What Tom Ford and Madonna Can Teach Us about the Fashion Business

by Sarah Clark
sarah.clark@careertrainingdirectory.com
Career Training Directory Columnist

Bravo’s hit show Project Runway has pique the interest of many would-be designers, causing them to take a second, more serious look at a career in fashion. There you’ll find a business that’s more cutting and demanding than many.

The fashion design business is about more than just making beautifully crafted clothes. It’s about creating savvy, sophisticated marketing campaigns that project a very specific image.

Tom Ford is one to watch and emulate. He’s credited with having top-notch design chops along with a keen business instinct. He reinvented Gucci’s image, fashioning it into a brand that is closely associated with youth, beauty, and a sharp modern look. Madonna, of course, has endured decades of trends, successfully reinventing herself with each new album release. Trend setters, fashion insiders, marketers, and designers and well served taking a close examination the nature of her lasting appeal.

Even the greatest designers risk floundering if they don’t know how to navigate the fashion business. The ballyhoo around design talent Olivier Theyskens was recently squelched due to his abrupt departure from Rochas. Rumors circulated the news that he just didn’t have the commercial appeal that the design house demanded.

Learning about the Business of Fashion

For a career in fashion, learn about the business of high and lowest-common denominator fashion. You can pick up some fashion design business savvy on the job, of course, or in school. There you’ll learn about appealing to a mass market, following trends, and currying favor among circles of fashion editors. You’ll find that many fashion design schools offer courses in fashion business. Some are even designed to prepare students for careers as fashion editors, fashion critics, or fashion merchandisers.

Fashion, naturally, is a tough business. But as a fashion designer, you’ll be most successful if you can hang with the toughest in the business, from the demanding fashion editor to the cranky Madison Avenue marketing executive. Start learning and toughening up now, and look forward to a long career as someone in fashion with endurance and gravitas.

About the Author

Sarah Clark is a freelance writer who specializes in postsecondary education and career development.