Not like many careers that need specific subjects in order to qualify to do it, fashion designing demands no specific subjects and there is also no age restriction.
One of Kwatsaduza’s fashion designers, Nonhlanhla Mogale, says a fashion design course is available at colleges and universities.
She explains that the course duration differs from one institution to another.
“Some institutions offer a one-year and six-month diploma course at university, the course takes a minimum of three years,” says Nonhlanhla.
She says, in order for one to become a fashion designer, talent alone is not enough but one needs to be creative, have a love for fashion and always be aware of the new fashion colours, fabric and know what the client wants.
First year modules
Garment technology
Pattern technology
Production environment studies
Textile studies
Communication and human resources
Computer studies
Two and three dimensional design
Creative design and technical drawing
Drawing and illustration
Theory of clothing
Second year
Pattern technology and grading
Computer pattern making
Garment technology
Production environment studie
Business studies
Two and three dimensional design
Creative design and technical drawing
Theory of clothing
Third year
Computer pattern making
Garment technology
Pattern technology and grading
Production environment studies
Business studies
Two and three dimensional design
Creative design and technical drawing
Drawing and illustration
Theory of clothing
Nonhlanhla confirms that the fashion industry is one of the toughest industries to work in.
She says hard work, dedication and loving fashion are the tickets to having a decent salary and growing the business.
Despite the challenges that exist in the fashion industry, Nohlanhla encourages the youth to study to become fashion designers and open their own businesses to be recognised as one of the biggest names in the industry.