Fashion product development

The fashion and textile industries offer a broad spectrum of career paths that extend beyond traditional roles in online retail, high street fashion, haute couture, production, and business management.

One such rapidly evolving field is fashion product development, which capitalises on emerging technologies such as 3D printing, 3D product development, and 3D knitting. This sector encompasses a wide variety of product types, from fashion apparel and accessories to knitwear, woven items, printed goods, and interior designs, including soft furnishings and upholstery.

Getting in and getting experience

For those seeking entry into product development roles, it is usually advantageous to possess a degree or foundational knowledge in relevant areas such as fashion, textiles or industrial design.

Recruitment agencies occasionally advertise opportunities in product development, but having a robust portfolio showcasing your work and technical ability is crucial. Potential employers often look for a genuine interest in the sector, a solid understanding of garment technology and production, and strong commercial awareness.

Communication skills are vital in this industry, particularly for networking with suppliers and businesses. Other important skills include organisational acumen, time management, project management, and creative flair for colour and fabric selection. Familiarity with advanced tools such as computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D modelling software is also highly beneficial in this field.

The industry does not typically offer formal graduate schemes, so gaining work experience often involves:

  • Speculative applications to Luxury, sports apparel, high street or independent fashion labels. These applications can provide valuable insights into the fashion industry and help you develop the necessary skills.
  • Networking with design houses, studios, and tech firms specialising in product development.
  • Attending trade fairs which frequently advertise events on relevant institute websites.
  • Working as a freelancer or consultant may also be a viable option.

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