Courtesy of Juan Pablo Espinola

Some of the most pressing questions students posed when Not Just a Label asked them to share their doubts revolved around the following themes: the impact of fast fashion on creativity, strategies for overcoming creative block, navigating the competitive landscape to secure a position, balancing timelessness with trendiness and sustainability, mastering effective networking, and, perhaps the most profound question of all— wondering if the whole journey is even worth it. 

A thirst for knowledge knows no bounds, but rushing the journey or expecting the perfect job right out of university is neither realistic nor correct. Despite its visible flaws, this has somehow become a social expectation, which is unfair. Why? Not only does it add detrimental pressure, but it also prevents you from enjoying and embracing the moments that make up the journey and inform your future. Studying is never futile—whether in a traditional sense or otherwise. What’s important is how, what and why you study, as well as how you turn your knowledge into transferable skills. More so than ever before, knowing even just a small percentage of any topic can become a vital asset to your career.

Consequently, prime opportunities are often missed. Many students seek specific ideas for securing future jobs, mistakenly believing that every action must cater to potential employers, even hypothetical ones. Instead, focus on gaining valuable skills and experiences that align with your passions and career goals. The right employer will value your unique qualities and experiences, not just a checklist of generic qualifications. There is power in diversity. Therefore, despite common belief and the pressures obtained from social media, success isn't a race; it's a journey. Take your time, learn, grow, and enjoy every step along the way. The destination will be all the more rewarding for it.

Courtesy of Milagros Pereda

Deciding whether fashion school is worth it depends on various factors, including career goals, financial and personal circumstances. Whilst some fashion schools offer a structured environment to develop technical skills, industry knowledge, and a professional network, others may not, and the way in which an institution teaches is a very individual preference.

Formal education provides access to experienced instructors and designers, specialized equipment, resources and opportunities for internships that can be crucial for building a career in fashion. However, it can be expensive and time-consuming, with no guaranteed job placement upon graduation. There are also other ways of gaining such experience like many of the industry’s greatest designers who never achieved fashion degrees; from Kate Spade, Giorgio Armani, Phillip Lim, Jean Paul Gaultier and many others. There are few limitations and plenty of opportunities regarding the arts, from online lectures and short courses to workshops, in-house training and self-paced learning, which can be more cost-effective, to working in other areas of the industry before transitioning into design.

Courtesy of Ulrica Huang

Any form of study has the power to challenge your perceptions, thought processes, and personal style. It pushes you to think differently, question assumptions, and explore new perspectives. This intellectual and creative stimulation can bring out your true creativity, helping you to discover and refine your unique voice and vision. It can equip you with technical skills but can also foster critical thinking, innovation, and a deeper understanding of your craft whilst encouraging you to experiment, take risks, and evolve continuously, ultimately enabling you to make a distinctive mark in your field.

Overall, a fashion education should transcend textbooks and drawing skills. It should train you to perceive shapes and colors in innovative ways, allowing you to adapt your vision to detect the spaces and forms that often go unnoticed. Fashion education is about becoming a storyteller of fabric, color, and movement, weaving narratives through design. It should nurture your ability to see the world differently, to draw inspiration from the subtle and the bold, and to transform these insights into captivating creations. By honing these skills, you become not just a designer, but a visionary who can convey stories and emotions through every stitch and silhouette. 

Perhaps something to rethink when it comes to the fashion industry is that a timeline is virtually non-existent. The industry's fluidity allows for continuous innovation and reinvention unbound by traditional time constraints. Embracing this dynamic nature means understanding that success and progress are not linear; they come from a series of explorations, setbacks, and breakthroughs.

Courtesy of Chloe Reners

As we gain experience and broaden our horizons, networking evolves into a more effortless and dynamic process. The intensity of competition diminishes, giving way to a natural, harmonious rhythm of collaboration. Over time, we begin to intuitively understand and master the balance between productive work and essential rest, making this equilibrium an intrinsic part of our routine.

One of the most crucial aspects of this journey is the ability to slow down and immerse oneself fully in the learning process. By actively participating in your education, you move closer to discovering and embracing your most authentic creative self. This mindful approach not only enhances your personal and professional growth but also fosters a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose in your endeavors. Through patience and active engagement, you unlock a more profound, genuine expression of your creativity, leading to more meaningful and impactful contributions.

The insights gained from any educational path, whether it’s attending a high-ranking fashion school, enrolling in community classes, or diving straight into employment and on-the-job training, are invaluable. Each option has its advantages—prestigious fashion schools can offer comprehensive curricula, networking opportunities and boundless challenges; community classes provide flexibility and affordability, and direct employment or apprenticeships can offer practical, hands-on experience. Education, in any form, is crucial to building a solid foundation for success and thriving in the highly competitive and ever-evolving fashion industry.

Visit NJAL I Designers to discover fashion graduates taking their first steps into the fashion industry alongside Not Just a Label.