Fashion Graduate Advice: Getting Started

Fashion businesses have lots of teams working closely together, but the roles themselves can be very different. Moving from one specialism to another later in your career isn't always straightforward, so take the time to understand where your skills and interests fit.

Buying and Merchandising, for example, often sit side by side but require very different skill sets. Buying is product and trend focused, while Merchandising is highly commercial, analytical and numbers driven.

Do your research, understand the role and be clear about the direction you want to take.

A strong portfolio isn't just about beautiful final images. Employers want to understand how you got there.

Show your research, initial ideas, customer thinking, trend direction, development process and final outcome. Include commercial projects that demonstrate you understand the brand, customer and price point you're designing for.

Depending on the role, your portfolio could include:

Show the journey, not just the finished product. Employers want to see your creative thinking, decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Technology is changing how fashion teams research, design, develop and communicate ideas.

AI tools can support research, ideation, visualisation and productivity, while 3D software can help bring products to life before a physical sample is made. Skills in tools such as CLO 3D or Browzwear can help you stand out, alongside strong Adobe Creative Suite skills.

The key is to use technology as a tool, not a replacement for your own thinking. Be ready to explain what you created, what tools you used, why you used them and how you developed the final outcome.

Employers want to see your skills and judgement — not just a polished AI-generated image.

Creativity matters, but so does understanding the customer.

If you're applying to a commercial fashion brand, your portfolio should feel relevant to that market. Think about who the customer is, what they would actually buy, the price point, current trends and how your ideas could work as part of a wider range.

Tailor your portfolio for the businesses you're approaching rather than sending the same work everywhere.

Think about where your style and skills are best suited. The industry spans designer brands, luxury, high street, retailers, suppliers and manufacturers — and each offers a very different working environment.

If your work is highly commercial, suppliers, retailers and brands could be a great fit. If you're drawn to the technical side of product creation, explore opportunities in Technical, Production and Product Development too.

There isn't one route into fashion.

London has lots of opportunities, but it also has lots of competition — and some of the best fashion careers exist outside the capital.

We recruit across the UK and internationally, so be open-minded about location.

International experience can be an incredible way to develop your skills, build industry knowledge and experience a different side of the fashion business.

Create a simple spreadsheet to track the company, role, date of application and outcome.

Be targeted. Applying for every vacancy at the same company can make it look like you haven't decided what you actually want to do.

Quality over quantity, always.

Your portfolio should be clear, easy to navigate and quick to open. A well-presented PDF or professional online portfolio works well.

Keep it edited — employers don't need to see everything you've ever created.

Lead with your strongest and most relevant work, make your role in each project clear and always check that links and files work before applying.