How to Write a Fashion Designer CV: Examples and Tips to Stay on Trend

In the fashion industry, the UK is the third-largest apparel and footwear market worldwide. From eco-friendly couture to influencer-inspired streetwear, a career in fashion is as diverse as it is exciting. As the industry evolves, sustainability trends, new technologies and social media have created more opportunities for designers to explore.

Whether you're drawn to the sleek lines of minimalist chic or the bold colours of maximalist expression, crafting a modern CV for a fashion job must present your unique vision and expertise. This guide shows you how to choose the best CV template with essential sections and information, from highlighting your skills and education to including your professional work experience and design portfolio.

In this article, we cover:

• Showcasing your fashion knowledge and achievements

• Creating a unique style personal profile and portfolio

• Recent trends and the latest fashion styles to mention in your CV

• How to write a good CV that gets you shortlisted for a job interview

• Formatting your CV with professional templates optimised for application tracking systems (ATS).  

Fashion designer CV example 

In this CV, Alison Miller showcases her decade-long illustration and design career. She demonstrates a commitment to professional development with her educational qualifications and certificates. Her dedication to developing her skills and career is clearly presented with the use of the Columbia CV template, which includes key sections which are well-formatted, concise, and create maximum impact. 

Use this CV example to get started

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What to include in a fashion designer CV?

Crafting a successful CV for a fashion designer job requires more than just listing your skills - it's about showcasing your passions and dedication to learning the latest styles and trends. Draw inspiration from your hobbies and interests in art or design, music or fashion shows, modern icons or brands, and TV shows to enhance your CV with industry relevance and flair. Social media is also useful for networking and connecting with clients or businesses, so mention this in your CV to show how you stay updated on popular fashion movements. 

Here’s what makes a good fashion design CV and what to include: 

• Personal contact details: include your full name, phone number, email address, and location.

• Photo: add a professional photo to present your creative personality and attract recruiters.

• Personal profile: summarise your background, experience, and career goals. Mention passionate interests, soft skills and achievements.

• Skills: highlight technical skills, such as garment construction and pattern-making, and soft skills, like creativity, attention to detail, and collaboration.

• Education: detail your qualifications, including any degrees, diplomas, specialised courses and certificates.

• Experience: provide an overview of previous jobs, including volunteering, internships, freelance projects, or part-time work that showcases relevant fashion design skills.

• Portfolio: include a link to your online portfolio to show mood boards, sketches and feature examples of your completed designs.

• References: list references from previous employers, clients, teachers, or mentors who can vouch for your skills and character.

• Additional information: consider including relevant awards or achievements. Mention creative hobbies and interests such as photography or acting. For international jobs, listing languages can give you an advantage.

Remember to tailor your CV to match the specific job you’re targeting. For more guidance, refer to our CV writing process article for tips!

Keep reading to learn more about each section to guide you in writing your CV.

How to write a fashion designer CV with no experience 

Consider writing a skills-based CV and showcase any personal projects, even if they are not professional, to demonstrate soft skills like communication, time management and teamwork. Write a profile summary reflecting your passions, interests and desire to learn or contribute to a company. Consider volunteering or finding part-time jobs in customer service to gain transferable skills and enhance your CV. 

Read our cornerstone article for expert advice on how to write a CV with little to no experience. 

How to write a CV for a fashion designer job in 5 steps

1. Be fashion-forward with a captivating personal profile 

The personal profile on a fashion designer CV is a concise section briefly overviews your significant achievements, skills, years of experience and career goals. To impress potential employers, showcase your passion for the fashion industry and highlight unique strengths to set yourself apart from other candidates.

Refer to our student CV example for more guidance.

Refer to our internship CV example for more guidance.

To compose a compelling personal profile on a CV, refer to our detailed guide.

2. Stay ahead of the latest trends with key skills 

Staying on top in the fashion industry demands a mix of skills. It's not just about technical knowledge but also interpersonal skills. Integrate soft skills in your personal profile and work experience sections then write a separate section to list hard skills using a bullet-point format for clarity and ease of reading.

To keep up with evolving trends and technology, show technical proficiency in IT and computer software to impress recruiters. For senior designers, highlight project management, market research and trend analysis skills. In addition, consulting and collaborating with diverse teams demonstrates an understanding of client relations and business, essential for organising fashion events such as shows or exhibitions.

If you’re curious about more creative roles with similar skill sets, refer to our CV examples for a graphic designer, interior designer, digital marketer, or artist. 

Here are five essential skills for a fashion designer CV:

1. Creativity: the ability to think outside the box, innovate, and generate unique design concepts that resonate with target audiences.

