Skills Needed to Thrive in Bangalore’s Fashion-Tech Industry
Today, in order to thrive in any industry, you constantly need to upgrade your skill-set. The fashion industry is no different. It’s a dynamic field that requires one to have creative, technical and business skills. If you lack certain skills, your peers will leave you behind. With the right technical knowhow, you will be able to meet the challenges of design, production and marketing.
In a cosmopolitan city like Bangalore, having the right fashion industry knowledge is invaluable. Whether you’re just starting out or have established yourself in the field, technical skills are mandatory. We’ve shortlisted some of the most important skills you need to establish yourself in the fashion segment of Bangalore.
Technical Skills to Succeed in the Fashion Industry
3D Design & Modelling
In the apparel making industry, 3D design has emerged as a game-changer. Whether it’s fittings, alterations or visualisation, 3D modelling has considerably minimised the scope for errors, and the time taken to produce a garment. It also offers more opportunities to customise a garment. As a fashion/apparel designer, knowing 3D design software is imperative.
CAD
Most fashion designing courses have CAD in their curriculum. Have you ever stopped and wondered what it is? Learning CAD ensures a higher rate of accuracy. Whether it’s creating 2D flat sketches or 3D illustration, the software has digitised pattern-making. Back in the day, apparel was made without keeping the end consumer in mind. Today, the software allows you to see what the garment might look like once completed. The entire process is a lot more efficient. CAD is an essential part of any fashion design programme.
UI/UX Design
There is a common misconception that only graphic and web designers need to know UI/UX design. Well, on the contrary, it is the most important skill fashion designers should know. In the fashion industry, understanding consumer preference is important. It helps in creating a seamless and consumer-rich experience. For instance, these days virtual fitting rooms have become immensely popular. By understanding how to use design software, upcoming designers can curate a personalised shopping experience for every consumer. UI/UX also helps with prototyping. They can constantly test interactive prototypes for fashion tech platforms.
Digital Marketing
These days, it doesn’t matter which field you’re in, knowing certain digital marketing skills will take you a long way. It will even help you market your products. For instance, if you own a fashion-tech business, it’s important that you learn how to market yourself on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. This not just helps with engagement but brand-building too. Besides this, basic social media knowledge is also key. These days, everybody is shopping on their smartphone. Thus, knowing how to target ads and manage ecommerce platforms are a few technical skills that are an added advantage in your resume.
Fabric Manipulation
If you’re a fashion professional involved in design, sourcing and production, it’s important to have knowledge about textiles and fabrics. A few technical skills with regard to fabric manipulation include pleating, smocking and draping. With the knowledge of innovative techniques, fashion designers can create distinctive textures and silhouettes. Fashion houses prefer hiring individuals who are abreast with an array of technical skills.
Data Analytics & AI
When fashion designers release a particular collection, they don’t do it randomly. They first understand consumer behaviour, the latest trends, and then conduct fashion forecasts. While there are people who specialise in AI, machine learning and data analytics, having basic knowledge is always an advantage. It’s important to understand how you can use AI as a value-added tool. From making personalised size recommendations to predicting sizes, AI is taking the fashion industry by a storm.
Fashion Merchandising
As a fashion design professional, retail buying and product management is equally important. You should know everything about analysing sales data, forecasting trends and managing aspects. This will help you drive business growth. Seeking help from an account professional is also a good idea. However, basic knowledge is key.
Sustainable Fashion Knowledge
Today, the fashion industry is witnessing a seismic shift towards sustainability and ethical sourcing. From understanding eco-friendly materials to sustainable production methods, waste reduction and circular fashion, it’s important to know how to be sustainable in the digital era.
Conclusion
If you’re someone who is looking to shape a career in today’s fashion-tech industry, having these skills is paramount. At Vogue Institute of Art & Design, we offer a BSc in Fashion and Apparel Design that helps you grasp all the skills required in the fashion technology world. Whether you’re a designer, merchandiser, or garment maker, technical skills will take you a long way. You will also be presented with better job prospects.
