10 Skills Every Aspiring Fashion Designer Should Develop
At the Suryadatta Institute of Fashion Technology (SIFT) in Pune which I have been a professor of fashion design for over a decade, I have mentored students from their first sketches to runways.
The fashion world is exciting but very competitive. To stand out, you need beyond just talent -- you also require a mix of creative and technical skills as well as business acumen.
Let us look at the top skills which every aspiring fashion designers you should develop and how SIFT does it for you.
1. Sketching & Illustration: Your visual language.
In every case, design starts with a sketch. As you are creating a cocktail dress or an athleisure piece out there, what you can put your ideas down in a sketch is fundamental. At SIFT we put forward both hand drawn and digital illustrations. According to The Business of Fashion 82% of employers value candidates which are skilled in visual communication. Daily practice is key starting with croquis fashion figures) and playing with shading, texture, proportion. Tools like Procreate and Adobe Illustrator will be your go to.
Pro Tip: Visit the lively markets of Pune like Tulsi Baug to see how traditional garments are put together. Also do some sketching for that real world inspiration.
2. Fabric Knowledge: Design's Spirit.
Fabric knowledge is a must. Silk falls are different from cotton; stretch fabrics require precise work. Also did we know that 4 out of 10 design failures are due to bad fabric choices? (Textile Association of India). At SIFT we run workshops which see students interact with fabric suppliers and we teach sustainability practices which is a must in today’s eco conscious market.
3. Fabric Design and Production.
A perfect sketch is useless if it isn’t sewn. Design is what bridges the gap to reality. At SIFT we have at our disposal industrial sewing machines and 3D design software like CLO3D. Our students learn to develop perfect patterns which, in turn, reduce waste and costs.
Fact: Poor quality products which make up 40% of what is sold in retail. Precision in this area improves your professional reputation.
4. Color Trends and Forecasting.
Color is the element that sets the tone. Look into the psych of colors red for boldness, neutrals for minimalism. Use tools like WGSN and Pantone to track trends. For instance, in 2023 Pantone’s “Viva Magenta” was the dominant trend. At SIFT we study runway shows and India’s rich festival scenes (like Ganesh Chaturthi) to decode cultural color trends.
5. Business Acumen: From Creation to Commerce.
Fashion is a business. Look into pricing, brand development, and marketing. At SIFT we have entrepreneurship modules which see students develop mock business plans. Did you know that 70% of independent brands go under because of bad financial planning? (from the Fashion Retail Academy). Develop your brand identity and use Instagram to put your portfolio out there.
6. Connection Coordination.
Fashion is a team effort. We have you working with pattern designers, marketers, and photographers. SIFT’s industry engagement is like our annual “Designers’ Summit” which sees students connect with Pune’s best professionals.
7. Flexibility of Problem Solving.
Industry is constantly changing. During the Great Lockdown virtual fashion shows took over. SIFT’s “Agile Design” workshops teach you to turn on a dime -- whether it be that of sourcing sustainable fabrics or fixing last minute client issues.
8. Care for Detail.
A single out of place stitch can mess up a design. At SIFT we go for perfection down to the hem. We use checklists to go over seams, buttons, and linings.
9. Cultural Sensitivity.
Pune’s great past -- which includes the Paithani saree, is a well of inspiration. From Gucci which is based in the global market to other large scale brands Indian patterns are in all we see. SIFT’s field trips to heritage sites and craft clusters will raise your cultural IQ.
10. Tech Literacy.
From technology which powers trend analysis to virtual try-ons, tech is transforming fashion. At SIFT we teach digital pattern making and blockchain for supply chain transparency.
Why SGI SIFT? Home to the best talent in design in Pune.
At Suryadatta Institute of Fashion Technology we go beyond design; we build careers. We have a 360-degree approach which includes:
Industry-Aligned Curriculum: Updated every year from brands like Raymond and Fab India.
Expert Faculty: Attend shows at Lakme Fashion Week.
Kickstart Your Fashion Journey with SIFT
If you are ready to turn your passion into a profession, SIFT’s BSc program is for you. Join our present batch and see what the best in Pune’s fashion scene has to offer.
Conclusion:
Fashion design is a long-term game instead of a quick fix. Build these skills out, keep your curiosity alive, and step into the challenge. With SIFT’s support you will graduate not just as a designer but as a visionary ready to transform the industry.