Author: Michelle Ashton

Categories
Retail Operations

Security and Loss Prevention

The Security and Loss Prevention department in fashion is responsible for protecting products, people, and profits by preventing theft, fraud, and stock loss, often called “shrinkage.” This includes using tools like CCTV, security tags, and surveillance, as well as monitoring store activity and ensuring staff follow security procedures. These teams work in both physical retail stores and across supply chains, playing a key role in maintaining safety and operational efficiency.

Roles in this area include Loss Prevention Officers, Investigators, and Managers, with progression into consultancy or senior management positions. Increasingly, the department also supports sustainability goals by reducing waste, promoting ethical labour practices, and improving supply chain transparency. For students considering careers in this area, it’s a chance to combine security expertise with social responsibility, helping fashion businesses operate ethically, safely, and efficiently.

Examples of roles within Security and Loss Prevention:
  • Loss Prevention Officer / Specialist / Coordinator
  • Investigator
  • Retail Security
  • Stockroom Assistant
  • Loss Prevention Manager
CCI institute Camberwell University Architecture
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Security and Loss Prevention:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Creative Processes with Adrienne Bennie, PhD Research Student
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Buying, Merchandising and Supply Chain Science and Cosmetics

Trend Forecasting

Trend forecasting in fashion involves predicting future styles, colours, fabrics, and consumer preferences by analysing current and past trends, market data, and cultural influences. Forecasters study customer behaviour, attend fashion shows, explore street style, and examine online search patterns to spot emerging trends. Their insights help fashion brands, designers, and retailers plan ahead, ensuring products stay relevant and appeal to what consumers will want next. Creating detailed reports is a key part of the role, as these help companies make informed decisions about design, marketing, and stock planning.

Early career roles in this field often support research, reporting, and collaboration with designers, media teams, and marketing professionals. Strong observational skills, creativity, and an understanding of cultural and industry shifts are important. Digital skills, such as managing databases and staying active on social media, are also valuable for spotting and sharing trends. Although trend forecasting is a niche area, students can enter the field from backgrounds like fashion design, marketing, or merchandising.

These roles can be in-house with a larger brand, working for a dedicated trend forecasting company or even part time contracts and freelancing consultancy roles.

Examples of roles within Trend Forecasting:
  • Trend Forecaster
  • Trend Researcher
  • Junior/Assistant/Senior Trend Analyst
  • Junior/Assistant/Senior Product Analyst
  • Consumer Insights Analyst
Tanikha (Renzo) Allen showing her portfolio UAL | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in trend forecasting:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Ziqi Ga, 2022 MA Material Futures, Central Saint Martins, UAL | Photograph: Ben Turner
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Styling, Make-up and Production Theatre, Performance and Screen

Styling

Fashion styling is a creative and fast-paced field where professionals are responsible for curating looks for individuals, brands, or productions. Stylists work across a wide range of settings, from editorial shoots and advertising campaigns to celebrity appearances and runway shows. Their role includes conceptualising outfit ideas, sourcing clothing and accessories, and coordinating with designers, photographers, and make-up artists to bring a cohesive visual story to life.

Stylists often start their careers assisting more established professionals, gradually building their portfolios and industry networks to secure bigger clients and projects. A successful stylist needs strong research skills, trend awareness, and a clear visual sensibility. Daily tasks may include mood-boarding, product sourcing, fittings, and managing wardrobes on set. Many stylists work freelance, with roles varying from personal styling and shopping to high-end fashion editorial and red carpet preparation.

examples of roles within styling:
  • Creative Stylist
  • Stylist Assistant
  • Fashion Cupboard Intern
  • Researcher
  • Styling Manager
  • Personal Stylist
  • Ecommerce/Digital Stylist
  • Runway Stylist
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in styling:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Work by Katharine Nixon
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Garments, Textiles and Materials Development

Technical Sewing Specialisms

Technical sewing specialisms are vital roles within the fashion and creative industries that focus on the hands-on construction and fine craftsmanship of garments and textiles. These professionals, often called makers, include tailors, dressmakers, embroidery designers, industrial sewing machine operators, and even upholsterers.

