Model: Hannah Wen | Photo: Rise Fashion Events
Being a fashion design student is like living in a montage scene from Project Runway: sleepless nights, piles of fabric, and a little too much caffeine. But hindsight is 20/20, and there are SO many things I wish I had known back then. Grab your sketchpad and let’s dive into the tea, because future-you will thank you for these tips.
1. Your Sewing Machine Is Your Best Friend, Treat It Right
Listen, your sewing machine is basically your partner in crime. Clean it. Oil it. Don’t ignore that weird noise it’s been making. Trust me, midterms aren’t the time for it to betray you.
2. Networking Is Not a Dirty Word
You don’t need to be a social butterfly, but talking to that guest speaker, alum, or even a senior could lead to your dream internship. Future employers love a good “How we met” story that doesn’t involve LinkedIn spam.
3. You’ll Never Have Enough Pins
Buy more pins. Buy ALL the pins. And if you think you have enough, buy more. Somehow, they vanish faster than your motivation during finals week.
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4. Learn to Take Constructive Criticism Like a Champ
Not everyone will get your avant-garde hot pink puffball collection, and that’s okay. Listen, learn, and don’t cry too much. Growth is part of the process.
5. Sketching Skills Will Save Your Life
You don’t have to be Picasso, but being able to sketch your ideas quickly and clearly will help you communicate your vision to clients, professors, and that group project partner who always forgets their half.
6. Fabric Shopping Is Basically a Skill
Knowing where to get good fabric on a budget is the ultimate life hack. Hit up your local fabric district, flea markets, or even thrift stores. Who knew that grandma’s curtains could be runway-ready?
7. You’ll Wear More Black Than You Ever Thought Possible
You don’t have time to color-coordinate when you’re on the go, and nothing says “I’m a serious designer” like rocking all black with a tape measure around your neck.
8. Sustainable Fashion Isn’t a Trend; It’s the Future
Start thinking green now! Experiment with upcycling and sustainable fabrics—it’s not just good for the planet, it’s also a major selling point for your future brand.
9. Time Management Will Make or Break You
Procrastination will lead to tears, rushed hems, and more tears. Learn to block out time for designing, sewing, and, yes, sleeping. Google Calendar is your new BFF.
10. Friends Who Critique Together, Stay Together
Your classmates are your sounding boards and your fashion family. Be kind, and don’t take their critiques personally. One day, you’ll all be rooting for each other from the front row.
11. Social Media Is Basically Your Portfolio
Start that Instagram page, babes! Document your journey, post your designs, and tag brands. You never know who might stumble across your work.
12. Your Professor Knows People—Leverage That
Turns out, your prof worked for that brand you’ve been fangirling over? Don’t be shy—ask them for advice or connections. Professors LOVE helping ambitious students.
13. Internships Teach More Than Any Lecture
Even if it’s unpaid (ugh), internships are a crash course in the industry. Learn how fashion weeks run, how to deal with clients, and most importantly, how to survive on coffee and vibes.
14. Failure Is a Prerequisite for Success
You WILL mess up a pattern. You WILL sew a sleeve on backward. You WILL survive. Learn, laugh, and get back to creating magic.
15. Your Unique Voice Is Your Superpower
Don’t compare your journey to others. Your perspective, style, and creativity are what make you stand out. Embrace the quirks—they’ll be what people remember.
Bottom line:
College as a fashion designer is tough but magical. From taking care of your tools to taking care of yourself, every lesson is a stepping stone to greatness. So, grab your fabric scissors and take on the world—one stitch at a time. ✂️✨