Fashion in LA: You Can't Break the Rules without Knowing Them First

Earning a fashion degree in a stylish city like Los Angeles is a good way to start a career. Everyone knows that LA is the unofficial headquarters of many creative industries like fashion design, film production, and architecture. But just how important is this sprawling city to fashion design?

Fashion in LA

The creative industry is the largest industry in the Los Angeles economy. Two years ago, it accounted for over $140 billion and nearly 900,000 jobs. Undoubtedly, LA is a great place to launch a fashion career, but you'll need to find your own style to stand out.

Finding Your Fashion

Fashion design has always been about breaking the rules, but in a successful way. "Stars make fashion statements rather than safe choices" reads one recent headline, referring to the most glamorous night in Hollywood--the Academy Awards. Fame and fashion go hand-in-hand, and it's all about being unique in your style. But in a city as large and as fashion-focused as Los Angeles, how do you break the rules in the right way as a fashion designer?

Learning the Rules

Before you break the rules of fashion design, first you have to learn them. That's why fashion school is important. Learning about textiles, fabrics, sewing, sketching, material sourcing, manufacturing, fashion marketing, brand development, and business management are key tools, and you can find them readily available in fashion school.
Going to fashion school in Los Angeles gives you the added benefit of learning the industry in one of fashion's economic centers. Los Angeles is second only to New York in the U.S. as a center of fashion design. A thriving garment district, a huge entertainment industry, and access to manufacturing companies and shipping ports help create and reinforce the strong fashion design presence in LA.

Your Big Break in Fashion

Going to fashion school in Los Angeles is a great way to learn about the industry and the rules of fashion. Then, with your fashion degree, a budding portfolio, and some fashion show experience, you can think about breaking the rules and breaking into your career.
Sources
Daily Breeze, "Report shows creative sector fuels Los Angeles economy"
The Courier News, "Stars make fashion statements rather than safe choices"

Joe Cooper is a freelance education and technology writer and edits medical literature. He holds a bachelor's in American Literature from UCLA.