stimulating and creative
environment, with lots of interesting
and friendly people.
Antony’s route
•
•
•
•
•
A levels in art, geography and history.
Foundation course in art and design.
Degree in Photography.
Assistant photographer.
Photographer with own business.
Antony’s tips
• If you want to be a fashion
photographer, be prepared to
work long hours.
• Look at photographs all the time,
especially of people.
19
I work closely with my photographic
assistants and with the whole team
involved in a shoot. Liaising with a
range of other people, including photo
laboratory and prop hire staff, is also
part of the work.
What personal qualities and skills
do you need?
You need to be determined, hard working
and creative. A confident approach is
essential and you also need a resilient
personality in this industry. Technical skills
to operate the cameras and equipment
are also vital, although you will learn and
develop these in the job.
What training have you done?
Although I greatly benefited from my
photography degree, I learnt the most
working as an assistant with an
experienced photographer. My training
has really involved learning on the job.
I am paid to see the world and I like
being my own boss. The job is creative
and involves working alongside other
like-minded people outside any normal
nine to five routine. There is nothing
I dislike!
Commissioning people for a job,
co-ordinating the whole process and
communicating with those involved can
all be challenging. As a freelancer, I am
running my own business and I have to
pay all the people I employ in advance.
My future will definitely be in
photography!
20
Related jobs
Graphic designer
Multimedia designer
Photographic stylist
Photographic technician
TV/film camera operator
Salary information
Most fashion photographers work on
a freelance, self-employed basis. The
starting pay is usually low and in
addition they need to buy their own
equipment. A day rate for a magazine
might start at £150, rising to £600 for
someone with experience. For other
branches of fashion photography, the
most experienced photographers can
command over £3,000 for a day’s work.
Getting in
• Fashion photography is a highly
competitive field and you will
normally need to start at the bottom
as an assistant. A portfolio of your
own photographic work is essential.
• Most photographers have undertaken
formal training, either at college or
university. A wide range of specialist
courses are available, including City
& Guilds, BTEC national certificates/
diplomas, HNDs and degrees.
Amanda Slader works as a
ladies fashion adviser for
John Lewis in Welwyn,
Hertfordshire. She offers
impartial advice to
customers about the
style and colours of
outfits that they are
considering buying.
What is your role?
Customers book an appointment with me
for a variety of reasons. They may simply
need help with general styling or choosing
an outfit for a special event. For others it
may be a major event in their lives, such
as changing job, surgery or illness, having
a baby, or weight loss or gain, which
leads them to re-assess their wardrobe.
Each customer is given a 90-minute slot,
and I usually spend the first five minutes
discussing their needs, lifestyle and
clothing preferences. Sometimes the
customer accompanies me around our
sales floor to select clothes from our
ranges, although others prefer to relax
with some refreshments whilst I do this.
Afterwards I assist with the trying on
of the clothes, always aiming for a
co-ordinated look to help build a wardrobe
that works for them. Encouraging women
to be adventurous and to mix garments
from different designers and manufacturers,
is all part of the process. Customers are
under no obligation to buy anything, but
if they do decide to make a purchase
I arrange this for them, avoiding
possible queues.
Fashion adviser
Image consultant
The job can be physically tiring as you are
on your feet all day. There are times when
it is emotionally draining as you deal
with sensitive issues.
I would like to get more involved in
giving outside fashion presentations
to groups in the local community –
something I have already started in
schools and health clubs.
Are there any challenges in the work?
How do you keep up to date with all
the in-store fashions?
As soon as garments are delivered to the
store you might find me in the delivery
department looking at new ranges! I also
spend a lot of time on the shop floor, so
I know what is available.
I usually see four customers a day, after
which I prepare our suite ready for the
next day. Responding to emails, writing
up notes about the customers I have
seen, and marketing and developing are
all part of my job.
My job is part time and I work from
9.30am until 6.00pm, three days a week.
What skills and qualities do you need
for this job?
Tact, discretion and maturity are all
essential to deal with people from all
walks of life. You need to enjoy working
with people and have the ability to put
them at their ease. Good communication
and time management skills are needed.
