When people think of fashion careers, the roles of designers and stylists often come to mind. However, the fashion industry offers a wide array of exciting, impactful roles that donât require sketching a garment or assembling an outfit. From visual storytelling to brand-building, non-design fashion careers can be just as rewarding and allow for ample creative expression. Hereâs a look at some of these lesser-known yet vital roles in fashion, including creative direction, and the types of internships that can pave the way for success.
Creative DirectorÂ
A creative director is responsible for developing a brandâs overall visual and conceptual identity. They oversee campaigns, direct photoshoots, and ensure that all creative content aligns with the brand’s aesthetic and values. Creative directors play a crucial role in shaping how a brand is perceived by the public and work closely with marketing, photography, and design teams to bring concepts to life. Aspiring creative directors should look for internships in marketing, advertising, and brand development. Many start as junior art directors, content creators, or even graphic designers. Interning with major fashion houses or digital media agencies provides valuable insight into the creative process and the opportunity to collaborate on real campaigns. Additionally, roles in photography or videography can be a great stepping stone, as creative direction often involves working with visual media.
Fashion Marketing Manager
Fashion marketing managers are responsible for promoting a brand and driving sales through marketing campaigns. They develop strategies for product launches, engage with audiences on social media, and create promotional events. Marketing managers work to build a brand’s image and connect with consumers, which requires both creativity and an understanding of market trends. Marketing internships are essential for this role. Look for opportunities in fashion brands’ marketing or public relations departments. Social media internships and positions with fashion PR agencies are also valuable, as they offer hands-on experience with campaign planning, social media strategy, and event coordination. Working with influencers or learning about digital marketing can further build the skill set needed for this career.
Fashion MerchandiserÂ
Fashion merchandisers analyze trends, oversee product buying, and develop retail strategies to ensure that a brand’s products meet market demands. This role involves forecasting what will sell well, determining how products should be displayed, and working closely with both designers and buyers. Internships in merchandising or retail are crucial for those interested in this career. Look for roles that allow for experience in trend forecasting, buying, or retail planning. Many major retailers and fashion brands offer summer internships that teach the fundamentals of merchandising, product selection, and retail strategy.
Visual MerchandiserÂ
Visual merchandisers create the in-store and window displays that capture customers’ attention. By designing layouts that highlight products and promote trends, they make stores visually appealing and engaging. This role involves understanding brand aesthetics, consumer psychology, and spatial design. Interning with retail stores or fashion brands in visual merchandising is a key stepping stone for this career. Many companies offer roles where interns help create window displays, arrange store layouts, and plan seasonal setups. Additionally, roles in interior design or event planning can be helpful, as these fields emphasize spatial awareness and visual impact.
Fashion Event CoordinatorÂ
Fashion event coordinators manage the logistics and creative aspects of fashion shows, pop-up events, and launch parties. They work to create memorable experiences that generate buzz and media attention, requiring excellent planning skills and creativity. Event planning internships, especially those within the fashion industry, are ideal for this career. Look for roles with fashion PR firms, event management companies, or fashion houses with large events, like shows and product launches. An internship in public relations can also be beneficial, as event coordinators often work closely with PR teams to build event visibility.Â
Fashion Editor or Content Creator
Fashion editors oversee the creation of editorial content, whether for a magazine, website, or social media. They plan and direct photoshoots, manage content calendars, and write articles or create digital content that reflects a brandâs voice and engages the audience. Editorial internships with fashion magazines, blogs, or content agencies are a must. These roles teach valuable skills in writing, photography, content planning, and media production. Internships with social media influencers or digital marketing teams can also help build expertise in producing content for different platforms and connecting with an audience through storytelling.
Fashion Buyer
Fashion buyers work closely with merchandising and design teams to choose which products to stock based on consumer demand and trend forecasts. They negotiate with suppliers, manage budgets, and strategically select products that align with the brandâs image and meet market needs. Interning in a buying or retail department at a fashion brand or store is crucial. These internships provide experience in product selection, vendor management, and inventory tracking. Roles that offer hands-on experience with budgeting or trend forecasting are especially valuable.
Quality Control Specialist
Quality control specialists ensure that all products meet the brand’s quality standards before they reach customers. This role is essential in maintaining a brandâs reputation and involves inspecting materials, overseeing production processes, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality regulations. Quality control specialists check for consistency in size, color, construction, and overall appearance, identifying and addressing any flaws or inconsistencies. Internships in manufacturing or production with fashion brands or textile companies are valuable for this career. Look for opportunities in quality assurance, garment inspection, or production supervision, as these will provide hands-on experience with the technical side of garment creation. Working with manufacturing teams or textile labs can also help develop an understanding of industry standards, testing methods, and quality management techniques.
Textile Specialist
A textile specialist works closely with fabrics and materials, selecting, testing, and sometimes even developing textiles that align with a brandâs aesthetic and functional needs. These specialists often collaborate with designers, production teams, and quality control to ensure that the fabrics chosen enhance the final productâs look, feel, and durability. They may also research sustainable materials, identify fabric trends, and explore innovative textile technologies. Internships with textile mills, fabric suppliers, or fashion brands’ material sourcing teams are ideal for aspiring textile specialists. Opportunities in textile development, fabric sourcing, or research and development (R&D) for apparel companies offer valuable insight into the fabric supply chain, from selection to production. Additionally, roles in fabric testing labs or sustainability-focused internships can be beneficial for those interested in eco-friendly materials and new fabric technologies.
Each of these fashion careers offers unique ways to contribute to the industryâs creative landscape. To enter these fields, internships are essential; they provide hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and the chance to learn industry best practices.