What do I need to become a fashion designer?

5 March 2025
7 minutos
Blog

Becoming a fashion designer is a path that combines creativity, technical skill and a deep understanding of the industry. It captures culture, social trends, history and even emotions. If you have the passion for fashion and the necessary creativity, here are some of the steps and skills you will need to master to become a successful designer.

Degree in Fashion Design at UDIT

One of the first steps to becoming a fashion designer is to take an appropriate and demanding training that prepares you to work as a professional. TheOfficial Degree in Fashion Design at UDITis an excellent option. You will be trained at theleading University in higher education in Fashion Design, we were thefirst to offer this University Degree in Spainand we are the centre with thehighest number of graduatesworking in the best fashion companies in the world.

We are the only university with our own fashion show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Madrid. Our classrooms have trained personalities of the stature of Paloma Suárez, founder of the Paloma Suárez brand and considered one of the young talents of Spanish fashion, Antonio del Canto, who has paraded this year for the first time in the MBFW with his collectionKiss me at the gate or Amara Caruncho, winner of the Allianz EGO 2023 Award. Lucía de Miguel, founder of the Lucía de Miguel Design brand of wedding dresses or Verónica García Bolós, founder and director of the Kika Fidalgo brand, among others.

👇Thiswas the fashion show of the students of the Degree in Fashion Design:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCLj8lOAs9U

Development of Technical Skills

Fashion design is not only creativity, it also requires technical skills that are essential to make your ideas come true. A fashion designer must have basic knowledge of several technical areas. During the course you will be able to study everything you need to become a fashion designer, you will study subjects such as dressmaking and pattern making, digital design, fashion photography and more.

If you want to discover the in-depth syllabus of the Degree in Fashion Design at UDIT, click here.

Drawing and Sketching

Drawing is one of the most important skills for any fashion designer. Knowing how to represent your ideas on paper is fundamental, even if your work is later digitised. Sketches are the basis of any fashion collection, as they allow you to visualise the shapes, silhouette, details and tailoring of garments.

Pattern making and tailoring

A good designer must be able to create clothing patterns that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Pattern making is the art of creating templates that are then cut and assembled to form a garment. In addition, tailoring or sewing is essential to transform these patterns into actual clothing. Learning to sew, operate sewing machines and work with different fabrics is a fundamental skill for a designer. Learn in depth what pattern making is and what types exist.

Computer Design

Technology also plays a key role in fashion design today. Designers use computer-aided design software such as industrial pattern-making software in projects, they can create sketches by hand or by using specialised software such as CLO 3D for more accurate digital visualisations or SHIMA SEIKI which is a Japanese company that has integrated technology into the manufacturing and production processes, developing computerised knitting machines that have redefined the way we create and consume knitwear. Learning to use these programs can help you create more accurate patterns, work with different colours and textures, and visualise how a garment will look before it is made.

Knowledge of Textiles

Knowing the different types of fabrics is essential. Each type of fabric has its own behaviour, drape, texture and durability, which directly affects the final design of the garment. A fashion designer must have a broad understanding of the properties of textiles and how to combine them correctly.

Creative Development and Own Style

Fashion is, above all, an art form. If you want to stand out as a fashion designer, you will need to develop your own style. The most successful designers are those who manage to balance the originality and marketability of their designs. This is where creativity comes into play.

Experimentation and Originality

Fashion design is a form of self-expression. As you develop your career, it is essential that you experiment with different ideas, shapes, colours and silhouettes. While technical knowledge is crucial, creativity and the ability to innovate will allow you to make a difference. The most influential designers are not afraid to break the rules and think differently.

Developing a Brand Identity

The most successful fashion designers have a clear identity that is reflected in each of their collections. Fashion is not just about creating beautiful clothes, but about telling a story through what you design. From the first collections to the way you present your creations on runways or social media, having a unique style and a clear voice is essential to stand out in such a competitive market.

Knowledge of the Fashion Industry

In addition to being creative and having technical skills, a fashion designer must have a deep understanding of how the fashion industry works. From production to marketing, it is essential to know the business aspects of fashion.

Trends and Culture

Fashion design does not happen in a vacuum; it is closely linked to cultural and social trends. A designer must be aware of global trends and how they connect to everyday life. The ability to predict or influence trends can be what makes your work relevant.

Marketing and Brand Management

Fashion designers not only create clothes, but also need to know how to position their work in the marketplace. Learning about marketing, social media, sales strategies and brand management is critical to success. Here are 6 keys to fashion marketing. Social media, in particular, plays an important role as it is a powerful tool to showcase your collections and reach a wider audience.

If what you are really passionate about is fashion communication and marketing, our Official Degree in Fashion Management and Communication is a perfect option for you.

Internships and Professional Experience

The Official Degree in Fashion Design includes academic internships, which offer students real professional experience. Upon completion, students will be able to design patterns for different garments, taking into account the materials and textures of the designs. They will be able to apply the appropriate methodologies, procedures, tools and instruments for the development of a fashion design collection. They will be able to recognise the different types of knitted or woven fabrics and their finishes, following sustainable processes. In addition, they will know the techniques of pattern development, cutting and assembly of garments. They will make appropriate use of shapes, textures, colours, techniques and tools in fashion designs. They will be able to demonstrate the correct use of oral and written language in fashion design communication. They will have to apply the techniques of pattern making, cutting, assembly, tailoring, printing and choice of materials and will use the necessary computer tools in the creative development of fashion designs. All these skills and experiences obtained in the internship will be very useful when it comes to entering the labour market, as many companies require a minimum of experience when hiring.

Develop your own project

If you want to be independent, you can start by creating your own collections, even if they are small. Paula Garcia, a UDIT alumni, created the Paula Iris brand from scratch, discover the work behind the creation of your own collection and brand. This will give you a better idea of what it takes to create and present a complete collection, from design to production.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgIW7xJUBxw

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