Contrary to popular belief, the word fashion includes more than just clothes. This phenomenon extends to a universe of merchandise such as footwear, belts, bags, jewellery, and many other accessories.
Once considered peripherals to costumes and garments, the merchandise mentioned above has become so mainstream that it has given rise to the sub-domain of accessory design. And, believe it or not, accessory designers are one of the most sought-after professionals within the fashion industry today!
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The role of an accessory designer
As an accessory designer, you will be responsible for conceptualizing merchandise that goes with garments and costumes. You will also ideate and create mock-ups of fashion products such as jewellery, belts, purses, shoes, etc.
Designing fashion accessories requires thorough research on market trends – something you will be responsible for. As an accessory designer, you will keep a tab on the market’s pulse and draw insights from international trends, if needed.
Skills essential to become an accessory designer
You can pursue a degree in accessory design right after passing your 12th board exams. In fact, the earlier you begin your journey within this industry, the better, as there is a lot to learn—some at the college level and some when on the job.
If you plan on appearing for an entrance exam for accessory design, know that design schools prefer the following skills in potential students –
- An eye for detail
- Ideation and conceptualization skills
- A primary knowledge of accessory styles and raw materials
- Communication and presentation skills
- Basic sketching skills
Students who have already pursued their undergrad in any non-design discipline but are interested in studying accessory design can also do so. Good design schools offer a 2 or 2.5-year post-graduate degree in this stream.
Accessory design syllabus
Here are some of the top accessory design courses you will have to complete as an accessory design student:
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This list is simply to give you a flavour of what’s to come once you begin your journey in this field. For the exact course list, check out your institution’s website.
Future career paths for an accessory designer
The world is your oyster the minute you complete your degree in accessory design. Here are the career paths you can opt for right after college.
Jewellery Designer
With your training to work with different stones and metals, you can create intricate jewellery pieces for any brand.
Footwear Designer
Create comfortable and aesthetically appealing footwear for all types of brands – ranging from high-street fashion brands to sports shoes to catwalk designs.
Fashion Designer
If you have a keen eye for garment and costume design, your training equips you just enough to pursue a career in fashion design.
Leather Accessory Designer
Work for various leather-oriented brands and design leather accessories like belts, handbags, purses, etc., for them. Or, you can also go out on your own and start a leather enterprise.
And, it’s a wrap!
The thing to remember here is that a formal course in accessory design is pretty essential. That way, fashion brands and labels will take you more seriously when you reveal your portfolio with a backing of a degree from a reputed institution like the Pearl Academy.
If you already know that you want to become an accessory designer, fill up the online application form and start prepping for the entrance exam.