Have you ever wondered what life looks like behind the dazzling glitz and glamour of the fashion industry? What is it like to toil in the sewing rooms and showrooms to make your creations come alive? Join us in a series of in-depth talks with fashion professionals as we peel back the curtain and take you on a journey to discover “Behind the Seams”.

– The Glamorous World of Fashion Professionals

The glamorous world of fashion professionals is a captivating one. Bold, daring and creative, these trendsetters make their mark in the industry, inspiring a stunning range of styles and designs. Not only does the fashion industry offer a creative outlet, but a lucrative and rewarding career possibility as well.

Many fashion professionals strive to remain ahead of the curve, utilizing new techniques, materials and designs to create unique pieces that stand out. Whether tailoring sophisticated styles or concocting show-stopping couture, these experts can bring a new and innovative edge to any look. Having an affinity for fashion trends, culture and techniques is important in order to maintain relevancy in this industry.

There is a myriad of career possibilities in the world of fashion. From fabric and dye designers, to boutique owners and fashion journalists, to stylists and trendsetters. Whatever the fashion profession, passion is at the forefront. In order to stand a chance in this ever-evolving industry, professionals must stay on top of the new looks, keep their ideas fresh, and adjust to the ever-changing world of fashion.

• Fashion designers create the tangible artwork that is seen on the runway and the fashion pages. Whether it be a stunning evening gown, or a statement couture piece, fashion designers lend their creativity and vision to bring these pieces to life.
• Fashion buyers survey the industry to find the newest and hottest trends that can be sourced for the store or collection. They attend fashion shows to scout for fresh, innovative looks and decide which pieces will be best to purchase.
• Fashion stylists use different clothing, accessories, hairstyles, and makeup to accentuate a person’s best features and create the perfect image. They can be seen on the runway, in magazine spreads, and on the red carpet.

The fashion business is an ever-growing industry. In today’s modern marketplace, there are endless possibilities for those wishing to make a career in this realm. With creativity and determination, anyone can enter and excel in the glamorous world of fashion professionals.

– Peeling Back the Curtain: Talks with Fashion Designers

Fashion designers make and develop clothing, accessories and footwear. They have a unique insight into the design and creation process that goes into creating the latest trends. So, what do these design experts think when it comes to trends, fabrics and style?

• Love of Color – Designers today are taking advantage of digital printing and screen-printing, allowing them to control their colors and design elements like never before. Rather than using the traditional colors of past references, fashion designers are boldly creating unique garments and accessories that push boundaries and add interesting flair to a wardrobe.
• Fabrics – In order to get the look and feel they want, fashion designers are experimenting with different types of fabric. From clever blends to “tech” fabrics such as Neoprene and technical wool, the options for fabrics in fashion are evolving and creating exciting opportunities for design innovation.
• Experimentation – Not all trends stick, but fashion designers are continually experimenting with new styles and designs to create something unique for the consumer. With a focus on uniqueness and accessibility, there is more incentive to try and create something truly special.

When designers discuss trends, they are often talking about what is happening on the streets and in public. They look at what people are wearing, how they are wearing it and try to create something that speaks to that look. Designers are also very conscious of the time and place when looking at trends. They must keep an eye on the ‘now’ and ‘next’ of fashion in order to remain current and offer something relevant to their customers.

When discussing fabrics, fashion designers are looking to create the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics. They work with traditional fabrics and specialty fabrics, such as metal, to create distinctive fabrics that offer something new and unique to the fashion industry. The experimentation is key to remaining ahead in the fashion industry, as well as resilience in the face of dwindling resources.

When it comes to fashion, the experts have their finger on the pulse of what is currently in style and what is on the horizon. They take the lead in creating garments and accessories that are fresh and inspiring, leaving you with a wardrobe full of colour, texture and style.

– Snapshots from the Runway: Conversations with Models

The world of modeling is a profession that evokes fascination and respect. From catwalks in Paris to photoshoots in New York, models have an unenviable job of showing off their beauty and grace on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. But what’s it really like to be a model?

We spoke to leading models in the industry to get some insight into the life of a model. Here is a glimpse of their stories from the runway.

• Tombi, a 22-year-old model from Tokyo, spoke of the long hours that models put in to prepare for a show: “It’s a lot of work, long days, early mornings, late nights. But when you make it on the runway, it all pays off.”
• Kelly, a 20-year-old from Austin, has found herself in high demand since debuting for Prada in Milan. She says that she leaned on her family and friends for support during her first show: “I was so nervous. People are staring at you, judging you. But when it was all over, it felt like a dream.”
• Marcello, a 23-year-old from New York, found the fashion industry intimidating, and tries his hardest to remain professional: “I’m still learning every day. Portraying yourself in the best light is difficult but important in order to get ahead.”

For these models, the runway is a place of immense pleasure and pressure. But while their careers can be short-lived, the appeal endures.

The glamour and excitement of the runway is something that few people experience in their lifetime. For those fortunate few, the reality is much different than what meets the eye.

– Making Magic with Fabric: Insights from Stylists

The art of making outfits out of fabrics is no less than wizardry. When done with finesse, even the most ordinary cloth pieces can be put together to create something extraordinary and unique. Every fashion success story begins with an expert stylist leading the way.

To the drafting table: Before even one piece of fabric is laid down, a stylist is already hard at work. A stylist must draw up a look from the drafts, sketches, and designs that come to them from their client. They source the fabrics, embellishments, patterns, and colours necessary for the creation. Their flair and eye for the latest in fashion helps them to find that blend of classic and modern, elegant and edgy, to fit the exact needs of the occasion.

Behind the Iron: With a plan in place, the next step is a visit to the tailor. The transformation from draft to reality begins here as the stylist works their magic on the fabric. A bit of ironing, cutting, piecing, and stitching helps to form a perfectly tailored outfit. It goes without saying that all this skill and attention to detail is rooted in the incredible talent of the stylist.

The art of styling calls for a great deal of creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration. From designers to tailors, the stylist must bring out the best of the team in order to achieve success. Here are some of their insights on the creative journey of making magic with fabric:

• fabrics must be treated carefully to preserve the integrity of the desired look;
• while aesthetics are paramount, functionality should not be overlooked;
• experiment, but not at the expense of the client’s needs.

Through the Behind the Seams series, we’ve had a glimpse into the insights of some of the most prominent fashion professionals in the industry. From designers to bloggers, these individuals have offered us a unique view of what life in fashion looks and feels like. With their unique perspectives, they’ve painted a fascinating picture of the fashion world, one that blends creativity and business voice. From the creative minds that power the industry to the business minds that drive it, it’s a true testament to the fusion of the two worlds. With all this in mind, we can confidently say that the fashion world is in excellent hands.