Fashion designer

Fashion designers design clothing, accessories and shoes. They may design one-off pieces or work in teams to design a range of mass-produced items or seasonal collections.

Also known as

Clothing designer, costume designer, textile designer, apparel designer, garment technician, fashion stylist, textile product designer

Work environment

Usually work long and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends
Usually work in offices and workshops, and may travel nationally and internationally
Need to be creative, accurate and communicate well

Salary information

MOST COMMON

UPPER

LOWER

$50K-$142K 50000

Typical tasks

Design clothing, accessories and shoes
Measure, sew and cut fabric
Create prototypes
Source, select and order fabric and materials
Create technical illustrations
Alter clothing for clients
Develop seasonal design concepts
Market and sell clothing
Monitor fashion trends

Outlook

New Zealand fashion remains a creative, competitive industry shaped by small brands, international online sales and changing consumer tastes. Sustainability is becoming more important, including durable design, lower-impact materials, repair, reuse and circular fashion. Digital design tools, social media and online retail create new ways to develop and share collections, although competition and changing retail conditions can make opportunities variable.

What employers and industry want in graduates

Create original ideas while understanding customer needs
Draw, visualise and communicate design concepts clearly
Understand fabrics, garment construction and fit
Use digital design and presentation tools
Keep up with fashion, cultural and sustainability trends
Work well with pattern makers, manufacturers and retail teams

AUT programmes

Fashion Design Major - Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mō te Hoahoa

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

Tips from AUT graduates

“Building professional relationships is incredibly important. Being reliable, approachable and willing to learn can open many opportunities, especially early in your career. It’s also important to be adaptable.”

Helana CookCostume AssistantBachelor of Design

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