2. Detail-orientated: a keen eye for precision and accuracy in garment construction, pattern-making, and quality control processes.

3. Communication: effective verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with team members, express design concepts, and consult.

4. Time management: strong organisational skills to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and manage projects.

5. Adaptability: the flexibility to adjust to changing demands, trends, and industry dynamics.

For more information on this section, refer to our article on how to add skills on a CV.

3. Illustrate your work experience and fashion journey 

Whether you're a more experienced graduate or a school leaver seeking an internship as a fashion design student, demonstrate any relevant academic projects or paid work experience. Tailor this section to your background and expertise, quantifying relevant strengths and using action verbs to illustrate impact.

For example, demonstrate how you used tools and techniques to enhance design efficiency, and how this resulted in improved product outcomes and client satisfaction. If you’re a senior designer, give examples of leading cross-functional teams, and how you met project goals, timelines, and budgets.

If you need more work experience, consider using a project-based CV that showcases coursework or hobbies and interests relevant to fashion designer skills. Alternatively, consider volunteering or finding a part-time job to boost your work experience, which can lead to future paid opportunities. 

Learn how to improve your CV for further guidance if you have little to no work experience or have been in the game for a while.

Work experience example with little to no experience 

Community Event Volunteer | Local Charity Organisation, Manchester | 2019 - 2020

Assisted in organising and managing community events hosted by a local charity, including setup, logistics coordination, and attendee engagement. Worked closely with event organisers to ensure efficient event execution and positive customer experiences. Developed strong teamwork and communication skills while collaborating with event managers and assisting attendees.

• Played a key role in increasing event attendance by 25% through targeted outreach and promotional efforts.

Learn more about creating an event management CV.

Work experience examples for a fashion designer CV

Senior Apparel Designer | Vogue Creations, London | 2018 - Present

Lead the conceptualisation and creation of haute couture collections, specialising in avant-garde themes and styles. Collaborate closely with clients and key suppliers to understand their unique design visions and preferences. Identify and interpret market trends while maintaining the brand’s design. Employ cutting-edge fabric techniques and innovative materials to achieve exceptional aesthetics.

• Introduced an innovative fabric sourcing strategy, resulting in a 30% reduction in material costs.

• Implemented efficient project management techniques, reducing production lead times by 20% for the Autumn 2019 collection.

• Developed a signature design concept, which gained international recognition and led to a 50% increase in orders from high-profile clients.

Junior Fashion Designer | Chic Couture, London| 2019 - 2021

Assisted in the design process for seasonal clothing lines, specialising in haute couture themes and artistic styles.Collaborated closely with senior designers to interpret intricate design concepts and bring them to life. Utilised expert pattern-making techniques and fabric selection expertise to achieve desired aesthetics.

• Contributed significantly to the Winter/Fall 2020 collection, recognised for its unique and elegant designs.

• Streamlined pattern-making procedures, reducing production lead times by an impressive 15%.

• Fostered a collaborative design environment, promoting creativity and teamwork among design teams.

Fashion Designer Apprentice | Glamour Studios, Manchester | 2020 - 2021

Gained hands-on experience in various facets of clothing design, emphasising principles and innovative techniques. Assisted senior designers in pattern-making, garment construction, and fabric selection. Actively participated in fittings and sample development and contributed to the design of captivating capsule collections.

• Developed a diverse design portfolio featuring eco-conscious collections, resulting in a 40% increase in portfolio views and positive feedback from industry professionals.

• Led a student team in a charity fashion show, raising £10,000 for the chosen charity and receiving media coverage for the event's success.

• Demonstrated adaptability and growth through academic achievements, achieving a GPA of 3.9 and securing the first-place position in the university's design competition.

Refer to our apprenticeship CV example for more guidance.

Fashion Designer Intern | Design Studio Max, Edinburgh | 2022

Crafted original style concepts, drawing inspiration from contemporary and sustainable design principles. Collaborated effectively with peers to understand diverse design perspectives and encourage creativity. Leveraged digital design software and innovative technologies to manifest unique design visions.

• Created a design portfolio showcasing innovative sustainable collections, earning praise from professors and securing a top-of-class distinction.

• Organised and led a charity catwalk show, raising £3,000 for a local charity and receiving recognition for outstanding creativity and social impact.

4. Enhance your CV with the education section

Typical entry requirements to become a fashion designer in the UK can vary but it's important to include an education on a CV, whether it's informal or formal. Consider the following educational options to include in your CV:

University: Complete a foundation degree, higher national diploma, or bachelor's degree. Typically, you'll need 1 or 3 A levels or equivalent for a degree. Some universities and colleges are also members of the British Fashion Council and offer courses.

