While successful fashion designers have different styles that they create and offer the world, they all have certain things in common. These things are the core attributes of what has propelled them to success. If a burgeoning designer has these four skills, hard work, and an abstract quality, they'll have a good chance at reaching the heights of respect and success in the fashion world.Talent
This skill is inherent, it can't be learned, a designer either has it or they don't. Some call it a "discerning eye," and some call it a "sense of style." Regardless of what it's called, that "knowing" without having been schooled, is the foundation of all the other skills. The other skills are meaningless with out talent. That instinctual, sometimes visceral reaction to certain colors—knowing that it's the right color, or would be better a shade lighter but not in that fabric. Being able to create the appropriate proportion and fit coupled with a beautiful silhouette without so much as a second thought—that's talent.Technical
Whether the designer hand sketches their designs, or uses new fangled software, both of these are considered to be technical skills.Knowing how to sew is paramount. Sewing is very precise, involving machinery with sharp objects moving at a fast speed. Knowing the machine and its sensitivities will save time, frustration, and destroyed fabric. The gadgets that are used also require technical know-how, or the designer could stab themselves—seam rippers can be nasty if not used correctly. Reading and/or making patterns is also a highly useful technical skill, although not necessary. Many designers drape materials onto a form and never use patterns ever.
Another important technical skill is knowledge of fibers, and what is new in the fashion world, such as the improved quick dry fabrics, how to use them, and manipulate them to suit the project.