A well-groomed appearance is also
important.
What made you choose this work?
Amanda’s route
• A levels in geography, law, geology
and economics.
• Management trainee – John Lewis.
• Fashion adviser – John Lewis.
Amanda’s tips
• Working as a fashion adviser is great
if you want to make a difference to
how people feel about themselves.
• The work can be very pressurised
and demanding.
• Work experience can provide a
useful insight into the job.
Helping someone overcome a negative
self-image can be a challenge, but it is
one that I enjoy.
Having joined John Lewis after leaving
school and gaining experience in different
management roles, this job offered me
the opportunity to use all of my skills.
I have always been interested in fashion
and current trends.
Have the company provided any
training?
When I started the job, the company
provided a consultant for me to shadow.
I am now involved in coaching other
people in this role.
I love giving people confidence – this job
is all about improving people’s self-esteem.
Related jobs
Make-up artist
Retail buyer
Sales assistant
Store owner/manager
Salary information
Salaries can vary greatly. The average
starting salary is around £12,000.
This could rise to £18,000, with the
most experienced earning in excess
of £20,000.
Getting in
• Academic qualifications are not
always needed, although experience
of fashion retail work is essential.
Some companies provide
on-the-job training.
• Personal qualities and skills are
very important, including the ability
to relate to different types of
customers. Maturity is also required.
• A commercial awareness and
knowledge of fashion are important.
21
Fashion
writer/stylist
Journalist
Luanne McLean is deputy
fashion and beauty editor
for Star magazine and
OK! magazine’s fashion
supplement, Hot Stars.
She is based in London and
co-ordinates the models,
clothing and photographers
to provide pictures for
fashion features.
What is your role?
Each weekly magazine has eight pages
of fashion and beauty. I organise and
co-ordinate everything to make sure the
features will be exciting for readers. This
can include writing the copy, arranging
photographic shoots and choosing clothes
and accessories for celebrities to model.
At any given time, I am working on the
magazine pages for editions three weeks
ahead. The beauty page usually has one
feature on a subject of interest, related to
hair or make-up, as well as beauty news
about the latest products.
The open-plan office is often hectic and
noisy, with phones ringing constantly!
Luanne’s route
• A levels in business studies, art
and design, fashion and textiles.
Design Management.
• Work experience – Daily
Express group.
• Fashion and beauty assistant –
Daily Express group.
• Deputy fashion and beauty editor –
Star and OK! Hot Stars.
Luanne’s tips
• Try to find work experience on a
magazine by sending in your CV.
• Keep in touch with the fashion
world by attending galleries
and exhibitions, and reading
magazines and books.
22
How do you keep in touch with the
latest fashions?
Regular contact with press officers, both
for designers and High Street retailers,
is essential. I also attend fashion shows
and events. Magazines and television
programmes also help to keep me updated.
Specialist computer software is used
all the time, to help with the layout
and photography.
My day usually starts at 10.00am and
finishes at about 7.00pm, although
occasionally I work longer if necessary.
Our team comprises the editor, a fashion
and beauty editor, an assistant and a
work experience trainee.
What skills and qualities are needed in
your work?
You need to be a good organiser with
strong communication skills, as the job
involves lots of contact with people over
the phone and in person. Excellent and
concise writing skills are also imperative.
What made you choose this work?
I have always loved fashion and reading
about it in magazines and books. This job
combines all of my interests.
Knitwear buyer
Buyer
Related jobs
Advertising creative
copywriter/director
Copy editor
Journalist
Photographer
Photographic stylist
Public relations officer
Salary information
The starting salary for a graduate
is normally between £14,000 and
£18,000, although first jobs which
provide vital work experience may pay
considerably less. With several years of
experience this could rise to around
£25,000. Fashion editors may earn in
excess of £45,000.
Getting in
• A degree is usual for this highly
competitive area of work. Applicants
have usually studied a fashion/design
discipline or a specialist fashion
journalism course. Some courses
offer a combination of the two.
