Thinking of a career in fashion? Here’s how to pick the right course

Fashion poses many challenges to those wanting to enter the industry—from the dilemma of picking the program that suits your skillset to scoring a valuable internship—especially when you don’t have someone to guide you. Vogue chats with Roberto Riccio, group managing director at Istituto Marangoni, to help aspiring fashion students find their way. Excepts from the interview, below.

What are some of the skills a fashion student must have?

Curiosity—for applied and visual arts—is crucial. Not only should the student be tuned into the fashion landscape, but they must listen to music, attend concerts, visit museums, be interested in cinema and travel a lot. Travelling for a fashion student is one of the most vital elements—it’s a great source of inspiration and one is sure to come back loaded with ideas. Students should also be diligent, and have a strict and structured approach to everything they do. Another skill to have is the ability to network—fashion is all about networking and creating contacts from all over the world.

With so many lucrative options—from designing to media—how can a fashion student decide which program to pursue?

It’s important that students evaluate their own dreams and expectations, so it helps for them to identify where their passion and talents lie. Fashion schools have workshops during open days, wherein students can drop by with their parents and speak with the teachers to get a taste of what to expect from the course. The introduction of pathways in courses also gives students the liberty to decide what they want to specialise in at a later stage, when they have a more mature approach to fashion.

What are some of the current emerging trends in fashion education?

Fashion education changes so fast—there is something new every year. Studying online is a trend, but a video or webinar isn’t the best approach to learning. Studying the arts is a more hands-on experience. The best option for a student today would be to attend courses across fashion capitals like London, Milan, Paris, New York and Shanghai. Even if it’s a semester spent abroad, it will expand a student’s vision and perception of fashion in different countries. This is also a great way to network.

Roberto Riccio

According to you, what is the state of the fashion landscape in India? 

India is a hub of crafts and has a rich culture which can be re-thought, re-innovated and re-designed by students. The advantage of pursuing fashion education in India is that the market is booming. The country is the next frontier in fashion, and Indian parents who are skeptical about their children pursuing fashion should know this. However, I’ve noticed that Indian students in Europe are some of the best, but here, their attitude is very laid-back. Low attendance at school will never help a student make a career in fashion. Another trend I’ve observed in India is of young designers launching their namesake brands and transforming into entrepreneurs—a skill that’s as important as being creative and staying up-to-date with today’s trends. One needs to focus on learning about production, marketing, communication, advertising and the life cycle of a product as well.

How crucial are internships?

Internships are fundamental, and today, most fashion schools help students get one, which sometimes gets converted into a job. However, every student must remember that it’s their responsibility during those three to six months to showcase a professional and hardworking attitude.

Any tips for students wanting to make a career in fashion?

Firstly, students should choose their school wisely, as the institution plays a big role in securing a job. Secondly, networking is just as essential. Students must also be dedicated, creative, hardworking and prepared to face challenges.

What are some of the management-based careers that have opened up in the industry?

The latest developments are related to fashion business. This interdisciplinary area has opened up so many roles, like that of production managers, communication managers, online merchandisers and visual merchandisers, among others.

What do you have to say about the general consensus that fashion isn’t a well-paying industry?

It’s not true—fashion pays well. It may be difficult in the beginning, just like any other job, but I foresee India’s attitude changing with the development of fashion.

This article is part of our Careers in Fashion series which gets fashion enthusiasts’ advice, guidance and inspiration from the biggest names in the industry

The post Thinking of a career in fashion? Here’s how to pick the right course appeared first on VOGUE India.

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