If you have a passion for fashion and are considering a career in fashion designing after completing your 12th grade, there are several courses fashion designing courses after 12th that can help you kickstart your journey in the fashion industry. In this article, we will explore the top fashion designing courses that you can consider to pursue your dreams and build a successful career in the world of fashion.
Fashion designing is a creative and artistic field that involves the process of designing and creating clothing, accessories, and footwear. Fashion designers use their imagination, artistic skills, and knowledge of textiles and trends to bring unique and stylish designs to life.Fashion designers can work for established fashion houses, start their own brands, or collaborate with retailers to produce exclusive designs. They must stay updated with the latest trends, consumer preferences, and advancements in technology and sustainable practices.
Why Choose a Career in Fashion Designing?
Fashion designing isn’t merely about creating stylish clothing; it’s a profession that offers a multitude of compelling reasons to consider it as a career path after completing your 12th grade. Here are some of the key motivations for choosing a career in fashion designing:
Fashion designing is a unique platform where you can channel your artistic flair. It’s a canvas where you can bring your imaginative designs to life, whether they’re bold and avant-garde or elegant and timeless.
Fashion is a global language. Your designs can transcend borders, cultures, and languages, allowing you to communicate with people worldwide through the universal medium of clothing.
Successful fashion designers often enjoy lucrative incomes. As your reputation grows, so do your earning potential and the value of your creations.
Fashion designing isn’t limited to creating clothing; it encompasses roles like fashion merchandising, styling, and entrepreneurship, each offering unique career paths and financial prospects.
The Eligibility criteria for fashion designing courses can vary depending on the institution and the level of the course (diploma, undergraduate, or postgraduate).The general elegibility criteria is as follows:
Admission Requirement
Diploma/Undergraduate Course
Postgraduate Course
Educational Qualification
Completion of 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board
Bachelor’s degree in fashion design or related field
Age Restrictions
Some institutions may have age restrictions
Check specific age requirements for each institute
Minimum Marks Criteria
Many schools may have minimum marks criteria
Required percentage may vary from institution to institution
Entrance Exams
Some institutes conduct entrance exams
Clearing entrance exam is often a prerequisite
Portfolio Submission
Not specified
Submission of a portfolio showcasing previous work, sketches, and designs
Language Proficiency
Proficiency in the language of instruction (e.g., English)
Demonstrating English language skills may be required
#Elegibility Criteria:
It’s important to note that these requirements can vary between institutions, so prospective students should always check the specific admission criteria of the fashion design school they are interested in.
Course Curriculum
Year 1
Semester 1
Courses
Description
Sem 1, Yr 1
Fashion Fundamentals
Introduction to the fashion industry and its history.
Drawing and Sketching
Development of fashion illustrations and sketches.
Textiles and Materials
Understanding different fabrics and materials used in fashion.
#Sem 1
Semester 2
Courses
Description
Sem 2, Yr 1
Pattern Making and Garment Construction
Creating patterns and constructing garments..
Sewing and Tailoring Techniques
Learning various sewing and tailoring skills
Fashion Design Studio 1
Practical projects to apply learned concepts..
#Sem 2
Year 2
Semester 3
Courses
Description
Sem 3, Yr 2
Advanced Design Techniques
Further exploration of design principles and techniques.
Draping and Fabric Manipulation
Draping fabric to create three-dimensional designs.
Fashion History and Trends
Study of historical fashion and current trends.
#Sem 3
Semester 4
Courses
Description
Sem 4, Yr 2
Fashion Illustration
Advanced fashion illustration techniques.
Apparel Production and Quality Control
Understanding the production process.
Fashion Design Studio 2
Complex design projects and collections.
#Sem 4
Year 3
Semester 5
Courses
Description
Sem 5, Yr 3
Fashion Merchandising and Marketing
Principles of marketing and selling fashion products.
Portfolio Development
Creating a professional portfolio.
Fashion Business and Entrepreneurship
Introduction to fashion business operations.
#Sem 5
Semester 6
Courses
Description
Sem 6, Yr 3
Specialized Electives
Specialized topics based on the institution’s offerings.
Internship or Industry Project
Practical experience in the fashion industry.
Fashion Design Studio 3
Advanced design projects and collections.
#Sem 6
Year 4
Semester 7
Courses
Description
Sem 7, Yr 4
Fashion Sustainability and Ethics
Sustainable practices and ethical considerations in fashion.
Collection Development
Creating a complete fashion collection.
Fashion Technology and Innovation
Use of technology in fashion design.
#Sem 7
Semester 8
Courses
Description
Sem 8, Yr 4
Fashion Show and Presentation
Planning and organizing fashion shows.
Capstone Project
Final design project or collection.
Professional Development
Preparing for a career in the fashion industry.
#Sem 8
Scope of Fashion Designing
Fashion designing offers a wide range of career opportunities and has a significant scope in the global fashion industry.They are as follows:
Career Opportunities in Fashion Designing
Potential Earnings
1. Fashion Industry
Varies widely, from entry-level to high salaries in top positions
2. Apparel Designing
Entry-level designers: $45,000 – $60,000 per year. Experienced designers can earn more.