• Undergraduate degree courses
include fashion marketing and
promotion, fashion journalism
and fashion styling.
• Relevant postgraduate courses
are also available.
How did you train for the job?
I have not had formal journalism training,
although whilst studying for my degree
I wrote articles on fashion for the university
newspaper. Most of my training has been
on the job.
I love the variety and the fact that each
day is so different. The job is also very
creative and I have every opportunity to
contribute my own ideas to the magazines.
Elaine Campbell is a
knitwear buyer for New
Look, based at their head
office in Weymouth.
She works closely with
suppliers and manufacturers
in the UK and overseas to
ensure each store has
sufficient supplies of
knitwear.
What is your role?
Does the job involve working long hours?
My job is to co-ordinate all the ladies’
knitwear throughout our stores, ensuring
the ranges meet customer demands for
fashion, style and quality.
I normally work from 8.30am until
5.30pm, although I might work until
8.30pm if we are very busy. Overseas
travel is also part of the job – I usually
visit New York and Hong Kong for a few
days each year.
What does your job involve on a
weekly basis?
During the first part of the week, I look
closely at our sales trends and examine
which knitwear lines are selling well.
I may need to contact our manufacturer
and order larger quantities of a garment
which our customers like.
Wednesdays involve meetings with other
buyers and designers. We discuss and
review trends and plan for the following
seasons. As a buyer, I have considerable
input into the choice of designs. The rest
of the week can involve visiting our retail
competitors in London, meeting with
suppliers to negotiate prices, and
sometimes making minor alterations
to the shape or fit of a garment.
How do you keep in touch with
fashion trends?
As well as ensuring I am up to date with
High Street competitors, fashion websites
provide me with information about what
is happening on the catwalks and in the
fashion world.
Elaine’s route
• BTEC National Diploma in
Textile Design.
Design Management.
• Administration assistant, knitwear
buying department – New Look.
• Assistant knitwear buyer –
New Look.
• Knitwear buyer – New Look.
Elaine’s tips
• You need to be passionate about
fashion and really determined
to succeed.
• Try to get some work experience in
the industry, perhaps during college
or university holidays.
• A degree that includes fashion and
business studies is invaluable.
23
Further information
Further reading
(Some may be priced)
Look Ahead: A Guide to Working in
Fashion, by Gillian Sharp, Heinemann
Library
Working in art & design – Connexions
Magazines
Drapers
Do you work alone?
I work in a team of eight people,
including an administration assistant, an
assistant buyer, merchandising staff, an
allocator and a garment technologist.
you need?
You need to be hard working, ambitious
and determined. A strong interest in
fashion and commercial knowledge are
equally important, along with a willingness
to accept high levels of responsibility.
I love getting paid to look at clothes!
The friendly environment makes the
job really enjoyable.
The long hours can be demanding,
although this can vary according to the
time of year. Winter is much busier, as
there is more knitwear in the shops.
What about training?
My training has been mainly on the job,
working my way up in the department.
New Look has sent me on various
courses, including presentation and
management skills.
I have always loved fashion and clothes,
and I wanted to work in the High Street
retail industry.
Buyers need to be able to react to
fashion trends and sometimes it can be
a challenge to get the garments into the
store quickly enough. Knowing exactly
what our customers want can also be
challenging, but is one of the most
important aspects of the job.
24
Related jobs
Merchandiser
Store owner/manager
Textile designer
Salary information
A buyer’s administrator might earn
between £13,500 and £16,000. A
buyer’s assistant could earn from
£17,000 to £28,000. Buyers, depending
on their experience, can earn salaries
of between £30,000 and £55,000.
Getting in
• Buying as a career is very competitive,
with many more applicants than
vacancies. It is often necessary to
start as an administrator and you
will usually need a degree or HND,
either in fashion, business or a
combination of the two.
