Why Study Fashion Management [2024]



In a world where fashion is thriving, a degree in fashion management is a superb idea for those who are inclined towards the industry. The world of fashion is not just about clothing and style; it’s a thriving industry with complex dynamics and global reach. Behind the glamour of runway shows and designer collections, there is a need for skilled professionals who can navigate the intricate web of business operations, marketing, branding, and strategic decision-making that drives the fashion world.

The Fashion Market is poised for substantial growth, with projected revenue reaching US$661.60 billion in 2023 and expected annual growth at a rate of 8.60% from 2023 to 2028, culminating in a market volume projection of US$999.50 billion by 2028.

Moreover, the Fashion Market is set to witness an increase in its user base, with an estimated 2.7 billion users by 2028. User penetration is forecasted to rise from 35.0% in 2023 to 37.8% by 2028, with an average revenue per user (ARPU) of approximately US$324.20. These trends indicate a promising outlook for the fashion industry in the coming years

Whether you aspire to lead fashion brands or shape industry trends, understanding the fundamentals of fashion management is key to your success. Let’s dive in and understand all aspects of fashion management.


What is Fashion Management?


This is a question that is often asked by fashion aspirants wishing to enter the industry. To answer this, one has to understand that fashion is a diversified field, from glamour to business operations. Aside from the glamour of the fashion industry is the operations of it – the ones who run the business of the designers and their brands. And this is what Fashion Management is really all about. It encompasses the understanding of marketing, sales, purchase, and inventory management, thus, giving an overall understanding of how the fashion industry actually works.

In brief, here’s what you’ll learn in fashion management:

  • Building Brand Image
  • Marketing Management
  • Merchandising Management
  • Management of Fashion Products
  • Planning and Promotion of Fashion Business
  • Design Development
  • Dynamics of e-Commerce
  • Global Merchandising Strategies (to name a few)

One of the perks of studying Fashion Management is that students are given the opportunities to learn outside of the classroom, including:

  • Field trips to corporate offices of major fashion houses
  • Internships with major fashion companies
  • Extracurricular activities including organising and/or coordinating runway shows

The best part is, pursuing this course does not require you to have a specific background in art, design, or fashion! You can pursue a Fashion Management degree as a qualification in Arts, Science, and/or MBA.

Fashion Management vs Fashion Marketing


Fashion Management and Fashion Marketing are related but distinct fields within the fashion industry:

Fashion Management:

  • Focus: Primarily concerned with the overall management and operations of fashion businesses and brands.
  • Scope: Involves strategic planning, financial management, supply chain, and organizational leadership within the fashion industry.
  • Key Responsibilities: Managing production, inventory, retail operations, and optimizing the entire value chain of a fashion company.
  • Skills: Requires strong business acumen, leadership, and decision-making skills.

Fashion Marketing:

  • Focus: Primarily concentrates on promoting and selling fashion products to the target audience.
  • Scope: Involves market research, advertising, branding, public relations, and consumer behaviour analysis.
  • Key Responsibilities: Developing marketing campaigns, creating brand awareness, and driving sales for fashion products.
  • Skills: Requires creativity, communication, digital marketing, and consumer insights.

While both fields are integral to the fashion industry, Fashion Management leans towards the operational and strategic aspects of the business, while Fashion Marketing emphasizes the promotional and customer-facing aspects. Professionals in these areas often collaborate to ensure a fashion brand’s overall success.

Opportunities, Jobs and Salaries in Fashion Management

One thing that remains constant is that the fashion industry has shifted and will continue to shift to the digital space, and consumers will continue to champion fairness and social justice.

So, the question if a course in fashion management is relevant or not is a given ‘yes, absolutely!’. Here’s a look at a few of the job prospects a degree in Fashion Management will open up for you. So you can find a reason, why really study fashion.

Also Read: MBA in Supply Chain Management: Guide for Indian Students in 2022

#1 Fashion Stylist

Average Salary (in $):$15.36 per hour

Profile: This is one of the highest-paying jobs in the fashion management industry and one of the most interesting ones too. As a fashion stylist, here’s what you’ll do:

  • Plan and coordinate outfits for your client/s
  • Select clothing for ad campaigns, photoshoots, teleshows and/or film productions
  • Attend runways to keep up with the trend
  • Source clothing from brands

There are different types of stylists, i.e., personal stylists, e-commerce/online stylists, still life stylists, and product stylists among others.

