Ah, the life of a fashion student. Contrary to popular belief, we are not going into the fashion industry because we like cute clothes and shopping. We are going into the industry because we are fascinated with the fashion cycle, clothing, and the story it can tell. There is a lot of misconceptions regarding fashion as a degree, and I'm here to tell you the true life of a fashion major.
1. Our major isn't always taken seriously.
Like other art majors, design majors, and other creative majors, people tend to write it off like we can't be serious about actually making a career out of this.
2. There is a vast amount of careers in the fashion and textile industry.
People seem to wonder how I could ever find a job in such an industry, but one might be surprised. According to a study in 2014, the clothing and textile industry employees approximately 60 million people. There are careers in sales, manufacturing, journalism, buying, merchandising, styling, designing, etc.
3. We're not all aspiring designers
"So what's your major?"
"Fashion merchandising."
"Oh, so you, like, want to be a fashion designer?"
4. Everyone seems to think we need to be dressed well 24/7.
Sorry, but I'm just as entitled to the occasional mismatch socks and sandals and a stained hoodie outfit, just as every other college student is. Catch us the other 80% of the time, we're killin' the fashion game.
5. It's not cheap.
In this semester alone, I've pretty much spent my entire life savings at fabric and craft stores. Not to mention all the money I've spent looking fashionable, to adhere to the above truth. And let's face it, most of us like to look cute all the time.
6. Everyone wants us to be their personal shopper.
"Dress me!" - everyone one of a fashion students friend/ family member since you declared your major. It's really usually fun for us, if they take our advice.
7. It's not easy.
Sometimes you put your all into something and you still get it wrong. Whether it's a math problem for an engineering major or a garment for a fashion major, it's difficult in its own way. Other people might think fashion courses are easy, but just because we're not doing long calculations, we're still racking our brains to bring out all of our creativity.
8. Everyone also wants us to be their personal seamstress.
"Make me something!" or "Can you make me a dress for this wedding?" I'm sorry, I'm NOT an aspiring designer. Do you really want a garment with uneven seams?
9. It's the most fun major, and I couldn't be more glad that I chose it.
Although all the projects are difficult and the tests are trying, I cannot wait to make my break in the fashion industry. Through all the sketching, sewing, planning, writing, I get to be my creative self all the way.
