Fashion Designing is an art and a discipline of humanities, which cover the entire spectrum of fashions, materials, patterns, colors and styles that define a particular fashion of an era. It’s not only restricted to fashion and clothing but includes the field of footwear, handbags and accessories as well. There are different styles and concepts involved in fashion design. Generally, there are four aspects of fashion designing. The first aspect is color coordination; second is the use of fabric and design elements to bring out the best in the image of an outfit; third is the creation of new ways to add or change the appeal of an outfit; and finally, to create new designs that can be used in the existing designs.
Fashion designers are now being demanded more highly and they are being preferred by both the big and small business. The fashion industry has a major contribution to make in terms of gender equality, environmental awareness and the welfare of women. The duration and magnitude of fashion designing aren’t short, as many people may think. It has a huge scope and this is the reason it has been given a reputed status by the government and other organizations.
In the earlier years of this profession, people had limited choices as far as the fashion designing careers were concerned. But now with the advent of various institutes offering various types of courses in fashion designing, students are given ample opportunities to choose their careers. The common options offered to them include diploma courses in fashion designing. These are offered by many institutes.
Some of the popular institutes in India are Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDER), Indian Fashion Institute (IFI), Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Zaveri Crafts and Garment Institute of India (ZCCI). These courses offer complete training in all the aspects of fashion. They teach everything that is related to apparel production like knitting, sewing, tailoring, garment designing etc. Students have to complete a minimum of six months of study from an accredited institute to get enrolled for these courses. Courses are taught in a structured manner and the syllabus consists of lectures, seminars, workshops etc.
In order to get into one of the universities who offer such courses in fashion designing, candidates are required to have a minimum degree in any course like marketing, merchandising or architecture. These degrees are required so that the candidates can join the programs on a partial basis. In case if they don’t get admitted in a good institute they can opt for a distance education program that suits their timings. Distance education program is offered by almost all institutes now-a-days. These programs give full-time training to the students.
After getting proper training in all the types of designing courses and gaining experience candidates are allowed to design for themselves and therefore are known as fashion designers. Fashion designers are also categorized into two groups: permanent and contract designers. Contract designers work for a single organization and later can transfer to other organizations with permission from the concerned organization. On the other hand permanent fashion designers are independent professionals, who earn money by designing for themselves and later join various organizations.
While enrolling into any of these courses, candidates must decide about the duration of the course. The duration is usually either six months or three years. If the duration is longer than six months then the candidates can opt for the online courses which give the flexibility to schedule their studies. But they may not get the practical experience which they require while working in the field. Hence, it is advised to opt for six months course duration.
There are many renowned fashion schools and fashion courses provider around India that offer various types of courses in fashion design. Candidates may find many such institutions in their area or may even search the internet. But before enrolling in such institution, candidates should make sure whether the institute adheres to the academic standards or not. Also check whether these institutions are fully accredited or not. In addition to this, candidates can also find information about the various types of fashion courses on their own. Internet is the best source to find information on the subject.