Who else but fashion designers. And if stylised clothes are here to stay, then so will its creators, that is fashion designers.

One may wonder why a person has to train for a field that is so creative. J J Vallaya, fashion designer, has the answer, ``There are two ways to go about fashion designing - either acquire experience or acquire technical training. Fashion designing courses help in the latter,'' he says.

Skills:
One should be technically knowledgeable, for it helps provide one with the much-needed edge in this highly competitive industry.

It is not enough if a person designs fabrics, the way he wants to. It should suit the tastes of the market. Therefore one must also try to understand the ever-changing tastes of the market.

People do consider FD courses the `in-thing' around, for it is very glamourous. But both students and designers will vouch that though it is very satisfactory to create something, the very process taxes one creatively, technically and intellectually.

Admission process:
Most institutes have an entrance examination that is followed by a group discussion and interview. The entrance examination tests the general and creative abilities of the candidate. The general ability test usually comprises sections on quantitative, communication and analytical ability, apart from English comprehension. There is also a section meant to test one's environment awareness and logical ability. The creative ability section tests the imagination of the individual. Colour sensitivity, creativity, colour, an eye for detail and originality are tested by giving tasks in fashion sketching and thematic colour arrangement, that involve pencil drawing or illustration.

However, at the interview stage, what is being sought in the applicants is a mix of creativity and personality. Also confidence, power of communication and the capacity to imagine, says Prof Asha Baxi, chairperson, fashion design, FD, NIFT.

Career avenues:
Apart from fashion designing, the related fields where students can make their mark are:
Marketing: Saleability involves research and analysis of fashion trends and market competition, product planning, sales forecasts, advertising, public relations and promotion.

Merchandising: This comprises marketing a product at a particular customer and sector in the market.

Photography: Most fashion photographers in India are freelancers and undertake both location and studio photography.

Illustration: Fashion illustrations can be done for magazines, promotional material etc. A sound understanding of garment construction, fabrics and the body, help in this field as does the use of colour and other skills learnt in the course.

Fashion writing and journalism: Newspapers usually assign a regular journalist to write on fashion as well. Fashion writers, can have a journalistic background too, but they usually have some foothold in the field of design.

Costumes and wardrobe: An incumbent provides wardrobes keeping in mind the future trends. They can find employment in tele-serials. Costume designers, however, need to possess a sound knowledge of theatre and drama. The film industry also employs costume designers.

Teaching: The incumbent must have some experience in addition to possessing a fashion designing degree.

Emoluments: An incumbent can expect to earn a minimum starting salary of Rs 5,000. However, if the student is from an acclaimed institute, he can expect anything in the range of Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000.

Prospects: Says Anita Sahni, director, NIFT, Delhi, ``There is a wave of clothes-consciousness in society today. This has ensured that not only are more clothes being designed and manufactured, but also more clothes are being purchased. The industry therefore, absorbs anyone who is good.''