What Does a Fashion Coordinator Do?

A Fashion Coordinator is an important person in the fashion industry whose duty is to keep an eye on the latest trends and changes in customer tastes in terms of fashion. The fashion Coordinator does market research and analysis to identify the changing trend. Fashion Coordinators work with Fashion Designers, Fashion Magazines, Retail Stores. They keep themselves updated by reading Fashion magazines, Fashion Blogs, Fashion Websites, etc. They also maintain solid relationships with Designers, Retailers, Suppliers, Venue Managers, and Store Managers. Fashion Coordinators also educate retail salespersons so that the customers can get the best use of all the details needed. They try to obtain fabrics, textiles, and supplies to be updated with the latest trend.

The responsibilities that a Fashion Coordinator undertakes are as follows.

• Make new fashion design plans and bring in new fashion concepts.
• Efficiently coordinating marketing and advertising activities.
• Attend fashion shows to get new ideas on fashion.
• Visiting merchandisers and manufacturers to get an update on new styles and designs.
• Setting meetings with fashion designers to keep up with changing trends.
• Coordinating with Fashion Designers, Manufacturers, and Sales team.
• Picking up the best venues to host a fashion event.
• Organize Fashion shows/Photoshoots.

Steps to follow to become a Fashion Coordinator

Following are some simple yet important steps to become a Fashion Coordinator.

Step 1: Making a decision is one of the important steps to pursue a career in any field. Make the decision based on your Intentions and liking and the growth you want to indulge in. Weigh down all the pros and cons of pursuing a career in Fashion. Predict and project all the possibilities that lie in the field of Fashion. Keep note of every detail you gather regarding your career in Fashion. Based on all the details that you had gathered make a list of all the courses and colleges that offer the course of Fashion Coordinator. Look out for all the possibilities even abroad for better understanding and better choices. Compare all the parameters of pursuing the course in India as well as abroad. Consulting someone who has been in this field can help you to easily understand the course.

Step 2: There is no well-defined structure in 10+2 to choose a particular subject to become a Fashion Coordinator. But one needs to have basic knowledge of Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Computer Applications as these subjects are the building blocks for any course and entrance exam. Take a good amount of knowledge from graduation and learn the concepts of Fashion.

Step 3: Having an in-depth knowledge of what are the exams for entry to some of the best colleges for Fashion can help ease the pain in most of many ways. Be updated with the syllabus and keep track of any changes in the syllabus. Be updated with the list of entrance exams and always have a look at the notification of the particular exam. Prepare using Model Test Papers, Previous Year Papers, and mocks. Make a formula sheet or notebook to revise it out daily as this can also be useful while revision.

Step 4: Finding the best-fit college is a tedious task. Look out for the colleges according to your needs and expectations. Find out the best colleges for the program and have a detailed knowledge of the college like the Fees, Alumni, Placements, Faculty, Facilities, Infrastructure, etc. Talk to Alumni of the respective college to get some detailed information about the college. Do deep analysis and research of the college before opting for any college.

Step 5: After qualifying for the entrance exam, candidates can be called for further rounds of admission which might include Group Discussions and Personal Interviews. some colleges might choose to take an aptitude test or an extempore. Some colleges offer admission via the Counselling rounds wherein different rounds of counselling for admissions are conducted to offer deserving candidates. Some colleges offer admission based on marks scored in the qualifying exams (entrance exams) and some colleges offer admission based on merit and other academic undertakings. Some PG Colleges even undertake your previous Work Experience, Academics, Social work, Certifications, Accolades, etc. to offer admission.

Types of Fashion Coordinators

Fashion Coordinator

The fashion coordinator does market research and analysis to identify the changing trend. Fashion Coordinators work with Fashion Designers, Fashion Magazines, Retail Stores. They keep themselves updated by reading Fashion magazines, Fashion Blogs, Fashion Websites, etc. They also maintain solid relationships with Designers, Retailers, Suppliers, Venue Managers, and Store Managers.

Fashion Blogger

Fashion Bloggers write on recent trends and styles in the fashion world. These trends can be clothes, footwear, Hairstyles, etc. They look over these new trends, use them, recommend the product or style if they like, and share their experience. Fashion Bloggers mainly share their experiences on social media. They also collaborate with fashion designers to write eye-catching content on the fashion designer’s latest style. A fashion blogger knows how to write, Photoshop, and has Social Media handling skills.

