Summary
This first module introduced you to fashion and offered you a basic overview of what a fashion designer does on a daily basis. This module began with a basic definition of fashion design and introducing who invented it. You also learned many of the useful skills that a fashion designer should possess in order to be successful in this industry.
Regardless of the speciality, each fashion designer performs the following essential functions:

Researches fashion trends and makes predictions
Visits manufacturers or trade shows to acquire samples of fabrics 
Creates storyboards using sketches and designs 


Utilises computer-aided designs to bring visions to life


Makes technical patterns, sews, weaves, and knits
Selects colours
Works with models to help fit designs


Attends and arranges fashion shows 


Oversees the production of sample garments 

 Types of Fashion Design
As a fashion designer, you should be familiar with these areas as you could be working for some or all of them throughout your career.
Mass Market:
Available in mass quantities at standard measurements. 
Ready-to-wear: 
A little bit more high-end and exclusive. Sold in smaller amounts and bear the designer’s name on the label
Haute Couture: 
Original creations that cost thousands of pounds. Designer will work directly with clients and arrange custom fittings and alterations. 
 The fashion industry is very competitive and constantly growing, so while there are some skills you can learn, an aspiring designer should possess some or all the same skills as seasoned professionals. The following skills are important:
 

Communication Skills
Knowledge of Current Fashion Trends
Computer Experience
Knowledge of Materials


Strong Sewing Skills
Drawing and Sketching Skills

 You should have also learned some important fashion terminology, which will help you as you continue your studies. 
Some of the terms you learned touched on phrases you will use throughout your entire fashion career.
Here is a list of the terms you have learnt:

Fashion
Apparel
Garment
Silhouette
Avant Garde
Fad
Classics
Fashion Year

 The module also covered the fashion cycle and explained how it affects the design process.
Finally, you should have learned the five different stages within the fashion cycle, the characteristics of each stage, and how it affects the design process. They are as follows:

Introduction Phase
Rise Stage
Peak Stage
Decline Stage
Obsolescence Stage

Now that you have completed this module, you know some basic fashion concepts and are prepared to move on in the course. 
In the next module, we will focus on the history of fashion and how it has evolved over the years.