Often freelancers or business owners, they bring designs to life by using precise sewing, cutting, fitting, and finishing techniques. Typical tasks include taking measurements, making toiles, fittings and alterations. Whether creating bespoke fashion pieces or maintaining high-volume production standards, these roles require attention to detail, technical skill, and a deep understanding of fabrics and garment construction. Technical sewing experts are also found in costume departments, bridal boutiques, and luxury fashion houses.

As the industry evolves, there are growing opportunities in digital embroidery, sustainable garment production, and teaching. Students interested in these paths should focus on building sewing proficiency, pattern-cutting knowledge, and an eye for both design and function, opening doors to creative and highly valued career routes within fashion. With experience, you could supervise a workshop team of cutters and tailors, become a Head or Master Tailor with a company or set up your own business or work freelance.

examples of roles within Technical Sewing Specialisms:
  • Garment Technologist
  • Technical Designer
  • Embroiderer
  • Seamstress
  • Tailor
  • Weaver
  • Knitter
  • Consultant
  • Technical Production Coordinator
  • Clothing Technician
  • Textiles Technician
  • Dressmaker
  • Textile Operative
Sophia Meuer in the studio | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Technical Sewing Specialisms:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

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Garments, Textiles and Materials Development Theatre, Performance and Screen

Pattern Cutting and Construction

Pattern cutting and garment construction are technical careers that turn design ideas into physical garments. They shape the foundation of any well-made garment. Pattern cutters create precise templates based on a designer’s sketch, using both manual and digital (CAD) techniques. They also using draping, the process of shaping fabric directly on a mannequin, to explore fit and silhouette in three dimensions. A key concern is coding pattern parts to specification, for correct assembly at manufacture. These patterns guide the production process, ensuring correct fit, style, and material use while minimizing waste.

This field suits people who are detail-oriented, technically skilled, and creative problem-solvers. Professionals in this pathway may work in-house for fashion brands, with manufacturers, or as independent consultants. With experience, roles can lead to senior positions like Head of Pattern Cutting or Director of Product Development.

examples of roles within Pattern Cutting and Construction:
  • Junior/Assistant Pattern Cutter
  • Junior/Assistant Garment Technologist
  • Pattern Grader
  • Cutting Machine Operator
  • Creative Manual Cutter
  • Technical Designer
  • Machinist
  • Sample maker
  • Fabric cutter
  • Researcher
  • Printer
  • Production Planner
Alys Tomlinson, February 2016, Photographer: Alys Tomlinson, UAL, Wimbledon College of Art, Wimbledon. February 2016
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Pattern Cutting and Construction:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Day 2, February 2016, LCF, Photographer: Alys Tomlinson, UAL, UAL student recruitment, UAL. LCF
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Business and Management Garments, Textiles and Materials Development

Product Innovation and Development

Product Innovation and Development in the fashion and creative industries involves creating and improving products through new ideas, materials, and technologies. This area focuses on bringing fresh, sustainable solutions to design, often by sourcing innovative fabrics, producing samples, and working closely with factories to ensure products are both high-quality and market ready. Professionals in this field need a strong understanding of the design cycle, global market trends, and materials science.

Fashion industry jobs need to adapt to the growing demand for more sustainable shopping models, particularly second-hand options. As sustainability becomes more important, roles in product innovation are growing rapidly. Experts seek to develop recycled and recyclable options for greener knitwear and woven garments, jersey materials, and more, working towards eliminating plastic altogether. Starting in support roles like sample coordination or fabric research, you can progress to become a Product Development Manager, Product Innovation Manager, or Head of Sustainability.

Examples of roles within Product Innovation and Development:
  • Product Sustainability Innovator
  • Creative Design Developer
  • Fabric Researcher
  • Sample Coordinator
  • Sustainability Officer
  • Circular Design Expert
  • Assistant/Executive Developer
  • Product Analyst
  • Consumer Insights Specialist
  • Development Technician
  • Product Developer
Patrik Bukovszky, 2022 BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Development, London College of Fashion, UAL | Photograph: Ben Turner
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Product Innovation and Development:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Womenswear by Catia Silvestre
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Design and Craft Garments, Textiles and Materials Development

Print and Textile Design

Print and textile design involves designing and developing fabric patterns, textures, and materials used in clothing, interiors, and accessories. Designers in this field work with both traditional and digital techniques to create printed, woven, and experimental surfaces. They research trends, draw or digitally render designs, and often produce fabric samples using methods like screen printing, dyeing, or embroidery. A strong eye for colour, form, and texture is essential, alongside technical knowledge of materials and production processes.

