Reaching the Top Through Dedication (and Fashion School)

When Thakoon Panichgul graduated from an east coast college with a business degree, his goal was not to create original clothing designs. Now he's doing just that, and to wild success, as the biggest names in New York fashion design (and fashion design in general) watch with anticipation.
Mr. Panichgul did, however, envision himself in fashion. His first job was a buyer position at J. Crew, from which he left to become a fashion writer for Harper's Bazaar. (Becoming a fashion writer, by the way, is a fantastic career move, allowing young designers to work in the industry, study clothing design, and make as many connections as you can).

The Turning Point: Fashion School

After four years writing about fashion and apparel design, Mr. Panichgul decided that is was time for clothing design. He enrolled in one of New York's most famous fashion and apparel design schools, and spent late hours tailoring and learning clothing design.
While it did take a few years for Mr. Panichgul to successfully launch his own label, he did it. And now, he is graced by the presence of some of the most prominent figures in fashion design. At his last New York show, even Anna Wintour, the editor of Vogue, was in attendance.

Rising Star

Mr. Panichgul is now a rising star in fashion design, whose clothing designs are now being sold in Barney's New York and Harvey Nichols in London. Not bad for a fashion designer whose label is only 2 years old.
For young fashion designers looking to make a name for themselves, New York is no better place. The competition is fierce, but attending fashion school gives future stars the skills and the connections needed to carve out their niche and pave their way to their own label. It worked for Thakoon Panichgul.
Source
The Australian

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