Fashion Journalist

A Fashion Journalist can be anyone who can work with a website, TV Channel, or advertising industry or can even work as a freelancer. Fashion journalists write and report about new happenings in the fashion Industry. Fashion Journalist collects information, does research and interviews, and writes content that can be published via various media outlets. Fashion journalists use major happenings like events, issues, matters, and styles for publicizing. Fashion journalists attend fashion events, assist with modelling styles, and work with a team to produce quality content on fashion.

Fashion Critics

Various Fashion Magazines, websites, newspapers, etc rely on Fashion critics to give truthful and fruitful criticism on the latest trend. They give detailed insights into the fashion industry. They attend fashion events, fashion shows, parties, meetings, press conferences, etc. to give their valuable feedback on the styling. Many designers and manufacturers rely on Fashion Critics to give valuable feedback on their material. Fashion critics also recommend the best style for different occasions.

How to Become a Fashion Coordinator in India?

Choosing to pursue a career in Fashion is one of the exciting career paths. The course description of becoming a Fashion Coordinator from School Level, UG, and PG Preparation is discussed below.

School Level Preparation

Students can choose Computer Applications, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics in their 10th as these are essential subjects and these subjects act as a foundation for any upcoming entrance exams. Having a keen interest in fashion right from the 10th can help a student to find a pathway to make a career in fashion.

How to Become a Fashion Coordinator after 12th?

UG Preparation

After a candidate has cleared 10+2, He/she will have to appear for various entrance exams that are taken for admissions. After clearing the written entrance exam, he/she will be called for Group Discussion/Personal Interview/ Merit Rounds. After clearing all stages, the step is document verification. Candidates are called for verifying the documents. After clearing all stages and if the documents of the candidates are found to be perfect the candidate is offered admission to that college.

PG Preparation

After a candidate has cleared graduation, He/she will have to appear for various entrance exams that are taken for admission. After one has cleared the written entrance exam, he/she will be called for Group Discussion/Personal Interview/ Merit Rounds. After clearing all stages, the step is document verification. Candidates are called for verifying the documents. After clearing all stages and if the documents of the candidates are found to be perfect the candidate is offered admission to that college.

Courses to Become a Fashion Coordinator

Given below are some courses you can study to become a fashion coordinator

Bachelor of Arts (Fashion)

BA Fashion is a 3-year undergraduate course that covers Colour mixing, textile elements, Leather designs, History of costumes, etc making a strong portfolio for its students to land in the professional world of Fashion. BA entitles students to create works influenced by film, art, sound, design. This course also teaches its students the basics of photo editing using various tools and concatenating visual images.

Admission Process

Admission in BA Fashion is done based on scores obtained in 10+2. While many colleges offer admissions based on their Entrance Exam, most of the colleges offer admission to their BA Fashion course based on scores obtained in 10+2.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates should have completed their 10+2 from any streams from a recognized board.
• Candidates should have secured at least 50% marks in 10+2.

Entrance Exam

JMI Entrance Exam: Jamia Millia Islamia conducts its entrance exam to offer admissions to its various courses.

Bachelor of Fashion Design

BDes (Fashion Design) is a 3-year undergraduate course. BDes (Fashion Design) course is a blend of theory as well as practical knowledge of fashion. In this course, students are taught various aspects of manufacturing, textiles, fabrics, and economic relevance. It is a comprehensive course imparting the knowledge of designing fashion merchandise and apparel. Students learn from the history of fashion to the latest trends in the fashion industry and to be updated with it.

Admission Process

Admission to BDes (Fashion Design) is done via merit as well as via entrance exam. Some colleges prefer the marks scored by a student in 10+2 while some colleges conduct their entrance exam.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates should have cleared 10+2 from a recognized board.
• Candidates can belong from any streams (Science/Commerce/Arts)

Bachelor of Science (Fashion)

BSc Fashion is a 3-year undergraduate course. BSc in Fashion techniques and training are essential to become a Fashion Coordinator along with theoretical and practical knowledge. This course provides all the essential information and techniques. The main subjects taught in BSc Fashion are Apparel Manufacturing Process, Fashion Studies, Fashion Forecasting, and Trend analysis, Apparels Development, and Showcasing.

Admission Process

There is no national-level entrance exam conducted for admission to BSc (Fashion) course. However, some colleges choose to conduct entrance exams on their own to offer admission to some of the brightest minds.

Eligibility Criteria

• Desirous Candidates should have cleared 10+2 from a recognized board.
• Students should have secured at least 50% in 10+2.
• Candidates can belong from any stream (Science/Commerce/Arts).

