Author: Michelle Ashton

Styling, Make-up and Production Theatre, Performance and Screen

Production and Studio

Post author By Michelle Ashton
Post date 20th May 2026

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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Retail Operations

Security and Loss Prevention

Post author By Michelle Ashton
Post date 20th May 2026

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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Design and Craft Media, Publishing and Digital

Digital Design

Post author By Michelle Ashton
Post date 20th May 2026

Digital design involves using computer software and 3D modelling to create visual content and experiences across web, social media, and e-commerce platforms. Digital designers are responsible for developing everything from marketing graphics and animations to virtual garments and 3D product simulations. They work with tools like Adobe Creative Suite, CLO 3D, and Blender to bring fashion concepts to life digitally, often supporting brand storytelling, online shopping, and product development.

This field includes roles such as graphic designers, 3D garments designers, User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Designers, and Virtual Fashion Creators. Professionals may work on everything from designing virtual fitting rooms and avatars to improving app usability and online store layouts. With the growth of virtual fashion, augmented reality, and e-commerce, digital design offers a dynamic and rapidly evolving career path for creative individuals with strong technical and visual communication skills.

A career in digital design can be explored in-house through a company or through freelancing or starting your own business. Typically, you would begin in ‘Junior Designer’ or ‘Design Support’ work and can progress into a variety of roles depending on your area of digital design. For example, Head of Digital Development, Innovation Manager, Digital Experience Manager or Creative Director.

examples of roles within Digital Design:

UX/UI Designer
Junior Fashion Designer
Web Designer
Graphic Designer
Content Strategist
UX Researcher
UX Architect
Sustainability Lead
CAD Designer
E-commerce Designer
VR Developer
Junior/Midweight Digital/3D Designer
Character Modeller
Visualiser

Alexis Obue working on her tablet, 2024 BSc Creative Computing, UAL Creative Computing Institute | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Digital Design:

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

Keziah Aguillo, 2023 BA Games Art, London College of Communication, UAL | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

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Design and Craft Theatre, Performance and Screen

Costume Design

Post author By Michelle Ashton
Post date 20th May 2026

Costume design is a creative and collaborative field that focuses on bringing characters to life through clothing. Costume designers work closely with directors, writers, and production teams to research, sketch, and create garments that reflect each character’s personality, time period, and storyline. Their work supports the overall visual style of a production and helps actors embody their roles more fully. Costume designers are responsible for sourcing or making costumes, managing fittings, and ensuring continuity throughout filming or live performance.

This field requires strong skills in garment construction, historical and contemporary fashion knowledge, organisation, and communication. It is a hands-on, detail-focused pathway that blends storytelling, fashion, and technical expertise. From a career in costume design, you can expect to progress through in house and freelance roles, going from Costume Runner, to eventually becoming a Head of Costume or Lead Designer.

Examples of Roles within Costume Design:

Junior/Assistant Designer
Costume Trainee
Costume Design Assistant
Wardrobe Assistant
Costume Maker
Hand Finisher/Seamstress
Costume Runner
Breakdown Artist
Dresser
Costume Standby

Undergraduate Showcase, 2022 BA Costume for Theatre and Screen, Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Levitt Bernstein

London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in Costume Design:

BA (Hons) Costume for Performance

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

LCF Class of 2022 | Photograph: Suzannah Gabriel

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Business and Management Garments, Textiles and Materials Development

Product Innovation and Development

Post author By Michelle Ashton
Post date 20th May 2026

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.

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Culture, Community and Heritage

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Post author By Michelle Ashton
Post date 20th May 2026

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) field in the creative industries is focused on creating inclusive, fair, and representative environments where everyone can thrive. Roles in this area involve developing strategies, policies, and training to address underrepresentation and discrimination. Professionals in DE&I help ensure that workplaces and creative outputs reflect the diversity of society, from inclusive hiring practices to accessible content and campaigns, guiding organisations to become more welcoming and equitable.

Careers in DE&I combine communication, leadership, research, and cultural awareness. Entry-level roles like DE&I Coordinators or Trainers often support senior staff (such as Head of Access and Equity, Director of Culture or Chief Diversity Officer), in delivering impactful programmes and advocating for change across teams. As DE&I becomes more essential in fashion, media, and design, skilled professionals are helping shape industries that are not only more diverse, but also more innovative and representative of the world around them.

