Blog

Looking for a cool apprenticeship? Are you design savvy? Have you ever thought about fashion design? Alexander McQueen, a famous British designer, learned all of his tricks in an apprenticeship. Deciding to leave school at age 16, McQueen began interning with tailors on Savile Row with Anderson & Sheppard.

There he learned basic design and tailoring techniques that would lead to his success later down the road. He also had an apprenticeship with theatrical costumers Angels and Bermans, where he learned more about creativity and his own style. Always wanting to learn more, he spent his time working with famous designers like Koji Tatsuno and Romeo Gigli so that he could learn a broad range of techniques.

His great efforts in his apprenticeship allowed him entrance into the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design where he completed his Masters degree in Fashion Design. He felt success right away as LVMH brought him on as head designer for brand Givenchy.

While his runways shows were somewhat startling and “out there,” they did not keep him from winning British Designer of the Year four times within a seven year period. Later, he worked with Gucci and opened his own store, Alexander McQueen. In addition he worked with companies like MAC make-up and Puma to release special lines. Do you crave this success?

An apprenticeship in Fashion Design is one of the more artistic apprenticeship programs available. Trade school TAFE NSW offers programs in this field. You can begin your Certificates I and II during school with a school related program.

To enter a Certificate III or IV program, you must have a school certificate. You can also receive a diploma in Fashion Design after you finish your primary college requirements, similar to McQueen’s Masters Degree.

To succeed in Fashion Design, you have to have a passion for it. You need to love the whole process, from the design room to production to the final runway show and sales floor. An apprenticeship will help you along your way, giving you the technique and discipline you will need to do well. You never know, you could be the next Alexander McQueen!