#2 Merchandising Manager

Average Salary: $58,093 per year

Profile: This is a first-level manager and plays a pivotal role. A (fashion) merchandising manager makes important decisions on stock, prices, purchases, and marketing by studying the consumers and the market. Other job responsibilities include:

  • Maintaining a store’s visual appearance
  • Co-ordinate sales promotions
  • Check inventory levels
  • Monitor retail prices for competitors

#3 Brand Manager

Average salary:$72,453 per year

Profile: A brand is as good as its manager which is why this is an important profile. As a brand manager, the job responsibilities include:

  • Staying updated on market trends
  • Making strategies to attract and retain customers
  • Making investment decisions based on customer’s behaviour
  • Managing brand communication used in various media
  • Developing, implementing, and executing marketing initiatives and activities

#4 Creative Director

Average salary: $109,013 per year

Profile: This is a people-oriented job as a creative designer that deals with internal as well as external clients. The typical duties/responsibilities of a creative director include:

  • Develop design concepts
  • Maintain quality control over concepts and projects
  • Generate ideas for pitching and proposals by coordinating with the internal team
  • Generate multiple concepts (for a campaign/project)
  • Manage projects from concept through completion

#5E-Commerce manager

Average salary: $68,794 per year

Profile: Being an e-Commerce Manager means that one should be able to work at irregular work hours given the 24/7 nature of online shopping. But, with eCommerce continuing to dominate the fashion market, this will become a vital job in the industry. Job responsibilities include:

  • Oversee and manage the eCommerce department to create a significant online presence.
  • Research and develop new online marketing strategies
  • Plan e-marketing expenditures
  • Maximize search engine traffic
  • Ensure that the format and features of the website are easy to navigate to maximize clarity

The fashion industry offers a lucrative career where you have the opportunity to combine your interests in business and fashion, and excel. Here’s a look at a few of the top institutes offering a Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Fashion Management:

Name of College Course USP Location
Parsons,
The New School for Design
Masters in
Fashion Management
Students can:
Explore fashion’s future with tech, innovation, leadership, and new business models.
Connect with NYC experts, visit studios, and tap into Parsons’ global fashion network.
Innovate fashion systems, social media, e-commerce, and prioritize sustainability and inclusion.
Streamline processes, drive retail innovation, and shape consumer behaviour strategies
US
The Fashion Institute of Technology BSc Fashion Business Management Internships with top brands like Ralph Lauren, Nike, and Macy’s.
Summer internship opportunity in London.
Study abroad options in Australia, Hong Kong, and more.
Access to the on-campus Style Shop through the Merchandising Society.
US
Central Saint Martins (UAL) MA Fashion Design Management Graduates pursue careers in design, buying, merchandising, fashion consultancy, supply chain management, and more, including opportunities at top brands like Alexander McQueen and Burberry.
Live projects with industry clients, international school partnerships, and industry speaker programs enhance students’ industry exposure.
Emphasis on academic depth prepares graduates for advanced research degrees.
MA Fashion Design Management is accredited by the Textile Institute.
UK
London College of Contemporary Art Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Fashion Management and Marketing LCCA prioritizes academic excellence and a friendly learning environment across all disciplines.
The faculty consists of industry experts, granting access to the latest industry knowledge and networks.The programmes are offered in partnership with the University for the Creative Arts.
UK
Istituto Marangoni Bachelors in Fashion Management Equips students with a holistic approach, managing technical-production aspects while considering cultural, social, and economic factors essential for brand development.
Provides in-depth analysis and management skills for fashion collection planning, development, and production.
Teaches a comprehensive understanding of strategic management processes, spanning from mass production to logistics.
Emphasizes effective brand communication utilizing various techniques, languages, and tools.
Encourages critical evaluation of innovation as a fusion of creativity and technology.
Focuses on assessing economic feasibility and identifying improvement areas for products.
Develops strong management skills to facilitate access to the job field and foster relations with economic and productive organizations in the fashion industry.
Italy
Politecnico di Milano International Master in Luxury Management 1-year programme split between Reims, France, and Milan, Italy
Developed in collaboration with the prestigious Prada Group
Emphasis on crafting and overseeing the value chain within luxury organizations
Integrates traditional managerial practices with modern luxury industry concepts
Provides an international perspective, with exposure to global industries and a diverse international faculty.
Italy
Institut Français de la Mode MSc in International Fashion & Luxury Management Diverse academic approach, combining in-class learning, workshops, real-world cases, and experiential education.
Offers strategic immersion in the fashion and luxury ecosystem, granting access to international headquarters, key trade shows, and rich cultural experiences.
Courses and workshops led by Institut Français de la Mode faculty, CEOs, and industry professionals, enabling students to connect with 70+ industry experts yearly.
France
ESMOD Manager of International Development in Fashion and Luxury Industries Post Graduate Degree Conduct strategic studies for global fashion and luxury brand growth
Oversee business development strategies for international fashion and luxury companies
Manage brand image and communications in global markets
Lead marketing and sales teams for fashion and luxury goods companies.
France
BFGU MBA in Fashion Business Exchange program with Parsons School of Design, USA, for 3 months
Comprehensive curriculum covering fashion basics, business management, finance, technology, and design
Focus on applied corporate management and finance in the final year
Encourages independent research and brand business planning
Japan

As you can see, there are plenty of jobs in the fashion management industry and a good salary to earn. So definitely take this path into consideration.

Check out also best master’s degrees for the future and 10 reasons to study abroad.

Date added
19.12.2023

Filed under:

Global Ed

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