Advice on breaking into the Fashion Industry?

Hi fellow YLFers, I’m writing with a BIG request of those in the forum with experience in the Fashion industry. 2009 is a new year with new resolutions, and this year I'm committing to at least investigate what it would take for me to follow my passion to become a buyer or Marketing Manager for a fashion/luxury brand.

I’ve listed a few specific questions below on breaking into the Fashion industry, but I am interested in ANY advice that you have:

- How did you break into the industry?
- Did/Do you enjoy it? What did/do you do?
- What is the job security, treatment of employees, starting salaries and required hours like?
- What advice would you give to someone trying to break into the industry?
- What do you love and hate about the industry?
- Would someone starting out in the industry (at entry level) be able to raise a new family on the salary they would earn, and with the hours demanded of them during the first few years?

A bit of background on me: I'm a Marketing Manager with a business commerce degree and 7 years experience in traditional consumer packaged goods - in other words, I advertise and market snack foods and other household products that you would find in your pantry or under your sink. Hardly very exciting, and I'm waking up in the morning more excited about what I wear to my presentation, than whatever business plan I'm actually presenting!

What's been keeping me from following my dreams? Well 4 things really. First off, while Fashion is my passion and I’m told I have a good eye for it, I don't have any formal Fashion education or experience. Secondly, it's the stability of my paycheck and the salary that I've been earning. I'm extremely blessed that I have a job that pays about $100K - but I'm finding it increasingly hard to stay motivated by salary alone. Thirdly, my husband and I are looking to start a family in the next year, so while I'm not opposed to a heavy workload while breaking into the industry, I know that eventually I’ll need to devote more time to my budding family (my perception is that the Fashion industry is very labor intensive – especially for those starting out). And lastly, I’ve been asking myself if the current global financial crisis has reduced the number of fashion jobs out there, and if this is the right time to be giving up my job and starting afresh?

I’m at a real cross-roads: do I follow my passion despite the uncertainties, or do I continue on the safe route even though it doesn’t excite me?

So YLFers…please give me your perspective on the Fashion industry as you know it. I’m hoping that with your insider information, I’ll be able to make a more educated decision about my jump into the world of Fashion.

Thanks YLFers – I feel like you are all my sisters in cyberspace!

17 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I'm not in the fashion industry, but I did think about becoming a buyer when I was in high school. My economics teacher's sister was a buyer for a major department store, and she came and gave a talk on what it was like. (It was a long time ago), but I think she said that your degree from university wasn't *so* important (for instance, if it's not fashion related, that's okay), but some sort of fashion/clothing experience was a big plus (even if it was just working retail for a long time). Also, it seemed to me that it was very time consuming, because you spend a lot of time traveling (the buyer was probably in her 40s, and I don't think she was married or had kids). You have to travel to shows, to other countries to look at goods, manufacturing plants, warehouses, etc. Angie was a buyer for a long time, so she could probably give you more up-to-date information (and correct any mistakes I may have made).

Something I discovered while working retail is a job where you help design what's called a "floor set" for stores. For instance, have you noticed that stores shift their merchandise around, change their mannequins, shelving, decorations, etc. every couple of months (at least)? That's usually something that is controlled by the headquarters of the store, and they have a team of people that designs every one of those floorsets, takes photos and sends it out to all the stores so they can copy the look as closely as possible. You'd have to live somewhere that has a headquarters where that is being done, but you could probably work into something like that, especially with marketing experience. I don't think it requires as much travel as a buyer does (but it does require a little).

theresa

Active Member

Thanks so much Ana...I never knew that there was a position creating "floor sets". To be honest with you, I wish I had more experience in Retail...it would come in handy now I'm going to look into Fashion further and I'll look out for positions that create floor sets. Thanks for your advice

I think one of the keywords to look for that kind of job is "merchandising." You know, another idea just popped into my head, and that is, if your town has any boutiques that are owned by individuals, you could offer to do some merchandising for them for free to build a portfolio and get some experience. Maybe if you know an owner, or if you shop at a particular store a lot. That is something you could do on the weekends so it wouldn't interfere with your regular job you have now.

shiny

I'm not in fashion, but I am in marketing. Given the current state of the economy, and the fact you want to start your family within the next year, I'm thinking it would be wiser - and not just safer - to stay put where you are for now. Especially since it's the luxury brands that have been hardest hit by the recession, and we are seeing the highest unemployment rates since WWII. It's going to be very tough to make a career switch in this economic climate, I'm afraid!

