Difference Between Fashion Design and Fashion Communication

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.

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.

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.

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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

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.

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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

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.