how do i get into the buisness?

Question

im 14 years old and im really interested in making dresses.... i make them all the time and when im older i would like to be a dressmaker...and own my own shop...the problem is i dont know how to get into the buisness... can anyone help me please

take alook at some pictures of them on my bebo page
http://www.bebo.com/PhotoAlbum.jsp?PhotoAlbumId=2569099155

Answer 1

Check out fashion schools. A lot of JCs offer semestress or pattern making classes. With a parent's approval you can take college classes at 14 and it puts you way ahead of the game. Next get a job or an internship at a semstress shop or even in merchandising at a local store. This might be more difficult since most places dont let you hold a job till you are 15 1/2, however, you could volunteer. You also might check out heatherette for a summer internship in NY. This is a foot in the door for high end fashion, and even if it is not your exact style it is an up and coming fashion line that a lot of celebrities wear. It also has a super young and hip vibe that will give you the experience you need.
Continue to load up on fashion classes but also take business and marketing classes while you are at it. A lot of young designers forget that this is a multibillion dollar business and classes in this side will get you in to the school. Also learn french, in order to get in to parsons in paris you will need to speak it fluently. Parsons in Paris is the best then NY then LA. Also try and learn to speak italian and a bit of japanese. Italian so you will be a step ahead for Milan and Japanese because Tokyo is going to be the next boom.
I know this sounds like a lot but you are 14 and can learn the languages in high school, and take the classes during the summer or from home studies programs. Whatever you do don't go to FIDM. They do a great pitch but if you are serious it is not the place for you. Keep your grades up and do those things and you will be a shoe in for Parsons with a scholarship.

Another tip is to keep designing and get in to photography so you can build your own look book. Add as much as you can to it. You can cut the price by getting a digi camera, printing at home or at kinkos, and of course use your friends as models.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

You should first try to find a local person to you (to minimise cost) and approach them asking for mentorship. Basically what this entails is working for them for a limited period of time for no salary. By getting straight into the training you will learn so much more than you would getting training via other routes.
I used to actually manufacture clothing for national firms and by far the people who earned the most and designed the best clothed did so by working and not training via a college or uiversity.

Answer 3

AWESOME! go to fashion school and start taking orders for the dresses your friends want. You client list will start growing by word of mouth! You're only 14 so you have a lot of time!