My recommendation is to sock away as much money as you can over the next year while you have your $100K salary. Then if you get laid off, or you decide to take time off while you start your family, that's when it's time for the career switch. But ride that incoming-salary train as long as you can, until the economy rebounds.

Otherwise, have you tried working for an ad agency yet? With your experience, you might be able to land an agency position. Working for an agency may give you exposure to fashion brands. That might help you make a leap someday. I don't know for sure... just a guess. It's how I went from marketing what's known as "heavy metal" products, to high tech; I worked at an ad agency that did both. It might not land you a job as a merchandiser, buyer, designer, or fashion image consultant - but you could wind up working as a marketing/brand manager for a major fashion retailer.

dee2do

I'm with shiny. IN the meantime, focus your passion on your family. Especially since there will be probably be travel. In the meantime, spend alot of time researching. Why don't you consider subscribing to fashion news so that you can stay informed and get a sense of the industry. When I was in mfg I subcribed to The California Apparel News (they probably have it online now). There was another publication Womens Wear Daily I don't know if it still exists... Also, if you're around a fashion school, see if they have information on this area of work --classes, continuing education,etc.

shiny and dee2do, you are both really wise. Thank you for your warm advice The economic situation is definitely a big consideration right now. My husband is so encouraging and has told me that he will support me in whatever I choose to do, but I can tell in his heart of hearts is a little nervous with the timing of my proposed new venture.

Angie or anyone in the Fashion industry - I'm curious to know if you've seen changes in the industry since the economic downturn? (layoffs/downsizing, smaller budgets etc..)

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Welcome, Theresa!

I have been an international fashion buyer for most of my fashion career. Once you are there, it’s very stressful from a time and travelling point of view. I know you probably won’t want to hear this but it’s not the job you’ll want if you’re planning to have children, or have small children. It’s long hours and you’re away from home a lot.

As for breaking in, you’ll probably start off at the bottom. Buyers hold extremely responsible business positions. Without them, there is no merchandize in stores and selecting merchandize that will sell at store level requires a tremendous amount of knowledge, courage and skill. As a result it’s hard to became a buyer. You’ll need to jump through the appropriate hoops to get a position. After finishing my Psychological studies at University, I started again and studied Fashion Technology and Design. After completing that I worked in a garment factory! That’s how low I went to become a buyer. I showed flair, became a junior designer, started working with buyers and before I knew it was offered a position as a junior buyer in children’s wear. Moved through the ranks and bought in for most departments in several retail stores. I eventually became a ladies wear specialist buyer and stayed there for years.

My advice would be to get a fashion credential. Despite your marketing skills, you do not have a fashion background and this is not ideal. I do not want to discourage you from your dreams and I therefore strongly advise that you get some sort of tertiary fashion education behind your name. Also, the best thing to do is speak to the retailers themselves. Many of them have in-house retail training programs. After all of that there is the issue of relocation. You’ll need to live wherever the buying head office is situated. Hope I have not overwhelmed you!

Thanks Angie for your frankness and insight into the Fashion world. Your advice (as well as shiny, dee2do and ana's advice) was exactly what I was hoping for. I'm so lucky to have found this site!

The more I think about this big jump in careers, the more I realize that I need to think more realistically about the life stage I'm in (wanting children in the next couple years), and what I am willing to give up (in the event I need to go back to school). I'm also realizing that I'm extremely fortunate to still have a job as the economy faces tough times, and perhaps I should 'cool my heels' so to speak and just be grateful for now.

I'll keep researching Fashion industry positions, and I'll keep YLF up to speed on what I decide. In the meantime, I'm hoping to get more active and start posting my outfits (in "What I wore today"), and commenting in other posts.

Thanks as always ladies. You provide me with my much cherished daily read!

Category