Entrance Exam

Fine Arts and Design Entrance Examination (FADEE)

FADEE is conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University for admission to its BSc course

Important Dates for FADEE

Master of Arts in Fashion Design

MA in Fashion Design is a 2-year Postgraduate course consisting of 4 semesters. MA in Fashion Design course is a blend of theory as well as practical knowledge of Fashion. This course gives an in-depth knowledge of fashion and its social, economic, ethical, ecological, and cultural aspects. Some of the main subjects a student studies in MA fashion Design are Apparel Manufacturing Technology, Fashion Communication, pattern making for apparel, Knitwear design technology, Retail Marketing, and Merchandising, etc.

Admission Process

Admission to MA in Fashion Design is done via Merit as well as via Entrance Exam. Some colleges prefer the marks scored by a student in 10+2 while some colleges conduct their entrance exam.

Eligibility Criteria

• Desirous candidates should have cleared Graduation from a recognized university.
• Candidates in the final year of their graduation are also eligible to apply.
• Candidates can belong from any stream (Science/Commerce/Arts) but candidates from a relevant field like BA and Fashion Design are preferred.
• Students should have obtained at least 50% in their Graduation.

Course Admission: Important Tips

Given below are various tips that can be used when applying to colleges. 

How to Apply for the Exam?

• Visit the official website.
• Read the instructions through.
• Fill the Application form.
• Review the Application Page.
• Upload your Photo and Signature.
• Pay the required fees.
• Download the confirmation page.

How to Prepare for the Exam?

• Understand the Exam Pattern.
• Be updated with the syllabus and look out for any changes in the syllabus.
• Attempt Mocks and Previous year's papers.
• Strategize your learning according to your weak subject or topic.
• Prepare Formulas list and notes as this will help you in revision.

How to Become Fashion Coordinator Abroad

Fashion has been one of the most versatile and opted fields in many other countries. Apart from India, many other countries offer Fashion courses. Australia, the US, UK, and Canada are some of the most chosen countries to pursue education in Fashion. 

According to a report published by McKinsey, the profit of the global fashion industry was expected to fall by 93% by 2020 while some of the developing and developed countries such as China, Europe, US will see a rise in this percentage by 2023.

Courses provided in these countries along with their colleges are discussed below please have a look. To become a Fashion Coordinator, one has to do Graduation/ Post-Graduation in Fashion.

Australia

There are approximately 20 colleges that offer students to pursue a career in Fashion. Some of the top colleges are given in the below table. English is the preferred language for these colleges in Australia. There has also been an increase in the number of Indian students moving to Australia for studies. The numbers have risen from 15,800 in 2015-16 to 35,400 in 2019, an approximate increase of 123% in these 4 years.

Top Colleges

Admission Process

• IELTS is mandatory for getting admitted to any university in Australia.
• On should have scored more than 7.0 in IELTS

Educational Requirement

• For the UG course, candidates should have completed 10+2 from a recognized board securing at least 70% in 10+2.
• For PG candidates should have completed graduation in a relevant field with at least 65% in Graduation.

Courses available

• Bachelor of Fashion Design
• Master of Fashion Management
• Bachelor of Design Textiles Design
• Bachelor of Creative Industries (Applied Fashion)

There are ample opportunities in Australia for Fashion Coordinators. These Fashion Coordinators earn AUS $58,162 (INR 32,42,357) on average in Australia.

UK

There are around 50 colleges that offer a chance to choose Fashion as a career in the UK having about 116 courses. Some of the colleges are mentioned in the below table. These colleges prefer English as a mode of communication and teaching. As many as 37,500 Indian students moved to the UK in 2019 as compared to 20,000 in 2018. The average salary of a Fashion Coordinator in the UK is £63,745 (INR 65,82,000).

Top Colleges

Admission Process

• The UK has made IELTS mandatory for admission to all of its universities.
• IELTS score of 6+ is required for entry into any courses of UK

Educational Requirement

• For the UG course, candidates should have completed 10+2 from a recognized board securing at least 70% in 10+2.
• For PG candidates should have completed graduation in a relevant field with at least 65% in Graduation.

Courses Available

• MA Fashion Management
• BA Fashion Design
• MA Fashion Design

US

Approximately over 50 colleges offer 253 courses in fashion in the US. Though there has been a slight decline in the number of students opting to study in the US. The numbers have fallen from 2,02,014 in 2018-19 to 1,93,124 in 2019-20 but these numbers are expected to pick up its trend citing some relief in US Student Visa policy that became a hurdle for most of the students during the Trump Administration. A Fashion Coordinator earns $40,838 (Approx. INR 30,36,000) in the United States.

