The fashion industry is big. alone in Germany it creates 770,000 jobs directly in the industry and supports the employment of around 1.3 million people. With an annual turnover of around 29 billion euros, its economic impact should not be neglected. With its glamorous fashion shoots and catwalk shows, it is an industry of longing for many, especially young people. FashionUnited has summarized what you should know before studying fashion here.
1. There are more professions than just fashion design
The turnover of German manufacturing companies with technical textiles is around 13 billion euros per year, making it the largest sector in Germany. To produce them, clothing technicians, product developers and, of course, pattern makers are needed, among other things. You can find a detailed list of professions in the fashion industry here. Take a look around at these jobs as well and see if one might suit you better as a fashion designer – even if the profession is perhaps the most appealing – all that glitters is not gold.
2. You don’t have to study fashion for every profession in fashion
According to the Fashion Council Germany, there are (as of 2021) almost 6,000 students in all semesters and degrees studying fashion in Germany. But you don’t really have to study for every job in the fashion industry. Some you can do much better in practice, for example with a training place, learn and earn money at the same time. Also Dual courses of study or training are possible. In sales in particular, good people are often desperately needed. This can start with a student internship and develop further within the company. So, if you’re passionate about sales, it can be an easy, low-threshold way to break into the fashion world. If you decide later that you still want to study, working in sales is a plus in every CV.
3. Even some great fashion designers have not studied
Jean Paul Gaultier got his chance by sending sketches to famous couture houses before hiring for Pierre Cardin. Nicolas Ghesquière did an internship at Agnes B. and Edward Enninful decided in the ’90s that studying wasn’t for him and instead simply became fashion director at iD. Well, in most cases it’s not that easy (anymore). But luck, perseverance and chutzpah can make up for a lot. If you know exactly what you want, try it your own way. But don’t be disappointed if it doesn’t work—or doesn’t work right away. Many roads lead to fashion.
4. A degree is still the surest way into fashion
Like Nicolas Ghesquière, getting into fashion with an internship can be difficult these days, because most fashion companies require matriculation and some experience with fashion. Therefore, a degree of any kind is still the safest bet. But: Even with non-fashion courses, a lateral entry can be created, especially if you have already gained some experience in professional life.
5. Not all have to go to prestigious or expensive art schools
Of course there are World-class fashion schools, such as Central Saint Martins, the Fashion Institute of Technology and the London College of Fashion. They accept the most artistically talented applicants from all over the world, a degree is almost equivalent to a good job – and of course it sounds cool. But other schools also have a lot to offer and some even prepare you better for the world of work. Art colleges are spaces for creativity, but often very far from the actual requirements in a company – where most graduates end up. Of course you can also get a good education in this country receive.
6. Studying fashion is hard work
Do you like working with your hands? Studying fashion design isn’t just about putting together cool outfits (that’s styling, and there is a little more to it as well), but also: spending nights at the sewing machine. You need patience, a high tolerance for frustration (sewing machines don’t always do what you would like them to do) and an absolute attention to detail. Stress resistance is also important, because in fashion all deadlines always come at once. Not your strengths? Maybe a more economically oriented degree suits you better.
7. Visit open houses
Most, if not all, fashion schools offer open houses. go! Take a look at the premises, talk to teachers and graduates. Ask for! Where have the alumni gone? What are the relationships with industry? What is the school’s reputation? What is the strength of the training? Make an impression on site and think carefully about whether the school teaches what you really want to learn.
8. Be aware that top positions (like in any industry) are rare
As mentioned at the beginning, there are 770,000 people in Germany who work directly in fashion. How many can you think of by name? That’s about your probability for a top position as CEO at Adidas or chief designer at Hugo Boss. But that’s no reason to give up on your dreams. Anyone who is good can go far in fashion, even beyond the famous examples. There are many small labels that make great fashion.
0. There are industries that pay better.
The fashion industry is popular, and that can be a problem. Because there are many applicants for good positions. That’s why employers don’t have to dig deep into their pockets to attract talent as they do in some other industries. “While the average monthly gross wage in the overarching branch of ‘textile and leather trades’ was 2,379 euros in 2016, employees in ‘textile technology and production’ and ‘textile processing’ earned an average monthly salary of 2,512 euros and 2,313 euros respectively in the same year. These wages are all well below the cross-industry average monthly gross wage of 3,133 euros Industry profile of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV). So be aware that you may be making financial sacrifices by choosing to enter the fashion industry.
10. There are industries with a better work-life balance
The number one reason for termination remains for 70 percent of those surveyed Money, before inadequate career prospects and an unbalanced work-life balance, which are a reason for every second person to change employers. This is the result of the “Working in Fashion 2020” study by the specialist magazine TextilWirtschaft. Anyone who works in the fashion industry has to reckon with overtime, especially when it comes to the hot phases that arise due to the seasonal nature of fashion.
11. Is fashion my hobby or my calling?
Last but not least, be honest with yourself. Is fashion something you want to do all day long, or do you just like to shop? Exaggerated, admittedly, but take a moment to question your motivation. If you’re still convinced that fashion is for you, check out ours job market and here you will find ours Fashion Education Network and fashion schools in Germany and worldwide.
Good luck!