How to Get Your Fashion Career Off the Ground

Getting educated is essential to a career in fashion, but eventually you will need to be recognized. Whether it's a fashion school project, a competition or an internship, chances are you can find it in fashion-friendly cities like Chicago.

Fashion Competition Honors Students

Fashion school students in the Chicago area will get a great--and unique--chance to compete for acclaim and cash prizes in May, when General Motors hosts a fashion competition at its annual Auto Show. Students must submit designs to the Chicago show that are based on GM's hit cars. The five winning designs will be showcased by GM, and the winners will be awarded $500.
Many fashion competitions award winners with fashion school scholarships, internships and job opportunities. The chance to display your original designs in a major fashion show is a huge benefit. And let's face it--cash never hurts.

Fashion Recognition

Pursuing a career in a fashion-conscious city like Chicago can help you gain the recognition you need. For those pursuing a career as a model, the city is particularly friendly. Fashion writers have commented in their articles that Chicago has embraced models with healthier and more natural body weights.
Immersing yourself in fashion school, shows, and competitions and getting involved in some manner with the Chicago Fashion Council are several ways to gain recognition for your career in fashion. With a fashion education, the Windy City may send your fashion career spiraling upwards.
Sources
PR Domain, "GM and International Academy of Design and Technology kick off 2007 GM student design competition at the Chicago Auto Show"
Chicago Sun-Times, "Where do Chicago models fit in?"

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