The Fashion Industry

As the apparel industry adapts to new technologies in manufacturing and communications, speeding up the production process and changing the retail model, demand is increasing for stylish clothing that is affordable all year-round. As apparel becomes a truly global industry, fast fashion and e-commerce are two areas of predicted growth in the 21st century.

“Employment of fashion designers is projected to grow by 1 percent between 2008 and 2018. Some new jobs will arise from an increasing population demanding more clothing, footwear, and accessories. Demand is increasing for stylish clothing that is affordable, especially among middle-income consumers which will increase the need for fashion designers among apparel wholesalers,” according to the US Department of Labor.

In addition to the designers who create next season’s styles, industry jobs include patternmakers, textile designers, fashion show coordinators, fashion writers, bloggers, stylists, costumers, and shoppers. Careers in manufacturing include: production managers, brand managers, licensing managers, product developers, sales managers, and trend analysts. Retail chains hire store managers and planners, merchandisers, visual display specialists, and buyers.

Fashion represents 30% of LA’s creative economy. Within the apparel industry, footwear, jewelry, and beauty are emerging as niches in Los Angeles. California’s proximity to Asian markets, manufacturing, and the entertainment industry continue to make Los Angeles a key fashion player on the world stage.

Data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics section of the US Department of Labor website and the 2003 report entitled The Los Angeles Area Fashion Industry Profile by Jack Kyser of Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation.

For more information on the Fashion Industry go to:

Fashion Photoshoot, Garment by Elin Litziner