How to Pursue a Career as a Fashion Designer: Skills and Education Requirements
Wanna to be a Fashion Designer?
Do you love clothes, keep up with trends, or enjoy sketching outfits in your notebook — chances are, fashion design has already crossed your mind as a career. If you are passionate about expressing yourself through style, then fashion design is one of the careers that you can pursue.
Fashion designers are those that turn garments that are conceptualized in the mind into outfits that can be worn by people. They’re the people behind what we wear, from runway-ready gowns to street-style staples. Fashion designers understand how fabrics work, how clothes fit, and know how to bring their ideas to life that people love to wear. Fashion isn’t just about what’s on the outside, but it’s part of how we express who we are.
Past Toppers from afdindia
Will you be our next success story? Make the leap from average artist to outstanding creative designer by becoming an afdian.

Bhadra Balu - AIR 1
NID M.Des – 2023

Sreehari S
- AIR 1
NID B.Des - 2017

Arun Job Pynadath - AIR 1
NID B.Des - 2018

D. Sakthiswari - AIR 1
NIFT B.Des - 2017
Skills Required
Here are a few key skills you'll want to build as a fashion designer:
- Eye for Detail: From the stitching to the button placements, it's important to have an eye for details.
- Creativity & Originality: New ideas and fresh twists on trends come naturally.
- Good Communication: Clear communication skills is required as Fashion Designers work with clients, tailors, buyers, and even marketing teams
- Fabric Know-How: Understanding different fabrics and how they move, drape & fall helps in choosing the right designs.
- Sewing & Pattern-Making: Keen interest in stitching helps to bring sketches to life
- Trend Knowledge: Have an eye for current trends & history of fashion.
- Business Sense: Interest to own a label, branding & marketing.
Top Colleges in India
Some of the most popular fashion design colleges in India are:
- NIFT, New Delhi
- NIFT, Mumbai
- NIFT, Bengaluru
- NIFT, Hyderabad
- NIFT, Chennai
- Pearl Academy, New Delhi, Bangalore & Mumbai
- Symbiosis Institute of Design, Pune
- NID, Ahmedabad
- Strate Institute of Design, Bangalore
- MIT Institute of Design, Pune
- Alliance University, Bangalore
Each of these colleges offer creative freedom, amazing placements & global exposure. Check out their curriculum, student work & alumni stories.
Courses to be a Fashion Designer?
Here are some UG & PG degree options you can explore:
- B.Des (Bachelor of Design): Covers everything from the basics of sketching and garment construction to textile science and design thinking.
- BFA in Fashion Design: More art-focused, this is great if you want to blend fine arts with creative clothing design.
- B.Sc. in Fashion Design: A mix of creativity and technology. Think textile tech, production processes, and fashion merchandising.
- B.Sc. in Fashion Design: 3-year programme focused on practical skills and industry knowledge for the fashion industry.
- BFTech in Fashion Technology: Programme that combines fashion design with technological advancements in the apparel industry.
- M.Des (Master of Design): Ideal if you want to deep-dive into research, innovation, and sustainable fashion.
- MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in Fashion Design: A great choice for those who lean towards the artistic side of fashion.
- MFM (Master of Fashion Management): For those dreaming of managing fashion brands, retail strategy, or fashion marketing.
- MFTech (Master of Fashion Technology): Programme that combines fashion design with technology and management
Career Paths After a Fashion Design Degree
Once you’ve got the skills and the degree, it’s time to build your dream career. Here are some of the exciting roles you can look at:
- Fashion Designer
- Fashion Stylist
- Textile Designer
- Fashion Illustrator
- Costume Designer
- Accessory Designer
- Fashion Merchandiser
- Fashion Journalist or Blogger
- Fashion Marketing & PR Specialist
- Fashion Consultant or Personal Stylist
If you’re dreaming of studying fashion and need a little guidance or help with exam prep for top colleges like NIFT or NID, afdindia is here for you. We've helped thousands of design aspirants over the last 25+ years, and we’d love to help you too.
How to Get into a Top Fashion Design College
Are you dreaming of studying in a top fashion design institute like NIFT & NID? I have helped thousands of design aspirants over the last 25+ years. I can tell you that getting into a great fashion school is possible with the right plan & preparation.
Step 1: Pick the Right Fashion School for You
Not all colleges are the same! Look for ones that match your style, goals, & dreams. Check out:
- The curriculum (what you’ll actually be learning)
- The faculty (who’s teaching you)
- Campus facilities (labs, studios, library)
- Placement support (where past students got jobs)
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Most fashion colleges ask for:
- A minimum 10+2 qualification
- And for some, a portfolio of your work
Step 3: Get Ready for Entrance Exams
Colleges like NIFT & NID will test your creativity, visualization & drawing skills. These aren’t regular school exams. They test how you think as a designer. You must:
- Practice drawing daily
- Work on creative problem-solving
- Learn the pattern of these exams
Step 4: Build an Awesome Portfolio
Your portfolio is your creative voice. It tells your story as a designer. Include your:
- Sketches, design ideas & experimental work
- Projects that show your uniqueness & skill sets
- Compile all pieces of your work that reflect you
- Don't copy, be original, be bold
Step 5: Prepare for the Interview (if any)
Some top schools ask you to attend an interview. This is your chance to:
- Talk about your designs and inspirations
- Explain your creative process
- Show them you're confident, passionate, and ready to grow
Step 6: Never Miss a Deadline!
Set reminders for:
- Application forms
- Exam dates
- Portfolio submissions
How can afdindia help You?
I started afdindia with one goal - to help young creatives like you get into the best design schools in the country. Over the years, our students have made it into NIFT, NID, IITs and more. Many of my past students are now working in top fashion & design houses or building their own labels! Here’s how our coaching program works:
Experienced Mentors: Our faculties are professionals from top institutes like NIFT, NID, and IITs. They’ll guide you every step of the way.
Updated Study Material: Designed to match the real entrance exam pattern with practice papers, mock tests & timed assignments.
Flexible Learning Options: Join our centre in Kochi or online, with regular, weekend & customized batches.
Focus on YOU: We believe in personalized mentorship. Every student gets individual feedback and attention.
If you’ve got the passion, we’ll help you build the skills and confidence to make your fashion career a reality. Does fashion make your heart skip a beat? Are you ready to turn your love for design into something bigger? afdindia can get you one step closer to that dream career in fashion!
So, are you ready to take the first step toward becoming a designer? Join afdindia & let’s sketch your future together.
So, are you ready to take the first step toward becoming a designer? Join afdindia & let’s sketch your future together.
With love,
💬 - Julie James
Founder Director, afdindia
Your design career mentor
India's No.1 Design Coach
Julie James
Helping students crack NIFT, NID, UCEED & CEED since 1999!
Ms Julie James has been mentoring students to crack design entrance exams such as NIFT, NID, UCEED, CEED & NATA since 1999. A post-grad from NIFT- New Delhi, Ms. James has 25+ years of experience in design education. She has worked in the fashion industry in various capacities after her graduation. As HOD, she has been instrumental in setting up the fashion design department at Assumption College under MG University. At afdindia, she coordinates academics and designs curricula based on the latest changes in question paper patterns. Her creative teaching methods have enabled the institute to achieve great success rate.