Examples of roles within DE&I:

Disability Support Coordinator
Audience Engagement Strategist
DEI Facilitator
Accessibility Specialist
Equity Advocate
DEI Program Curator
Digital Accessibility Assistant
Diversity and Inclusion Specialist
Diversity and Inclusion Trainer
Inclusion Officer
Inclusive Content Creator/Specialist

Luke Chin-Joseph, 2023 BA Fine Art (Sculpture), Camberwell College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in DE&I:

• All LCF Courses could lead to a career in DE&I.

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

Mathushaa Sagthidas, 2021 BA Photography (now BA Fine Art: Photography), Camberwell College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

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Culture, Community and Heritage

Curation

Post author By Michelle Ashton
Post date 20th May 2026

The curation field, especially within fashion and the creative industries, involves selecting, researching, and presenting collections or exhibitions in a way that tells a meaningful story. Curatorial roles require strong research, writing, and organizational skills, as well as a passion for fashion, culture, or art history. Curation today also includes community collaboration and cultural programming, encouraging students to think beyond traditional galleries and see themselves as storytellers or even activists, using exhibitions to share diverse voices and ideas.

Curators play a vital role in shaping how audiences understand and experience creative work, both in galleries and public spaces. Entry-level positions may include assistant curator or collections assistant, with opportunities to progress to roles in major institutions or brand archives, like Creative Director, Chief Creative Officer, Collections Manager or Art Director.

Fashion Curation:

Fashion Curators work closely with designers, academics, historians, museums, and brands to assemble displays that reflect cultural trends, preserve history, and engage the public. They are responsible for “curating” live fashion exhibitions. They play a key role in shaping how fashion brands and stores present themselves and their products to the world.

A curator may be working in house for a designer brand, or freelance. They may be responsible for collecting and managing a brands collection of previous collections or reference garments, sourcing garments, organizing exhibitions, and interpreting fashion through written content, educational events, and public talks. Two notable luxury brands who have curated large exhibitions are Jean Paul Gaultier and Dior – the coordination of these exhibitions may have been the work of one or more curators working on the entire show. These exhibitions make a large impact on public perception of a brand.

Examples of roles within Curation:

Fashion Curator
Trend Forecaster
Creative Curator
Digital Archives Assistant
Education/Outreach Assistant
Registration Assistant
Stylist
Archivist
Gallery Assistant
Programmes Assistant
Curatorial Assistant
Exhibition Assistant
Collection Assistant

London College of Fashion courses relevant to careers in business development:

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

Postgraduate Curating and Collections Show, 2023, Chelsea College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Kristy Noble

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Garments, Textiles and Materials Development

Technical Sewing Specialisms

Post author By Michelle Ashton
Post date 20th May 2026

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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Styling, Make-up and Production Theatre, Performance and Screen

Styling

Post author By Michelle Ashton
Post date 20th May 2026

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.

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Media, Publishing and Digital Theatre, Performance and Screen

Videography

Post author By Michelle Ashton
Post date 20th May 2026

Fashion videography is a highly creative and technical field where moving images are used to bring clothing, accessories, and brand stories to life. Videographers collaborate closely with designers, stylists, and models to develop visual concepts, film on location or in studios, and produce compelling content for campaigns, lookbooks, social media, fashion documentaries and runway shows.

They capture not just garments in motion but also the atmosphere, emotion, and inspiration behind each collection. Roles require skills in filming, directing, and editing, and can range from freelance projects to in-house positions for major fashion brands or production companies.

A career in fashion videography typically begins with assisting roles or internships in production, gradually moving up to videographer, creative director, or producer. Professionals in this area must be confident storytellers, technically skilled in camera operation and editing software, and comfortable managing multiple aspects of a shoot, from storyboarding to post-production. Adaptability, collaboration, and innovation are key, as videographers are expected to respond to evolving trends, technologies, and client needs while crafting content that is both visually captivating and aligned with a brand’s identity.