College: College programs offer a practical approach to building essential skills in apparel design and related fields. You'll usually need one or more GCSEs in grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) or equivalent for a level 2 course and 4 or 5 GCSEs in grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent for a level 3 course. 

Apprenticeships: Enable students to work as studio assistants to develop product development and production skills. These programs typically span 18 months. Find a local apprenticeship that aligns with your job targets and career goals on the UK Gov website for more guidance. 

Examples of qualifications:

• Fashion Design BA (Hons), University of the Arts London, London College of Fashion, London, 2023

• Fashion Marketing and Promotion Diploma, London College of Fashion, London, 2021

• Fashion Illustration Workshop, Manchester College, Online, 2020

• Sustainable Fashion: Design Principles and Practice, FutureLearn, Online, 2019.

Alternatively, you can also consider including online courses to further emphasise your dedication to the role:

• Fashion Sketching and Illustration Masterclass Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, Online | 2020

• Sustainable Fashion: Design Principles and Practice FutureLearn, Online | 2019

• Introduction to Pattern Making and Sewing Udemy, Online | 2018.

There are many opportunities to progress from a junior or apprentice to becoming a senior designer or director and leading a clothing department. For more information on how to list courses and certificates on your CV, refer to our article.

5. Embellish your CV with achievements 

Including an achievements section on your CV  is useful for highlighting contributions or awards, particularly if they have led to recognition or tangible results. For example, you may have achieved an increase in sales revenue for a fashion brand, boosted social media engagement through a well-received collection launch, or secured partnerships with influential figures in the industry.

Having a strong online presence and digital marketing is crucial for fashion designers, especially if you're self-employed or freelance. Invest time in building and curating your social media profiles or website to showcase your design ideas and products to potential employers. Send your CV via email to recruiters when applying for roles and attach your portfolio. 

Achievement  examples: 

• “Utilised digital marketing skills to enhance online visibility, resulting in a 40% increase in website traffic and a 25% growth in social media engagement within six months”.

• “Led the design and production of a capsule collection that generated £50,000 in revenue within the first quarter of its launch, exceeding sales targets by 20%”.

Key takeaways 

Creating an effective  fashion design CV starts with an energetic personal profile, listing relevant skills, and achievements. Use an ATS-friendly professional template and opt for a chronological format to outline your work experience and qualifications. Stay ahead of the latest fashion trends and topics to attract recruiters. While including a portfolio, references and photo is optional, it will enhance the credibility of your CV and improve your chances of securing a role.

Next steps? 

If you want to avoid the hassle of creating your first CV, reach out to CV Writing Service. If you want to create a CV, we also offer top 20+ professional templates which can be easily tailored to the job you're applying for. Explore the latest in-demand jobs and our career blog to guide you through finding your dream job. 

FAQ 

How do I start a career in fashion design?

To start a career in fashion design, begin by obtaining relevant education and training through courses, degrees, or apprenticeships. You can also explore remote work opportunities as a designer. Build a strong portfolio showcasing your design skills, network at fashion shows or exhibitions, and gain experience through internships or junior roles. Browse this National Careers job profile for more resources.

What is a fashion designer CV personal statement or objective? 

It is a brief introduction that conveys your knowledge of fashion, career goals and potential to hiring managers. It should be concise and impactful, offering a snapshot of your skills, experiences, and aspirations. Tailor it to the job description to make a strong first impression.

What should a fashion designer’s CV look like?

A fashion designer’s CV should be well-structured, concise and one page. The most common format used in the UK is chronological,  but functional or combination formats are suited to those with employment gaps or career changes. Use clear fonts and save the file as a PDF for easy readability. For more information read how long a CV should be.

How to write a CV for a fashion internship?

Start with a strong personal statement that expresses your passionate interests and enthusiasm for learning. Highlight relevant coursework, skills, and any personal fashion projects. List relevant work experience, such as part-time or volunteer work, and detail your responsibilities and accomplishments. Tailor your CV to match the specific requirements of the internship and demonstrate your eagerness to contribute to an organisation.

What types of jobs are there for fashion designers?

Fashion designers can pursue various jobs in the industry for different levels and expertise. These roles include but are not limited to textile designer, pattern maker, fashion illustrator, buyer, merchandiser, stylist, technician, product manager, marketing manager, and design educator. Still trying to figure out your next career move? Read the fashion designer job profile on the National Careers website for more information. Alternatively, the British Fashion Council provides aspiring professionals with the latest industry styles and trends.