Are you looking to launch a career in the fashion industry? Whether you’re interested in a career in design, communications or entrepreneurship, here are five fantastic titles that you should take the time to read…
How to Set Up and Run a Fashion Label by Toby Meadows
This book is a great starting point for anyone considering launching their own label. Establishing and leading a label to success takes a great deal of business knowledge and acumen, as well as the actual ability to design. There are so many things you need to consider, from manufacturing through to PR and marketing; Tony Meadow’s practical guide will teach you everything you need to know about laying the foundations of a fashion label. Bursting with tips, tasks and prime examples, How to Set Up and Run a Fashion Label is sure to set you on the path to success.
Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington
She might have announced her decision to step down as Vogue’s creative director just last week, but Grace Coddington’s knowledge and insight of the fashion industry are limitless. In her memoir, Grace recalls some of the most pivotal points in her life, talking the reader through the early stages of her career, as well as her many years spent at the world’s favourite fashion title. Grace: A Memoir delves intothe reality of working in fashion, and exposes what it’s really like to make it to the top. Recounting the car accident that almost destroyed her modelling career and the untimely death of her sister, Grace has certainly overcome some obstacles to get to where she is today, making her a real inspiration for anyone hoping to succeed in such a notoriously competitive industry.
The Fashion Designer Survival Guide by Mary Gehlhar
Industry author and consultant, Mary Gehlhar, offers a fantastic insight into the world of fashion, as well as industry pointers and essential business information that everyone needs to know before launching a career as an independent designer. Alongside her own advice, Mary has compiled guidance from other industry professionals, including Tommy Hilfiger and Donna Karan. The Fashion Designer Survival Guide will teach you how to create a sustainable business plan, how to make funds last when you’re going it alone, and where to source the best fabrics and materials.
Illustrating Fashion: Concept to Creation by Steven Stipelman
Steven Stipelman’s beautifully illustrated Illustrating Fashion: Concept to Creation provides an intricate step-by-step guide, teaching you how to sketch basic fashion figures, paying close attention to detail and explaining a number of different techniques used to render fashion illustration. The book also goes into great detail, exploring the slightly more difficult areas of fashion illustration, such as drawing draped garments and creating flats. Using famous designer garments as examples, Steven conveys specific concepts, and also the garments’ place in history.
Leave Your Mark by Aliza Licht
Global fashion communications executive, Aliza Licht, delivers personal and professional advice, not only to anyone looking to kick-start their career, but also to those who already have their foot through the door. With a focus on communication and building a brand, Aliza draws on her own experiences, and the advice she offers is incredibly relevant in the contemporary world of work where – especially online – it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish between personal and professional identities. Leave Your Mark will make you laugh out loud, but will also offer you guidance that’s guaranteed to help you refine your brand identity and advance in your career.