Creating a Successful Fashion Collection

Fashion design students about to start out on their professional career are shown how to showcase their talent and stand out from the competition in their quest for a rewarding job. This book instructs in editing and targeting a Graduate Collection, and then shows how to present it in a winning portfolio. Author Steven Faerm discusses the student's graduate thesis collection from first concept and inspiration to a final merchandising plan. He goes on to analyze the qualities that make a stellar portfolio--its layout, use of color, labeling, and more. A following section focuses on strategies for successful job hunting, including creating a winning résumé and cover letter, making a winning impression at job interviews, seeking out internships, and more. The book concludes with descriptions of specific careers to seek in the fashion industry, including fashion designer, costume designer, patternmaker, buyer, fashion journalist, fashion illustrator, and many others. An inspiring text is complemented with more than 400 color illustrations.
(back cover)
Steven Faerm is the former Director and current Assistant Professor and Curriculum Coordinator of Fashion Design at Parsons The New School for Design in New York City. His previous book, The Fashion Design Course, is also available from B.E.S..

The world of fashion is experiencing seismic changes. Manufacturing is being outsourced to other continents, design is becoming democratized, and young fashion designers must work harder than ever if they hope to be recognized. Simply put, talent is everything--but if newcomers hope to be successful, they must also learn how to present themselves in the very best light. This book will teach you how to showcase your talent and stand head and shoulders above the competition.

Learn everything you need to know to become a professional designer and entrepreneur.

Understand how to sell your vision as a fashion designer.

Discover how to develop a first-rate graduate collection for entry into the professional studio--or to launch your solo career.

Find out how to edit and target a collection and a portfolio based on key fashion genres: sportswear, active wear, evening wear, lingerie, or others.

Understand how layouts, art direction, and merchandising can vary.

Master the art of presenting yourself and your work at job interviews, pitching for freelance work, or promoting your own business.
Steven Faerm is the former Director and current Assistant Professor and Curriculum Coordinator of Fashion Design at Parsons The New School for Design in New York City. He is also author of The Fashion Design Course, available in North America from B.E.S..