Top Colleges

Admission Process

• IELTS is the mandatory exam for entry into most of the courses in the US.
• Admission to any courses of US university is done based on an IELTS score which should be greater than 7.

Educational Requirement

• For the UG course, candidates should have completed 10+2 from a recognized board securing at least 70% in 10+2.
• For PG candidates should have completed graduation in a relevant field with at least 65% in Graduation.

Courses available

• Fashion Design
• Fashion Merchandising
• Textile Design
• Fashion Journalism

Canada

There are approximately 10 colleges that offer students to pursue a career in Fashion. Some of the top colleges are given in the table below. English is the preferred language for these colleges in Canada. According to Project Atlas 2017-2018 report, Canada saw a growth of 18.8% in hosting courses and colleges for foreign students. Some of the top colleges of Canada are as follows.

Top Colleges

Admission Process

• Canadian Universities accept IELTS scores.
• A score of 6.5+ in IELTS is a safe score for admission into any course in Canada

Educational Requirement

• For the UG course, candidates should have completed 10+2 from a recognized board securing at least 70% in 10+2.
• For PG candidates should have completed graduation in a relevant field with at least 65% in Graduation.

Courses Available

• BDes Fashion
• BFA Textiles and Fashion
• Diploma in Fashion Design

Benefits of Career as Fashion Coordinator

• Salary- Fashion Coordinators earn a monthly salary of INR 10,000 to INR 25,000 on an average at the start of their career. With the experience they gain, they can make INR 50,000 to INR 80,000 per month.
• Job Security- career in fashion is a promising career as the field of fashion is never going to run out of business. There will always be the requirement of a professional fashion coordinator to organize many events. The fashion coordinator will always be required and act as a medium or link in organizing any event and meeting with the deciding groups.
• Opportunity to be Creative- Fashion designing helps bring the best creativity in a person. Good fashion coordinators bring forth beauty even from mundane projects. It is by the creativity a fashion coordinator shows up his/her organizing and coordinating skills.
• Profession Specific- Fashion is a wide field and has many different professions. One can work as a fashion coordinator, fashion blogger, fashion journalist, fashion critic, etc. the stream in which a person wants to pursue fashion will entirely depend on the person's area of interest.
• Travel Opportunities- A fashion coordinator gets to travel a lot and sometimes it becomes a must for them to travel as they have to visit new places and look for the perfect venue to organize any fashion event.
• Higher Studies- After gaining knowledge in the field of fashion a candidate can choose to pursue higher education. Candidates can opt for post-graduation. They can do MSc/MA in Fashion or can even opt for Management Education (MBA). They can even opt for various programs offered by foreign universities.

Skills Required to be a Fashion Coordinator

Following are some of the skills a Fashion coordinator is entrusted to have in him/her.

• Photography
• Ability to organize Photoshoots
• Ability to organize various events such as the launch of a product, parties, meetings, etc.
• Knowledge of current fashion trends
• Eye to details
• Strong coordination skills and team playing ability
• Decision Making and Strong Communication Skills

Salary of Fashion Coordinator

The salary of a Fashion Coordinator can be competitive in the initial stages as the salary mainly depends on the performance of the candidate and his expertise in coordinating and doing analysis. The better he/she is in his/her work the better wage he/she can expect. The average salary of a Fashion Coordinator can range between INR 1,20,000 to INR 3,00,000 per annum.

Average Annual Salary

Specialization Wise Salary

Gender Wise Salary

Experience Wise

After the Fashion Coordinator

A Fashion Coordinator can always level up after gaining expertise. After gaining the right amount of knowledge and experience one can also give a thought to higher studies.

Higher Education

After gaining knowledge in the field of Fashion a candidate can choose to pursue higher education. Candidates can opt for Post-Graduation. They can opt for MSc/MA in Fashion or can do various programs from a foreign university or can even opt for Management Education (MBA).

Start Job

A Graduate in Fashion can work with Private Companies or can do freelancing. Initially, a fresher in Fashion works as an Assistant Fashion Coordinator whose main duties are to look for new trends in fashion, choices of new fashion, shifting of consumer trends in terms of fashion, doing market research and analysis, coordinating with Manufacturing, Pattern, and many other departments, setting up an event for any fashion apparel launch, etc.