Some designers specialise in areas such as knitwear, jersey, or digital printing. Working either in-house for brands or independently, textile designers contribute creatively to collections while addressing broader concerns like sustainability, identity, and innovation. Progression can vary in these roles. You could own your own company or brand, or become Head of Textiles, Woven Textile Designer or Head of Print within another brand. These brands’ products can range from interior design to accessories and apparel.

Examples of roles within Print and Textile Design:
  • Surface Pattern Textile Designer
  • Print Technician
  • Junior/Assistant Print Designer
  • Studio Assistant
  • Pattern and Print Maker
  • Print Designer
  • Circular Design Expert
Work by Nikhita Andi on display, with a visitor interacting with the installation, 2021 MA Textile Design, Chelsea College of Arts
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Print and Textile Design:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Yifan Yang, 2021 Graduate Diploma Textile Design, Chelsea College of Arts, UAL
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Garments, Textiles and Materials Development

Materials and Product Technology

Materials and Product Technologists focus on the development, testing, and selection of textiles used in garments and other products. Professionals in this area work with both natural and synthetic fibres to evaluate qualities like durability, stretch, colour fastness, and water resistance. They advise on suitable materials for specific designs, develop innovative new fabrics, and ensure garments meet performance, sustainability, and cost standards. Increasingly, this field also includes circular design and textile recycling, as sustainability is central to industry practices.

Roles in this field require strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and technical knowledge of fabrics, fibres, and production methods. Technologists often collaborate closely with designers, pattern cutters, and manufacturers, acting as a key link between concept and production. Following this career path could lead to roles like Senior Textile Technologist or Material Innovator.

examples of roles within Materials and Product Technology:
  • Fabric/Textile/Clothing Technologist
  • Pattern Technologist
  • Sourcing Assistant
  • Dye Technologist
  • Garment Technologist
  • Creative Pattern Cutter
  • Digital Pattern Cutter
  • Product Developer
  • Colour Technician
  • Textile Recycling Operations Manager
  • Circular Design Expert
  • Textile Operative
Sydney Carty, 2023 Level 3 International: Introduction to the Study of Fashion, London College of Fashion, UAL | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Materials and Product Technology:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Mireille Steinhage, 2022 Material Futures, Central Saint Martins, UAL | Photograph: Ben Turner
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Science and Cosmetics

Regulatory Affairs

Regulatory is responsible for ensuring the compliance of new and existing products. Regulatory affairs play a crucial role in navigating compliance frameworks and ensuring that products meet legal, safety, and quality standards.

They check quality control issues and safety, implementing current legislation to products. This can include making sure packaging is compliant globally. They work with Procurement, Marketing and Technical Departments. These roles have direct progression from Graduate Level to Senior Regulators.

Examples of roles within Regulatory Affairs:
  • Regulatory Assistant
  • Technical Assistant
  • Regulatory Technologist
  • Product Safety Assistant
  • Quality Control/Assurance
Tahiya Hossain in the studio | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson,
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Regulatory Affairs:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

Tahiya Hossain in the studio | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson
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Styling, Make-up and Production Theatre, Performance and Screen

Production and Studio

Production and studio work involves managing and coordinating the many moving parts that bring visual campaigns, fashion shoots, and shows to life. Production teams are responsible for everything from booking models and locations to organising equipment, schedules, and budgets. They work closely with stylists, photographers, and creative directors to make sure the shoot or event runs smoothly and stays true to the creative vision. This behind-the-scenes work blends creativity with planning, production roles offer exciting opportunities across fashion, film, editorial, and advertising.

In studio production settings, professionals prepare garments, assist with casting, and ensure every shoot element is ready to go. On set, producers coordinate timelines, manage teams, problem-solve in real-time, and maintain communication between departments. Strong organisation, attention to detail, and teamwork are essential skills in this field. Entry-level roles often involve supporting logistics, administration, or the studio environment, with progression leading to roles like Production Manager or Producer.

examples of roles within production and studio:
  • Retoucher
  • Sample Assistant
  • Casting Assistant
  • Sustainability Assistant
  • Art Department Trainee
  • Producer
  • Photoshoot Producer
  • Production Coordinator
London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in production and studio:

This list is not exhaustive. It is only an indication of directly connected LCF Courses.

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