Are you passionate about fashion and style? Do you have an eye for what looks good on people, and can you spot the latest fashion trends? If so, then a career as a fashion consultant might be the perfect fit for you. The fashion industry is a constantly evolving and dynamic field that attracts many creative individuals passionate about designing and creating fashion. Therefore, a fashion consultant is one of the most exciting careers in the fashion industry. In this article, we will explore the career of a fashion consultant and how the Apparel, Made-ups and Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC) plays a vital role in training individuals for this career.
What is a Fashion Consultant?
A fashion consultant works with clients to create personalized fashion and style solutions that suit their needs and preferences. A fashion consultant’s role is to help clients achieve their desired look and feel confident and comfortable in their clothes. It may involve everything from creating a wardrobe plan, suggesting outfits and accessories, offering style advice, and even accompanying clients on shopping trips.
Fashion consultants can work with individual clients or corporations in various settings, such as retail stores, fashion houses, and design firms, or even start a consulting business. As a fashion consultant, you can also specialize in a specific area, such as personal styling, bridal styling, or editorial styling.
How can AMHSSC Courses help you in becoming a Fashion Consultant?
The Apparel, Made-ups and Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC) is a government-backed organization responsible for identifying and developing various skill-based courses for individuals who aspire to build a career in Apparel, fashion, and home furnishing sectors. In addition, AMHSSC offers multiple courses, such as Fashion Designer, Assistant Fashion Designer etc., for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a fashion consultant.
The courses offered by the AMHSSC are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the subject, including the fashion industry, fashion design, fabrics, pattern making, garment manufacturing, and more. These courses also provide practical training and internships to students, which helps them gain hands-on experience in the industry.
Moreover, these courses allow students to work with established designers, manufacturers, and other industry professionals, which helps them develop their networks and gain insights into the workings of the industry. By completing these courses, individuals can pursue various career opportunities in the fashion industry and become successful fashion consultants.
Education and Skills
While a degree in fashion design or fashion merchandising can be helpful, it’s not necessary to become a fashion consultant. However, having a strong understanding of fashion and style is essential. It would help if you had a keen eye for fashion and trends and an understanding of what works for different body types and styles. Consider taking on internships or apprenticeships to gain hands-on experience and learn from seasoned professionals in the industry.
It’s also essential to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. As a fashion consultant, you will be working closely with clients, so communicating effectively and building relationships is critical. You should also have strong organizational and time-management skills, as you will likely work simultaneously with multiple clients and projects.
Career opportunities
As a fashion consultant, you can work in a variety of settings, including:
- Personal styling: You can work with individual clients to help them create a unique and personalized style that reflects their personality and lifestyle.
- Wardrobe management: You can help clients organize their closets, curate their wardrobes, and create outfits for different occasions.
- Event planning: You can help businesses and individuals plan fashion-related events, such as fashion shows, product launches, or photo shoots.
- Retail merchandising: You can work with fashion retailers to create visually appealing displays, select merchandise, and improve the customer shopping experience.
Depending on your specialization, you can work as an independent consultant, a freelance contractor, or a full-time employee. You can also work with various clients, including individuals, businesses, non-profits, or other organizations.
Starting Your Business
Many fashion consultants start their businesses by working with friends and family members, building their portfolio, and expanding their client base through word-of-mouth referrals. However, you must develop a marketing strategy and build a strong online presence to take your business to the next level. Creating a website, building a social media presence, and developing a marketing plan can help you reach a wider audience and attract more clients. Consider offering free consultations or partnering with local businesses to showcase your services.
Income Potential for a Skilled Fashion Consultant
The income potential of a Fashion Consultant in India can vary depending on many factors, such as your experience, expertise, location, and the nature of your work (job or business). However, with the right skills, knowledge, and a good network, you can earn a substantial income as a Fashion Consultant in a job or your own business. On an assignment or position, on average, a Fashion Consultant in India can earn between INR 2.5 lakhs to INR 6 lakhs per annum. However, experienced and specialized fashion consultants can earn much higher salaries, ranging from INR 10 lakhs to INR 20 lakhs per annum or more.
As a business owner, you can earn money by offering fashion consultation services to clients and charging a fee. However, your income potential as a Fashion Consultant business owner will depend on the types of clients you cater to, the location of your business, and the quality of your work. On average, a Fashion Consultant business can earn between INR 5 lakhs to INR 25 lakhs per annum or more, depending on the size of the business and the demand for its services.
Depending on your specialization, you can work as an independent consultant, voice over, a freelance contractor, or a full-time employee. You can also work with various clients, including individuals, businesses, non-profits, or other organizations.
Article by-Dr. Roopak Vasishtha, CEO, AMHSSC