• A portfolio is part of the selection
process for most fashion courses.
i www.drapersonline.com
Vogue
i www.vogue.co.uk
For further details on careers look on the
Connexions jobs4u website
i www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u
Useful addresses
Skillfast-UK – the Sector Skills Council for the
clothing, footwear and textile industries
Richmond House
Lawnswood Business Park
Redvers Close
Leeds
West Yorkshire LS16 6RD
p 0113 2399 600
i www.skillfast-uk.org
Careers website
i www.careersinclothing.co.uk
British Clothing Industry Association
5 Portland Place
London W1B 1PW
p 020 7636 7788
City & Guilds
1 Giltspur Street
London EC1A 9DD
p 020 7294 2800
i www.city-and-guilds.co.uk
Textile Centre of Excellence
Textile House
Red Doles Lane
Off Leeds Road
Huddersfield
West Yorkshire HD2 1YF
p 01484 346500
i www.textile-training.com
UCAS – Universities Central
Admissions Service
Provides information on all fashion and
related degree and HND courses in the UK
Modelling
The Periodicals Training Council (PTC)
Association of Model Agents (AMA)
Queens House
55-56 Lincoln’s Inn Fields
London WC2A 3LJ
122 Brompton Road
London SW3 1JD
p 020 7584 6466
Photography
p 020 7404 4168
i www.ppa.co.uk
The Association of Photographers
Retail
81 Leonard Street
London EC2A 4QS
Skillsmart Retail Ltd – the Sector Skills
Council for the retail industry
p 020 7739 6669
i www.the-aop.org
Fashion Design
The Design Council
34 Bow Street
London WC2E 7DL
p 020 7420 5200
i www.designcouncil.org.uk
i www.londonfashionweek.co.uk
Footwear Manufacturing and Design
British Footwear Association
3 Burystead Place
Wellingborough
Northants NN8 1AH
40 Duke Street
London W1A 1AB
p 020 7399 3450
Retail Career Line – freephone
p 0800 093 5001
i www.skillsmartretail.com
Textiles
The Textile Institute
1st Floor
St James’s Buildings
Oxford Street
Manchester M1 6FQ
p 0161 237 1188
i www.textileinstitute.org
p 01933 229005
i www.britfoot.com
Journalism
National Council for the Training of Journalists
NCTJ Training Ltd
Latton Bush Centre
Southern Way
Harlow
Essex CM18 7BL
p 01279 430009
i www.nctj.com
i www.ucas.ac.uk
Working in fashion & clothing was
written and researched by Sarah Marten.
Apprenticeships
Apprentices learn on the job,
building up knowledge and skills,
gaining qualifications and earning
money all at the same time.
There are different levels of
Apprenticeship (Skillseekers in
Scotland) available, but they all lead
to National Vocational Qualifications
(NVQs), Key Skills qualifications and,
in most cases, a technical certificate
such as a BTEC or City & Guilds, in
subjects such as Business, Design, IT,
Media & Printing, Public Services,
Sport, Sport & Exercise Science and
Travel & Tourism.
Check out more details at
i www.apprenticeships.org.uk
25
Jobs which might interest you in the
fashion & clothing sector include:
Costume designer
Display designer/visual merchandiser
Fashion model
Footwear designer
Image consultant
Knitting machinist
Leather craftworker
Merchandiser
Packer
Tailor/dressmaker
Textile designer
Textile dyeing technician
Textile technician
Check out further details about some of these jobs at
www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u
Other formats
This publication is available in Braille and on
audio cassette.
Please telephone DfES publications on:
0845 602 2260 (select option 2), or email:
[email protected] to order copies.
A pdf and text only version is available online at
www.connexions-direct.com/wifashandcloth
You will be able to use your PC to enlarge the text.
Extracts from this document may be reproduced for
non-commercial education or training purposes, on
condition that the source is acknowledged.
Feedback
We welcome feedback on Working in fashion & clothing. If
you have any thoughts on the information in this booklet, or
how it is presented, please contact
VT Careers Management at [email protected].
ISBN: 0-86110-897-3
©Crown copyright 2005
Produced by VT Careers Management for Connexions.

Fashion and Clothing - Lincoln Christ`s Hospital School

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