Having a career in the fashion industry doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to launch your own fashion brand. Although this may be a dream for many, there is an array of jobs available in the fashion sector including positions like, textile designer, fashion buyer, stylist, photographer, fashion merchandiser, and illustrator. The possibilities are endless; however, the fashion industry is highly selective and difficult to tap into.
In order to fully immerse yourself into a fashion orientated career, there are several international destinations that can help you do so. The fashion and luxury industry are some of the most successful creative sectors in Europe and the growing number of sales show no signs of slowing down. If you feel like you are ready to dive headfirst into the world of fashion, look no further than these three European cities.
Here you will be able to eat, sleep, and breathe creativity.
1. Paris.
Paris, also known as the city of love, is perhaps one of the top destinations on every fashionista’s bucket list. The capital has a deep and rich love affair with this industry and Paris has often been referred to as the birthplace of fashion. During the late nineteenth century, members of French society were pioneers in the world of fashion and Haute Couture was born during this time. The globally influential fashion house Chanel was also born on the streets of Paris in the 1920s.
Even to this day, major luxury fashion brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, and Lacroix have based their headquarters in Paris. Living abroad is a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone, learn new skills, and make life-long friends. Try to take advantage of this opportunity and really integrate yourself into the city. Don’t be afraid to learn the language and discover what the real Paris has to offer. Some of our must-see sights in Paris include the Pompidou center, the Galarie Lafayette, the Musee Yves Saint Laurent, and a day trip to the Palace of Versailles.
2. Milan.
If Italy is known as one of the most stylish countries in Europe, then Milan is the Italian capital of style and fashion. Not only this, but Milan is renowned as the business capital of fashion in Italy. If you are looking to get into the more corporate side of fashion, like buying, marketing, or merchandising, Milan is a great place to get started. Like Paris, Milan has a centuries-old heritage with the world of design. During the Medieval Ages and the years of Early Modernity, people came to Milan in search of the latest fashions.
Brands like Missoni, Dolce and Gabanna, Moschino, and Prada all have their roots in Milan. This city is very image-conscious, however, if you are unafraid to show off your style and embark on a career in fashion business, this is the city for you. If you do plan to make the move to Milan, we recommend visiting the boutiques on Via Monte Napoleone, the Duomo di Milano, Corso Como 10, and the Il Gattopardo Café.
3. London.
London may seem like an unexpected choice when debating where to launch a business or career in fashion. However, don’t let this English capital fool you, it has a long-standing relationship with all things creative – music, art, and most importantly fashion. London is a bustling European capital full of different nationalities and cultures. This melting pot is reflected in its diverse talent for fashion and creativity. London is home to many luxury brands, as well as many affordable fashion brands such as ASOS.
The fashion sector in the United Kingdom is a billion-dollar industry that contributes over 800,000 jobs to the economy, making it the single largest creative industry in the country. Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Burberry, and Ozwald Boateng are just a few of the Britain’s most standout fashion brands that are based in the capital. If you aren’t the best at learning foreign languages, this is a great place to get settled in. If London has caught your eye, we recommend visiting fashion hotspots like Portobello Road, Brick Lane Market, the Old Spitalfields Market, and the Design Museum on Kensington High Street.
All in all, deciding to launch a career in fashion is a rather exciting time in a person’s life. This journey will come with its difficulties, but it will also bring many rewards. When looking for a job in the creative industries, it is best to be in a place that inspires you, not just spiritually but physically. These three European destinations all have distinct yet rich histories with fashion, creativity, and innovation. Let yourself be consumed by the lifestyle that these areas have to offer and prepare yourself for a lifechanging career in fashion.
