Nien Siao tells SHAlINI SAKSENA that in order to be successful in the fashion industry, one needs to think out-of-the-box and and how well the student is able to meet the challenges
What’s the career potential in the field of fashion and design in India todayIJ
While in some ways there is a saturation in this industry when it comes to getting a well-paying job. The truth is that this field has still a lot to offer to those who have the ability to think out-of-the-box. Over the years, jobs like working for a designer or starting one’s own business has become common what is important is that there are several other branches in fashion and designing where there is still scope and plenty of opportunities to those who are willing to go the extra mile.
What kind of challenges does a person face in the fashion industryIJ
It is not as if only fashion industry has challenges. Today, almost all sectors pose a challenge. It depends upon the student and how he takes it up and approaches it. But there are some industry specific challenges. For example, a person may have the necessary talent and the degree in fashion but may not know how to start his own business. We, at the academy, teach every aspect of fashion and designing to our students. it is like any other management course that one may pursue from a B-school. We want our students to be ready to face any challenge that life has to offer from the minute they graduate.
Up to what extent has the definition of fashion and design changedIJ
Fashion is something that keeps changing. There was a time when we didn’t know what was happening in the field outside of our country. Today, we know what is being showcased in Milan or elsewhere in the world when it comes to fashion. We see new trends. People have also become extremely fashion conscious. They know what they are looking for. They know the colours, the cut and even prints that are in vogue in a particular season. So, one can’t sell them anything in the name of fashion anymore.
When we talk about fashion, creativity plays an important role. Or is talent and interest enoughIJ
Definitely, creativity and the ability to think differently is of utmost importance. But if one doesn’t have the talent or the interest to stick to a particular field, just being creative will not be enough. It has to a mix of all three with a student needing to put in hard work. One has to be in love in what is learning to be able to excel in it.
Besides the usual career options in fashion designing what are the new options for students todayIJ
Today, one need not be just a designer. There are several options that have plenty of opportunities. One can be a fashion photographer, a fashion journalist, a consultant or even a coordinator. There is demand for fashion stylists ad even illustrators. One can become a merchandise designer.
What advise will you give to students wanting do take up a career in this fieldIJ
It is important to know the industry. One can’t just want to learn fashion and designing. One needs to be passionate about being in this industry. This is because it requires constant studying and keeping abreast of what is happening globally. If one is looking for a 9 am to 5 pm job, then may be this is not the right path to choose. So when we take up students, we test them on these aspects.
How is your academy different from other institutesIJ
We have been in the industry long enough to understand what the industry needs and the skills required today. We have the best faculty and student exchange programmes. We believe in self development through shared efforts.