Difference Between Fashion Design and Fashion Communication

Difference Between Fashion Design and Fashion Communication

SundararajanUpdated on 24 Oct 2024, 06:09 PM IST

The Fashion industry has grown by leaps and bounds within a decade. As there are a number of courses in fashion design, the young and creative minds of the country are not able to figure out what specialization to go for. With a diversity of choices out there, students encounter a huge dilemma one of which is fashion designing or fashion communication.

Difference Between Fashion Design and Fashion Communication
Difference between Fashion Designing and Fashion Communication

So what is the difference between fashion designing and fashion communication? To draw you a clear picture, Careers360 interviewed Nandita Abraham, President of Pearl Academy and alumni of NIFT Delhi to know all about careers in design, different job prospects of fashion designing and fashion communication, how both courses are related, salary prospects, etc.

Design Careers by Nandita Abraham

Watch this video to find out what Nandita Abraham, President of Pearl Academy, has to say about Design Careers - options, opportunities, and education.

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Fashion Communication vs Fashion Design

Fashion designing is an art that covers the broad spectrum of fabrics, styles, patterns, colours, and trends that define the fashion of a particular era. It is not just limited to clothes and trends but also includes the area of accessories, handbags, and footwear. The combined study of all these aspects comes under a fashion designing course.

According to Nandita Abraham, “If you have a creative and innovative mind when it comes to clothing and attire, fashion designing is the right choice for you.

Design is for curious, creative people who are not scared of technology. Someone who likes to do different things is where innovation comes into play. It is for someone who wants to express themselves. ”On the other hand fashion communication is a specialized programme that enables students to acquire communication skills pertinent to the Fashion and Lifestyle industry. Nandita says,

“Fashion communication is about creating communication through content, blogs, the content of movies, magazines, etc. You will be working with social media, promoting the content online, and working with fashion films, events, and magazines.” Hence fashion design students go into the field of fashion design, whereas communication students become multi-media communicators and designers.

What is fashion communication design?

Fashion communication design refers to a specialised field within the fashion industry that focuses on visual storytelling, branding, marketing, and public relations related to fashion. Professionals in this field use various media such as photography, styling, digital content, advertising, and event planning to effectively communicate fashion concepts, trends, and brand identities to the target audience. They play a crucial role in shaping the image and perception of fashion brands, creating compelling narratives that resonate with consumers and stakeholders alike.

Browse Top Fashion Design Colleges by Location

How are Fashion Designing and Fashion Communication interlinked?

Experts in fashion communication are aware of the fashion design domain and are mostly certified, fashion designers. They have the required skills in visualizing, designing, and writing creatively to put the perspective on the product forward. Formal training in fashion communication is a part of my study at fashion design institutes.

Words have the power to give meaning, inspire thoughts and inspire curiosity and faith. Creative writing is essential for successful campaigns. A designer should be well aware of the ways a good copy can make a great difference in promoting a fashion product, leading to its sale. Fashion design and communication collaborate to bring creative concepts to life through both innovative garment creation and effective brand storytelling strategies.

The designer should have a skill in creative writing that suits the fashion and lifestyle industries. These industries are the major contributors in bringing expression and utility to every product used in daily life. According to Nandita Abraham, “ Fashion also has a technology. You now create fashion online. But technology is not something to be afraid of.”

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Fashion Design vs Fashion Communication: Scope

According to Nandita, “Today people are more interested in fashion, about what they wear and are more careful about what they select.” When asked about what is more lucrative-fashion designing or fashion communication?, she says, “Any job or profession you do well will be lucrative. Suppose your heart is not in fashion design but you think Manish Malhotra makes so much money so why not. Fashion design and communication are two integral aspects of the fashion industry that work together to create and promote new styles and trends. Fashion communication vs fashion design explores the strategic aspects of branding and marketing versus the creative process of garment and accessory design.

But remember 50 percent of your life will be sitting around garments. So do you like that or do you like working with social media, fashion films, and events magazines where you originally present your idea?” The job roles in fashion communication are:

  • Fashion Designer

  • Graphic Designer

  • Fashion Journalist

  • Professor

  • Design Assistant

  • Fashion Assistant

  • Fashion Marketing Manager

  • Fashion Editor

  • Fashion Photographer

  • Art Director

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As a professional fashion designer, you can work in areas like designer wear production, fashion marketing, planning, and concept management. Then there is a decent salary in the design industry in India. There is fashion media, design production management, fashion accessory design, quality control, and promotion of brands.

Also Check: Top Fashion Design Colleges in Delhi

Other roles include apparel production manager, fabric buyer, fabric quality control manager, showroom sales representative, illustrator, cutting assistant, and outside sales representative. Those interested in a career in fashion design can also become entrepreneurs and form their own companies. Fashion communication salary will vary in India depending on brand, company, and location.

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Fashion Design vs Fashion Communication

Fashion DesignFashion Communication
The art of fashion designing encompasses the diverse range of materials, designs, motifs, hues, and fashions that characterize the style of a specific time periodFashion communication is a focused course that trains students to communicate effectively in the Fashion and Lifestyle sector.
Besides clothes and trends, it also covers accessories, handbags, and footwear.Fashion communication involves producing and sharing content, blogs, movies, magazines, and more. You will use social media to market the content online and collaborate with fashion films, events, and magazines.
A fashion design course covers the integration of all these elements. Fashion Communication is a vital part of the fashion sector. You will learn how to communicate effectively in the fashion and lifestyle fields.

Note: Fashion design vs fashion communication: one focuses on creating garments and accessories, while the other centres on promoting fashion brands through marketing and communication strategies.

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Questions related to NIFT Entrance Exam

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to NIFT Entrance Exam ?

Hello Neharika

These are the topics which are most important in the Current affairs section in respect to NIFT Entrance Exam:

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Hope this answer helps! Thank You!!!


Hello,

According to the sources, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance exam for 2026 will be held in February 2026. Also, the registration period may open from November 2025.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello,
It’s completely understandable to feel disheartened after not getting a seat in the first and second rounds, especially when you’ve filled all the colleges and have your hopes set on a particular course like Fashion Communication . With an OBC rank of 1910 and CMR 7192, your chances can improve in the upcoming counselling rounds as more students withdraw or shift to other colleges.
So make sure to check the further rounds of counselling and don’t lose hope. Many students get seats in the 3rd, 4th, and mop-up rounds. You can also consider updating your preference list or keeping a wider range of courses and campuses open in case you're okay with related fields.
Keep checking the official NIFT website for updates on seat allotment and further counselling instructions.
Thank you

Dear Candidate ,
Yes , you are eligible for NIFT - UG 2026 . Based on your birthdate , you will be 19 years old as of August 1 , 2026 , which is well within the age limit .
NIFT requires applicants to be under 24 years of age on August 1 of the admission year , with a 5 year relaxation for SC/ST/PwD candidates .

Hello

The syllabus of NIFT 2026 will be released on October 2025 by Nift officials on their official website nift.ac.in . The syllabus comprises of topics General Ability Test (GAT) and Creative Ability Test (CAT). The syllabus is different for UG and PG programmes. The GAT syllabus consists of :

  • Communication ability and English comprehension
  • Quantitative ability
  • Analytical and Reasoning
  • Case study
  • General knowledge and current affairs

The CAT syllabus consists important topics like

  • Creative ability
  • Observation power
  • Discernment ability
  • Design ability
  • Colour combination ability

To download the complete syllabus kindly refer this

https://design.careers360.com/articles/nift-syllabus

Good luck !