Fashion designing is the art of crafting customized apparel and lifestyle accessories and has turned into a quickly growing career option in an industry that refuses to slow down. It is a promising profession that is creative and, at the same time, serves a high package in the glamorous industry. 

However, it is a demanding sector, as one needs to be creative, possess adequate managerial skills, utilize digital marketing techniques, and be familiar with social media and advertising platforms. In addition, a fashion designer should be aware of current trends (with their target audience) and be able to forecast and promote future designs at local fashion-centered events. This article will explore the basics of becoming a fashion designer and offer advice to aspiring designers regarding other business and marketing aspects crucial to a fashion designer's success. 

What does a fashion designer do?

A fashion designer is someone who creates clothing, accessories, and footwear. The role of a fashion designer is to conceptualize new ideas, develop them into sketches, and then build prototypes. They work with a team of other designers and support staff, such as pattern makers and dressmakers. Once the client approves the design, they oversee the production process. Production involves selecting fabrics, trims, and finishes; and working with manufacturers to ensure that the finished product meets the required standards. Fashion designers often have a strong understanding of market trends and consumer preferences, which helps them create stylish and practical designs. 

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of fashion designers responsible for creating marketing materials for their collections or hiring outside agencies to handle digital marketing concepts and advertising campaigns. How can a fashion designer stay afloat in a world quickly adopting a digital model?

How digital marketing can enhance a fashion business model 

Digital marketing, if used correctly, can be a powerful tool to increase sales, improve brand presence and make your brand more profitable. By making your product available to your target audience online, you can reach a wider audience than you would through traditional marketing channels. 

Online shopping has no signs of slowing down. More shoppers are buying online and from successfully targeted digital ads that show an online shopper preferred styles, and brands and offer quick click-to-cart purchasing options. With shopping online becoming more accessible, it makes perfect sense to invest in showcasing designs online.

Influencer and Affiliate Marketing

More Americans, specifically young Americans, are shopping and purchasing online. According to Statista, the eCommerce fashion industry's compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and experts claim the fashion eCommerce industry is projected to reach 14.2% between 2017 and 2025, with the industry hitting a $672.71 billion valuation by 2023.

How does a fashion designer start taking advantage of this compounding growth?

One of the most effective strategies for viral, word-of-mouth reviews is to work with influencers. By partnering with influencers, you can reach a larger audience and promote your products more credibly on platforms like Instagram. When selecting influencers to work with, consider their audience size, engagement rate, and content quality. Also, ensure their values align with your brand to maintain a positive relationship. Current market trends point toward powerful alliances built by collaborating with the right influencers that can take your fashion business to the next level.

In the competitive world of apparel retail, brands often have concrete goals they want to achieve. These can include increasing the order value of existing customers or acquiring new customers. The right type of affiliate partnership can be instrumental in helping a brand reach these goals. For example, a brand focused on increasing order value might partner with a retailer that can provide access to a high-end customer base. By carefully selecting affiliate partners that align with their goals, apparel retailers can maximize their chances of success.

How can designers leverage local events to showcase their designs?

Fashion week swept through New York, Paris, and Milan. As the high fashion world is rounding out its mega-presence on the runway, local events are starting to generate buzz for showcasing local designers. 

Phoenix Fashion Week is the leading fashion event in the southwest and will take place October 14-15, 2022, at Chateau Luxe. Designers and models, competitively selected, will take the runway and showcase their designs. Phoenix fashion week will include:

Couture runway shows

Live performances + awards

Model of the year competition

Luxury night

…and more

Hanger is a proud sponsor of Phoenix Fashion Week and offers fashion designers and dreamers the world's most comprehensive platform for fashion. Learn more about Hanger. See you there OCT20-21!