How To Become A Fashion Designer In South Africa & Subjects Needed

Filed in Article by on May 3, 2021 • 0 Comments

Are you looking for a way to become a Fashion Designer in South Africa and you don’t know the subjects needed or even universities in South Africa where you can undergo the course? If yes, then this informative article is for you. You will be given detailed information about how to become a Fashion Designer in South Africa, Universities and Subjects Needed.

What Does A Fashion Designer Do?

Fashion designers create clothes, accessories and shoes for consumers. There are three main sectors: haute couture designers work on expensive one-off creations, working directly with the client; ready-to-wear (or prêt-a-porter) designers work on garments, bearing the designer’s name, that are sold in small numbers but often at a high price; and, lastly, high street store designers work in a team to develop cheaper ranges for the mass market.

The responsibilities of a fashion designer may include:

  • Working to design instructions
  • Analysing or predicting trends in fabrics, colours and shapes; producing concept and mood boards
  • Making sketches by hand or on the computer
  • Developing basic shapes through patterns
  • Estimating costs for materials and manufacture
  • Sourcing suppliers; supervising the making up of sample clothing items
  • Making in-house presentations.

Fashion designers often work closely with garment technologists and sample machinists. They also liaise with manufacturers (often based overseas) to make sure that designs are reproduced accurately.

What Qualifications Do I Need?

Formal education isn’t required to enter this field, but most fashion designers have a bachelor’s degree or diploma in fashion design or a related field. A course that teaches both design and technical skills will give the practical knowledge needed to work in this highly competitive industry.

A National Senior Certificate that meets the requirements for a diploma or degree course is a prerequisite to the courses offered at universities and technikons. An internship is a valuable addition to having a qualification, as is gaining experience by working as an assistant to a fashion designer.

What Subjects Do I Need?

Contact each institution for their specific requirements, but these subjects are recommended:

  • Visual Arts
  • History
  • Business Economics
  • Home Economics

Where Can I Study?

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Damelin Education Group

Durban University of Technology

False Bay FET College

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Tshwane North FET College

Tshwane University of Technology

University of Johannesburg

Spero Villioti Elite Design Academy

Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion Design

Cape Town College of Fashion Design

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