3. Accessory Designing
Salary range: $50,000 – $70,000 per year depending on experience and employer
4. Textile Industry
Textile designers: $45,000 – $65,000 per year on average
5. Costume Design
Varies based on industry. Average range: $40,000 – $70,000 per year
6. Fashion Retail
Retail roles: $30,000 – $50,000 annually. Management positions can earn more.
7. Fashion Entrepreneurship
Highly variable. Success can lead to significant earnings, but startups may initially have lower income.
8. Fashion Styling and Consulting
Entry-level: $30,000 – $50,000 per year. Experienced stylists can earn more, especially in high-profile settings.
9. Sustainable Fashion
Salaries comparable to other design fields. May vary based on the specific role and employer.
10. Fashion Illustration and CAD
Entry-level: $40,000 – $60,000 per year. Experienced illustrators can earn more.
11. Global Opportunities
Highly variable. International roles may offer different salary structures.
12. Fashion Education
Educators can earn $40,000 – $80,000 annually, depending on experience and academic level.
13. Personal Branding
Income varies widely based on collaborations, endorsements, and business success.
14. Fashion Journalism and Content Creation
Entry-level: $30,000 – $50,000 per year. Experienced professionals may earn more, especially in high-profile media.
#Scope of Fashion Designing
Entrance Exams
The lists of exams for seeking admissions in top fashion institutes are as follows:
Entrance Exam
Full Form
Purpose/Institute
NIFT Entrance Exam
National Institute of Fashion Technology Entrance Exam
Admission to National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
NID Entrance Exam
National Institute of Design Entrance Exam
Admission to National Institute of Design (NID)
Pearl Academy Entrance Exam
–
Admission to Pearl Academy
AIEED
All India Entrance Examination for Design
General design entrance exam for various design courses
CEED
Common Entrance Examination for Design
Admission to postgraduate design programs in various IITs and IISc
IFTK Entrance Exam
–
Admission to Indian Fashion Technology Kerala (IFTK)
NATA
National Aptitude Test in Architecture
Admission to undergraduate architecture programs
#Entrance Exams
Fashion Designing Course Fees in 2023
In India, the fees for fashion designing courses can vary depending on the type of course, the level of the program, and the reputation of the institute. Here are some estimated ranges for fashion designing course fees in India:
Course Level
Tuition Fees Range (INR)
Tuition Fees Range (USD)
Diploma
₹50,000 to ₹2,50,000 (entire program)
$5,000 to $25,000 (entire program)
Undergraduate
₹2,00,000 to ₹8,00,000 per year
–
Postgraduate
₹3,00,000 to ₹12,00,000 per year
–
#Fashion Designing Course Fees
Top Fashion Designing Colleges in India and Abroad
Indian Fashion Designing Colleges
Abroad Fashion Designing Colleges
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
Central Saint Martins (CSM), University of the Arts London (UK)
National Institute of Design (NID)
London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London (UK)
Pearl Academy
Parsons School of Design, The New School (USA)
Indian Institute of Fashion Technology (IIFT)
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) (USA)
National Institute of Fashion Design (NIFD)
Polimoda (Italy)
Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID)
Istituto Marangoni (Italy)
JD Institute of Fashion Technology
Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts (Belgium)
Fashionova School of Design and Creative Arts
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) (USA)
Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT)
Royal College of Art (RCA) (UK)
International Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD)
Bunka Fashion College (Japan)
Amity School of Fashion Technology
Fashion Design Institut (France)
Vogue Institute of Art and Design
Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp (Belgium)
Apeejay Institute of Design
School of Fashion Technology (SOFT), Pune
National Institute of Fashion and Events (NIFE)
Wigan and Leigh College India
Inter National Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD)
B.D. Somani Institute of Art and Fashion Technology
Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology (NIIFT)
#Top Fashion Designing Colleges in India and Abroad
1. What skills are essential for a career in fashion designing?
Answer: Successful fashion designers often possess skills such as creativity, sketching and illustration, knowledge of textiles and fabrics, sewing and pattern-making abilities, and a good understanding of current fashion trends. Communication skills and a keen eye for detail are also crucial.
2. What is the typical career path for a fashion designer?
Answer: Fashion designers usually start as assistants or interns, gaining experience in various aspects of the industry. With time and a strong portfolio, they may progress to become junior designers and eventually lead their own design teams or launch their fashion labels. Some designers may specialize in specific areas like accessories or sustainable fashion.
3. Do I need formal education to become a fashion designer?
Answer: While formal education is not mandatory, it is highly beneficial. Many successful designers have completed fashion design programs or obtained degrees in related fields. Fashion schools provide valuable knowledge, hands-on experience, and networking opportunities. However, a strong portfolio and relevant skills are equally important in the industry.
4. How important is keeping up with fashion trends in the industry?
Answer: Staying updated on current fashion trends is essential for a fashion designer. It helps them create designs that resonate with the market and consumers. However, balancing trend awareness with a unique personal style and innovative ideas is crucial to stand out in the competitive industry.
