Latest career trends in the fashion industry

Everybody has a style — models, coders working from home, professors, business professionals, college students, sports people, bridesmaids and even gaming characters! Fashion, like tourism, has bounced back after the pandemic with the centre shifting to Asian markets, especially China and India.

So, for students who are interested in fashion trends and celebrate self-expression, here’s a look at the latest career trends in the fashion industry:

Artificial Intelligence: Like all other industries, fashion is also impacted by AI with tools like Heuritech that analyse past data to predict consumer preferences and trends, generative design tools like Raspberry Ai that allow you to experiment with and generate styles online, colour palettes like Khroma to try out different versions of the same design, and photorealistic simulators like Browzwear that allow you to visualise these on models. Not to mention the virtual try-ons that are fast becoming a baseline experience in online fashion buying.

Sustainable Fashion: This rapidly growing market makes up 40% of the market in North America and 35% in Europe with countries like Germany, France, and the U.K. having strict environmental policies. Circular fashion promotes recycling and upcycling, and increased use of eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and biodegradable fabrics. Brands are also adopting blockchain for supply chain transparency and launching take-back programs to encourage clothing recycling.

Digital Fashion: It offers a limitless universe of virtual clothing, blending technology with style in exciting new ways. Think 3D-rendered outfits for social media, gaming avatars, and even NFTs. Many brands are already releasing exclusive digital collections for platforms like Roblox and Fortnite. Consumers are embracing virtual fashion as a way to express themselves in the digital space while reducing waste from fast fashion. With the rise of the metaverse, dressing up your online persona is becoming just as important as real-world fashion. Digital clothing also allows for limitless creativity. Designs that may be impossible to produce physically can now come to life in stunning animation. As technology advances, digital fashion can reshape how we think about style and self-expression.

Sportswear Design: Sportswear fashion has evolved beyond the gym. It’s now a lifestyle statement. Athleisure – blending athletic wear with casual style – is leading the charge. People want clothing that’s functional and stylish, whether they’re working out or just running errands. High-performance fabrics, sustainable materials, and bold designs are shaping the future of sportswear. Celebrities and influencers have also fuelled the trend, making joggers, sneakers, and hoodies everyday essentials.

Costume Design: With streaming platforms producing period dramas and fantasy series, there’s a rising demand for historical and futuristic costume specialists. Additionally, wearable technology is being integrated into costumes, blending fashion with function for immersive performances and interactive entertainment. These trends are reshaping costume design into a more tech-driven and sustainable career path.

Fashion Management: You love fashion but are not a designer? Consider business roles such as managing events like fashion shows, fashion retailing, fashion communication, social media and advertising. Fashion Management deals with brand building and the business side of the industry. It includes everything from marketing, organising, planning, merchandising, promotion and distribution of products.

Marketing and branding: These shape a brand’s identity and connect with consumers through creative strategies. Digital marketing managers use online channels like social media and ads to boost sales and visibility. This requires strong storytelling and tech skills. Social media marketers focus specifically on growing engagement and brand awareness through content creation and interaction. Fashion marketing managers develop campaigns, oversee photo-shoots, and track trends to increase market share. Meanwhile, fashion operations teams handle manufacturing, logistics, and retail. Buyers select products based on trends, merchandisers manage stock and pricing, and visual merchandisers design in-store displays to attract customers.

Sustainability Manager: With brands focusing on eco-friendly practices, sustainability managers ensure ethical sourcing, waste reduction, and circular fashion initiatives.

Fashion Data Analyst: Retailers and brands now rely on big data to predict trends and optimise inventory. Fashion data analysts use AI and analytics to track consumer behaviour, helping brands make smarter business decisions.

E-commerce Specialist: Online shopping is bigger than ever and brands need experts to manage digital campaigns, SEO, and influencer partnerships.

Fashion Supply Chain Manager: Global supply chains are more complex than ever. These professionals oversee logistics, sourcing, and ethical production, ensuring timely and sustainable product delivery.

So if you are fascinated by a world in which AI stitches trends before they happen, digital media turns pixels into couture, and sustainability is the new black, the runway of the future is wide open.

With inputs from Kritika Malhotra, Lead Counsellor, Inomi Learning

The writer is the founder and CEO, Inomi Learning, a Gurugram-based career and college guidance firm. [email protected]