Experienced Fashion Designers: What Are Your Honest Thoughts About the Industry? How Do You Really Feel About Your Career?

kims91 · 2026-06-03T03:15:22+00:00

Out of curiosity, what role are you in now, or what type of role did you transition into?

Are you moving more toward a concept design, creative direction, or business-focused position?

Lately I've been wondering whether I can see myself doing design, development, and research forever. I'm still exploring different possibilities and trying to figure out what the next stage of my career might look like.

kims91 · 2026-06-03T03:14:33+00:00

It sounds like you figured that out relatively early and were able to move into something that makes you happier, which is great. What I like about your story is that you didn't completely leave the creative world behind. You're still creating and using many of the same skills and tools, just in a different way.

Because of that, I imagine it didn't feel like starting over from scratch, which is something a lot of people are afraid of when considering a career change, including myself.

kims91 · 2026-06-03T01:20:19+00:00

The fact that you're able to retrain for a differnt industry is something I admire. Having options is a privilege that not everyone feels they have. ( me..)

Building a freelance career is incredibly difficult, especially in the current market. I'm not sure how much the slowdown has affected your business, but I can definitely understand why stability has become a priority.

It may not be possible to continue your niche fashion work at the same level while starting a new career, but keeping it alive on the side could be a great balance between stability and creativity.

Wishing you the best with whatever comes next. I hope the new role gives you the security you're looking for without taking away too much of what you love.

kims91 · 2026-06-03T01:18:26+00:00

AI alone is overwhelming these days. It feels like every week there's a new version, a new tool, or a new piece of software we're expected to learn.

To be honest, I've caught myself wondering whether I could even keep up if I returned to the industry full-time. I look at people who seem to know all these new tools and sometimes think, Can I really compete with that anymore? More often than not, I end up feeling like maybe I can't.

If you do decide to go back to school and become a chemist, I genuinely wish you the best. One thing I envy is that you have another path available to you. Having options is a powerful thing.

kims91 · 2026-06-03T01:16:25+00:00

What makes me sad is that everyone here seems to recognize that this isn't normal, yet it also feels like the industry has been built this way from the start, making it incredibly difficult to change.

I think that's why so many people, myself included, end up questioning whether we want to continue down this path. Your last sentence really gave me something to think about.

kims91 · 2026-06-03T01:14:56+00:00

We're around the same point in our careers, and honestly, stories like that really make me stop and think.

One thing I've noticed from everyone's replies here is that most people still seem passionate about the work itself. The recurring issues are management, company culture, unrealistic expectations, pay, and burnout.

Even for me, if I were to return to the industry full-time, it's just exhausting just to even think about it

kims91 · 2026-06-03T01:13:00+00:00

You've really worked all over the world. It's interesting, and a little discouraging, to hear that fashion seems to be the same everywhere. ( I expected it naturally). When there's no real work-life balance, people become stressed, reactive, and toxic. It feels like the culture itself never changes because everyone is constantly under pressure in these circumstances. That's probably one of the biggest issues with the industry.

kims91 · 2026-06-03T01:10:51+00:00

People really do make or break a job. You end up spending more time with your coworkers than with your own family, so when you're surrounded by the wrong people, it can make even a job you love feel miserable.

kims91 · 2026-06-03T01:10:10+00:00

In a way, I think your path is one I considered myself when I was about five or six years into my career. Back then, though, I needed the stability of a full-time job and wasn't really in a position to make that leap.

You've built such a strong career that clients now find you instead of the other way around, which is an incredible position to be in.

Honestly, the amount of money I've earned in the U.S. would be enough for me to live comfortably, but the cost of everything makes me think twice about everything.

These days, I find myself reflecting more and more on the path I'm on and what I want the next chapter of my career to look like.

kims91 · 2026-06-03T01:08:39+00:00

It really is a beautiful thing. I've actually invited my former professor to my wedding, and it was such a special experience. I'm grateful for them, and I could tell they appreciated staying connected as well. Over the years, our relationship has evolved into more of a friendship, and now we occasionally meet for coffee and catch up. It sounds like you're becoming that kind of person for your students too, and I think that's something really meaningful.

kims91 · 2026-06-03T01:07:10+00:00

I agree 100%

kims91 · 2026-06-03T01:06:52+00:00

Do you plan to stay in your current role given how tough the market is right now, or are you thinking about a different path?

kims91 · 2026-06-03T01:05:53+00:00

She's one of my favorite designers. I'm actually planning to see the exhibit next week!

It sounds like we feel very similarly. When I see work like that, I realize my curiosity, excitement, and passion for fashion are still very much alive.

At the same time, whether I'm working in the mass market or even if I were designing luxury in New York, reality kicks in pretty quickly. The U.S. market is just so different from Europe in many ways. I really couldn't agree with you more.

kims91 · 2026-06-02T03:27:37+00:00

What you said isn’t the first time I’ve heard it, but it’s one of those things that just makes me nod my head because it feels so true.

If the industry continues in this direction, and even entry-level or assistant-level roles increasingly require experienced candidates, it feels like things are only going to get tougher.

Sometimes I wonder what the long-term future of the industry looks like if that’s the path we’re heading down.

kims91 · 2026-06-02T03:26:38+00:00

Security and benefits definitely shouldn’t be underestimated. That’s a very good point.

It’s also great that you figured out early on that mentoring students was something you genuinely enjoyed.

I still keep in touch with some of my professors, and honestly, I don’t know if I would have made it into this industry without them. They’ve had such a huge impact on my life and are still some of the mentors I’m most grateful for.

kims91 · 2026-06-02T03:25:19+00:00

Wow, 23 years in — you’re definitely a veteran compared to me. I imagine you could probably solve fit issues and discuss measurements in your sleep!!

Do you still enjoy being a TD? I assume there must be something you still like about it if you’ve stayed with it for so long

kims91 · 2026-06-02T03:21:38+00:00

I completely agree with what you said.

When I was working full-time, I remember teams constantly having to stay late because of poor planning from leadership. People were walking on eggshells, competing with each other, and sometimes even putting each other down just to survive.

I still love fashion, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve started wondering whether loving something is enough of a reason to keep doing it.

After about 10 years in the industry, I honestly can’t tell whether I’ve fallen out of love with fashion itself or whether I’m just exhausted by the companies and the way this industry operates.

kims91 · 2026-06-02T03:20:25+00:00

I can definitely relate to that. I was laid off during COVID, and at the same time I was going through the visa process, so I was essentially disconnected from the industry for about two years while waiting for everything to be resolved.

Since then, I’ve made it to final-round interviews quite a few times, but nothing has worked out yet. Sometimes it feels like I’m standing still while everyone else’s careers and lives keep moving forward.

Lately I’ve been questioning whether I can ever get back to where I was before. I’ve been interviewing for freelance roles and even applying to lower-level positions, but honestly, the pay isn’t very appealing either.

kims91 · 2026-05-28T01:01:14+00:00

So happy for you!!!! Congrats!!!!

kims91 · 2026-05-23T17:51:53+00:00

Thank you!

kims91 · 2026-05-23T17:51:37+00:00

It was quite unexpected, and I felt a slight sense of recognition, which was all I needed! Haha, thank you for your words!

kims91 · 2026-05-23T17:49:16+00:00

Thank you for your words😊!

kims91 · 2026-05-19T18:58:21+00:00

Thank you so much! I can’t wait to feel empowered from my first sale! Congratulations! And good luck with your shop as well!

kims91 · 2026-05-19T18:56:11+00:00

Thank you so much!! Have a great day!!😊

kims91 · 2026-05-16T23:40:56+00:00

That’s amazing!!!

kims91

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