This post will introduce you to how the fashion and textiles sectors have merged together over the years.
Global industry
The fashion and textile industries are complex and in-demand, crossing borders and providing employment to millions with specialist skills.
The exporting of textiles is global, with China, the USA, and Germany all contributing to this trillion dollar mega-industry. Many countries rely on the textile industry to give their economy a big boost – especially developing countries where there are fewer reliable industries to find employment in. The textile industry is one of the oldest in the world. Without this pioneering industry, fashion wouldn’t exist.
How fashion and textiles merge
Fashion dedicates many roles to textiles and fashion houses have entire departments made up of textile consultants. Trend forecasters are also rising in popularity as experts are brought in to advise sales and marketing teams about which materials will sell the best over future seasons.
As a result, most countries export their own unique materials. Take Scotland - the country generates £756 million from the textile and fashion industries and they are known for tartan, tweed and cashmere designs. These are all popular exports, judging by the above statistics.
Textile designers play a huge role in the fashion industry by creating designs for digital and screen printing. They must also be skilled in areas such as sewing and pattern cutting, as well as being experts on different types of materials.
You can take fashion and textiles degrees or an apprenticeship. Apprentices also have the opportunity to specialise as a product tester, leather craft worker, or even quality control inspector.
The industry is bursting with career opportunities.
The future of textiles
With the rise of fast fashion, there are endless opportunities for textile designers. Fast fashion is clothing collections that are based on catwalk trends and are then mass-produced to reach stores immediately.
As technology in fashion increases, the focus is on building a sustainable future. New developments include 3D fashion, which will result in less material wastage, and clothes made from recycled materials. Back in May, big British fashion retailers such as ASOS and M&S all pledged at the Copenhagen Fashion Summit to increase the amount of textiles that are recycled.
It seems the future of fashion is changing for the better.
If this post has spurred your interest, check out LCCA’s BA (Hons) Fashion course.