Fashion Designers, You’re Going To Want To Listen To This.
If you’re a Designer, one of many sorts, whether it’s a Fashion Apparel Designer, Accessories Designer or Footwear Designer you will no doubt be asked to submit your own portfolio when applying for a new opportunity! How exciting! This is your time, your moment to shine and you should take this amazing opportunity with both hands to showcase not only your technical experience, your current work experience, and your own personal design style that only you can bring to the brand.
In my opinion this is so important and a big factor as to whether you will be invited for an interview for a particular brand, So take your time, pour love and effort into the smallest details, think about how you are presenting yourself and ask yourself before you hit send does this portfolio reflect the direction as to where your career goals align?
The most well received Portfolios that I’ve seen in my experience are well thought through, flow well from inspiration all the way through to fabrics and trim and the designs must be cohesive. They aren’t over the top large files, just succinct, relevant to the brand and your best recent work. They demonstrate that you understand the brand you are applying for and have thought about how your experience can be relevant and elevating, to the brand’s well-established DNA.
Yes, they most definitely want to see you understand their brand’s DNA and can ensure you easily align with this. However all brands are continually evolving and like to see a fresh eye to their DNA from a Designer so keep that in mind.
Think about top performing ‘it’ brands, think about current trends, all brands will want to see that you are on top of these and can execute them in their own unique way. Is the brand you are hoping to be offered a role in the luxury market, are they high performance fabrics, are they fast fashion, or perhaps focused on colour, graphics, prints? Perhaps they are well known for their incredible fit, you know what I mean, you can order online with confidence and just know for sure it will fit! How can you tweak, customise and elevate your portfolio to align and showcase you ‘get it’. you know who they are. Then you truly connect with the brand and have their attention!
Next phase in the interview process- Design Project. How can you get this right and stand out from the rest? So, you now have conquered the first hurdle and have the brand’s full attention. They see you are aligned with their brand, would potentially be an excellent addition to their team, the only thing is there are perhaps three other candidates in the final stage of the process who also have the brand’s attention!
Design Project Stage. How are you going to be the standout candidate? Always, without a doubt, go the extra mile! Add the finer details with a balanced mix of fabrics and silhouettes, present your Design Project in a beautiful, curated style. Set aside time in your hectic life and sit for a moment to really think about this brand.
Questions you can ask yourself:
Why do you really want this role?
What can you offer?
What do you absolutely love about this brand and their DNA.
What are their key strengths as a brand?
Which pieces of their current range would you personally purchase and why?
What makes them stand out and unique?
Identify these key points- is it their colour, signature neutrals, original print designs, amazing fit, emotive and romantic, reference to retro, classic style, trend driven, the ‘go to dress’ for events, bold structures in their design, natural fibres for sustainability? Nail this understanding and you’ll nail the project.
Taking a moment to understand the brand and plan key elements to align to them whilst allowing the brand to see who you are and what you could essentially add to bring to their table is vital. If you were in their shoes, what and who would be your inspiration? Who is the brand, and what does the future look like for them as they grow and innovate from your perspective?
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to discuss your thoughts, bounce ideas, or get our humble opinion on your Portfolio or Design Project. And remember one last thing, to quote our loved icon Coco Chanel “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off” let’s adapt this to our Portfolios and Design Projects as clean lines, clarity and cohesion are key. “Before you press send, look at your portfolio and consider taking something off”.
If you’d like to connect with Jo to take the next step in your retail career, email Jo@thetalentmill.com.au today.
By Jo Dickson // Edited By Shannon Parsons