Fashion designers play a major role in our world. Their talent and vision play a big role on how people present themselves. Because of the time required to bring a garment onto the market, designers must at times anticipate changes to consumer desires. They thus influence society with the way they choose to express themselves. And so, they work in a variety of different ways in designing their pieces and accessories such as rings, bracelets and necklaces. Thus, they are responsible for creating looks for individual garments, involving shape, color, fabric, trimming, and more.

With the work they do, fashion designers hold a special place in our world. Their talent and vision play a big role in how people look, and also contribute to the cultural and social environment. In all this they are supported by the Assistant Fashion Designers.

Assistant fashion designer is an entry-level position that can be valuable in terms of gaining solid experience in the industry. This position is a way to get your foot in the door at a design studio, retail chain, or apparel manufacturing company, while earning a good salary and it is a great way to establish a reputation in the industry. Assistant fashion designers typically have the same academic background as established designers, minus the years of experience.

Assistant fashion designers are responsible for all aspects of the design and creation of new fashion products, as well as updating previous designs. They typically work under the supervision of a fashion designer and specialize in a particular area of design, such as skirts, sweaters, or (more generally) women’s apparel. They love to study fashion trends, sketch designs, select materials, and play a part in all the production aspects of the designs of the designers they work for.

Assistant fashion designers assist fashion designers and chief fashion designers with everything from designing clothes to preparing for fashion shows. Depending on the size of the company or design studio, the assistant fashion designer may also assist with production work such as sewing, cutting, pattern making, making prototypes, coloring, and sketching. Assistant fashion designers may coordinate meetings, assist at meetings with clients or retailers, attend fashion shows and trade shows, and assist with managing other workers as needed.

Using existing product designs and overall brand style, Assistant Fashion Designers also help in all stages of the fashion design process, from silhouette and initial art to design boards and illustrations to trimming. They create initial sketches using ideas brainstormed in creative sessions with the fashion design team, working by hand or using design software. Once a sketch is approved and brought to the fitting stage, they attend fitting sessions and use feedback for possible design revisions. In addition to creating new products, assistant fashion designers modify existing designs and sketches to produce updated products that maintain the brand’s position in the market.

Assistant fashion designers generally work in an office environment during regular business hours, with the possibility of overtime for important projects. A typical day for an assistant fashion designer involves sketching new and updated designs, reviewing their work with senior fashion designers and other product teams, and attending fitting sessions to see their finished products and make adjustments to their designs. Research into current fashion trends is also done to ensure the brand keeps up with trends and competitors.

Assistant Fashion Designer: Career Pathway

• Assistant Designer
• Designer
• Senior Designer
• Lead Designer
• Design Director

An assistant fashion designer is an entry level position in the fashion industry and usually has many job duties within his or her supporting role. They typically have their formal education, but in recent times receive training toward becoming a designer while learning hands-on skills from someone already in that position.

Their responsibilities include:

• Researching fashion, textile, make up, accessory, and footwear trends.
• Collaborating with the design team to develop ideas for new products based on research data.
• Communicating technical and creative ideas to designers.
• Producing clear and detailed technical sketches.
• Sourcing fabrics and trimmings.
• Testing and deciding on fabrics, colors, patterns and textures for each design.
• Making sure samples are made on time.
• Creating mood, shape and trend boards.
• Gaining ‘trim approval’ with customers.
• Creating clothing patterns for mass production.
• Participating in meetings with customers and fabric agents.
• Developing marketing and brand awareness initiatives.
• Overseeing the production of designs, including carrying out fittings.
• Inspecting products (checking for quality) during the design process and when a product is completed.
• Maintaining relationships with vendors, suppliers and models.