The fashion industry offers endless opportunities, but what if you’ve spent years perfecting your design skills and are now looking to make the jump from the creative side to the business side? Transitioning from design to retail or fashion business roles can feel like a big leap, but it’s entirely possible—and it can open up a world of new career possibilities.
At u&i, we specialise in matching talented professionals with roles in fashion and textiles, and we’ve seen many designers make successful transitions into business-focused positions. Whether you’re eyeing a career in buying, merchandising, or brand management, here’s what you need to know to understand the shift from runway to retail.
Use Your Design Experience
As a designer, you’ve honed an incredibly valuable skill set that can be applied across a wide range of fashion business roles. Whether it’s understanding trends, managing timelines, or working within tight budgets, your design experience gives you a unique perspective that can set you apart in business-focused positions.
When transitioning to a business role, focus on how your creative background can add value. For instance, your deep understanding of design processes and consumer trends can be an asset when working as a buyer or in marketing. Your experience creating collections can help you identify what products will resonate with consumers or influence sales strategies.
In interviews or applications, highlight how your design background translates into an understanding of the market, consumer preferences, and overall brand identity. These are key skills that business roles in fashion need, and they’re directly transferable from your design work.
Build a Strong Understanding of Fashion Business Fundamentals
While your design expertise is valuable, transitioning to a business role requires a solid understanding of the core elements of the fashion business. Familiarise yourself with areas like product development, inventory management, and retail strategies. A background in marketing, supply chain management, or sales forecasting can also be incredibly helpful.
Consider taking additional courses or certifications to bridge the gap. Platforms like Coursera or The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) offer courses in fashion business, marketing, and management that can provide you with the skills necessary for a smooth transition.
Some roles you might want to explore include:
- Buying and Merchandising: If you’re keen to decide which products make it to the shelves, buying and merchandising could be a great fit. You’ll need to understand retail trends, manage budgets, and collaborate with designers to ensure products meet the target consumer’s needs.
- Brand Management: If you’ve always had a vision for how a brand should look and feel, transitioning to brand management may be ideal. In this role, you’ll oversee the brand’s image, messaging, and overall market presence.
- Retail Management: If you’re passionate about the customer experience and the business of selling, retail management or store operations might be your calling. You’ll manage staff, and operations, and drive sales, all while ensuring the brand’s aesthetic and values are maintained.
Develop Your Business Acumen
To make a successful transition, it’s important to gain an understanding of the business side of fashion. Brush up on basic financial principles, such as profit margins, pricing strategies, and budgeting. This will help you better understand how business decisions are made and how design plays a role in profitability.
Developing skills in data analysis can also be a game-changer. As a designer, you’re used to creating based on intuition and trends, but on the business side, being able to interpret sales data, customer behaviour, and market research is crucial. Understanding how to use this information to drive sales, improve collections, or adjust marketing strategies will make you a valuable asset in any business role.
Network and Build Relationships
Networking plays a vital role in career transitions, especially in fashion. Reach out to professionals who have made the leap from design to business, and learn from their experiences. Attending industry events, workshops, and conferences is an excellent way to network and deepen your understanding of the fashion business.
At u&i, we often help candidates expand their networks and find mentors who can offer valuable advice. Consider connecting with fashion professionals on LinkedIn or joining industry groups to stay informed and engage in conversations about fashion business topics.
Emphasise Transferable Skills in Your Application
When applying for roles in the fashion business, focus on the skills you’ve developed as a designer that are directly applicable to business roles. Here are a few examples of transferable skills:
- Project Management: As a designer, you’re used to working on multiple projects with strict deadlines. This experience translates well into managing product timelines or overseeing retail campaigns.
- Creative Problem-Solving: Designers constantly solve problems creatively, whether it’s finding new ways to innovate with materials or adapting designs to meet market demands. This skill is highly valuable when working on product strategies or brand development.
- Team Collaboration: Fashion is rarely a solo endeavour. Whether you’ve worked with manufacturers, suppliers, or marketing teams, your ability to collaborate will be a key asset in any business role.
Make sure your CV reflects these skills, and be prepared to discuss them in your interviews. Emphasising these strengths shows that, while you may be new to the business side of fashion, you bring a wealth of relevant experience.
Final Thoughts
The transition from design to business in fashion is an exciting and rewarding move that opens up new career pathways. By using your design experience, building a strong understanding of fashion business fundamentals, and networking with industry professionals, you’ll be well-equipped to make the leap. At u&i, we’re here to support you every step of the way, helping you find the right role and offering guidance on your career journey.
If you’re ready to explore new career opportunities in the fashion business, check out our latest vacancies or get in touch with our team to learn more about how we can help. Your future in fashion awaits!
