Be fashionable

Those who have just given their Class XII exam may be wondering what vocational course to take up. If you are good at drawing and creative, a degree in Fashion can open a plethora of lucrative opportunities, says Dr Kulneet Suri

India is emerging as the next fashion destination. The fashion industry in the country is still young and has the potential to grow exponentially over the next few years. The current Indian Textile industry is valued at approximately Rs 10,800 crore, which in turn, is estimated to touch Rs 22,300 crore by the year 2021. The sector employs 4.5 crore people directly and 6 crore indirectly.

India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and has seen a major shift in consumer preferences in the recent years. The increasing disposable incomes and brand awareness are driving the Indian textile industry.

Fashion designers have been efficiently contributing their share towards the transformation of the entire fashion industry. In the recent years, the industry has witnessed an upsurge in the job opportunities for graduates. The degree in fashion, nowadays, is not limited to a career in fashion designing. Surprisingly, there are a number of career options which an aspirant can commence with a Bachelor’s degree in fashion.

Fashion Designer

Every aspirant pursuing a fashion degree aims to become a successful Fashion Designer. This is a premium profile where a candidate works on a new line of clothing and fashion. Though Fashion Designer is a dream job, not every student is lucky enough to grab the position in the industry. The role is tremendously demanding and the sector is extensively competitive. A Fashion Designer either works for companies or they set up their private ventures in the form of Fashion Outlets, Boutiques, etc.

Retail Manager

Maximising profits while minimising costs is what a retail manager aims for. A retail manager is responsible for running day-to-day operations of a store or department. Also, they ensure the accuracy of the promotions being conducted by the company followed with monitoring staff’s performance for daily targets. Some other responsibilities of a retail manager are concerned with — customer service, finance, logistics, marketing, and Human Resources.

Fashion Business Advisor

One of the most emerging profiles in the recent times is that of a Fashion Business Advisor. He/she works efficiently with organizations to provide them with professional consultation in accordance with their business strategies. They deliver advice for different fashion marketing techniques in order to increase the company's brand awareness. Luxury brand enterprises popularly hire fashion business advisors.

Creative Consultant

They are not fashion designers; however, they work in coordination with fashion professionals and provide them with expert advice. A creative consultant implements his knowledge and guides the professionals based on the current market scenario as well as considers which factors will attract their target audience and ensure the growth of the brand or label.

Stylist

This profile has become extremely appealing in the Fashion Industry where communication and creative skills of a candidate plays a major role. The stylists work in different domains like — personal styling, product styling, photographic styling, and even e-commerce styling. A stylist works in coordination with models as well as photographers. They may be given daily as well as weekly targets. The job role is extensively pressured-packed, however, those with the zeal of working in a dynamic environment can go for this profile.

Visual Merchandiser

This profile is all about showcasing visual concepts and strategies enforced for the promotion of brands, products and services. The visual merchandiser designers work in coordination with diverse departments and are based at the head offices. The prime responsibilities is concerned with researching current trends, engage in meetings, budget maintenance, and create plans using their creative skills, and so on. The profile is highly entertaining and exciting.

India is an ultimate fashion destination with increasing number of global brands marking their way in the market. The Fashion Industry has witnessed a significant success due to its customers. The total expenditure of an Indian family on clothes and accessories accounts for 6 percent of the monthly income.

The industry will witness a growth of 10-12 per cent in the coming years. Thus, students are looking at fashion designing as one of the most exciting courses available which offer a diverse range of job opportunities. There are a vast number of institutes which are offering fashion courses for students.

There has been an increasing demand for students looking for online fashion designing course in India. While taking up a course, it is imperative that a student goes through the fashion designing course details before going forward with it. Therefore, a degree in fashion can open a doorway to a vast number of opportunities for students.

The writer is senior director at the IMS-Design and Innovation Academy