Everybody has a style – models, coders working from home, professors, business professionals, college students, sports people, bridesmaids and even gaming characters!
Fashion rebounded strongly—like tourism—after the pandemic and though that high is slowing down in the west, the sharp and strong rise of Asian markets means that the centre of fashion is fast shifting to China and India.
So if you are one who loves to observe fashion, celebrate self-expression and enjoy fashion trends, here’s a look at the latest career trends in the fashion industry:
Artificial Intelligence
Like all other industries, fashion, too, is impacted by AI with tools like Heuritech that analyse past data to predict consumer preferences and trends, generative design tools like Raspberry Ai allowing you to experiment with and generate styles online, colour palattes like Khroma for you to play with 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
It is rapidly growing, making up 40% of the market in North America and 35% in Europe, where countries like Germany, France, and the UK lead due to strict environmental policies. One growing trend is circular fashion, which 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
This on the other hand, is creating 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. Brands like Gucci and Balenciaga are already jumping on the trend, releasing exclusive digital collections for platforms like Roblox and Fortnite. Consumers, especially Gen Z, are embracing virtual fashion as a way to express themselves in the digital space while reducing waste from fast fashion. Plus, 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 would be impossible to produce physically can now come to life in stunning animations. As technology advances, expect digital fashion to become even more mainstream, reshaping 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, has taken over, with brands like Nike, Adidas, and Lululemon leading the charge. People want clothing that’s both 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 fueled the trend, making joggers, sneakers, and hoodies everyday essentials. As technology advances, expect smart fabrics and eco-friendly innovations to redefine how we dress for both fitness and fashion.
Costume Design
This has got a big fillip with streaming platforms producing more 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? You can consider business roles in this exciting, multi-billion-dollar industry managing events like fashion shows, fashion retailing online, fashion communication, social media and advertising. Fashion Management deals with the building of a brand and its perception in the eyes of the customer. It also deals with the business side of the fashion industry. It includes everything from marketing, organizing, planning, merchandising, promotion and distribution of products.
Marketing and branding
These are crucial in fashion, shaping a brand’s identity and connecting with consumers through creative strategies. Digital marketing managers use online channels like social media and ads to boost sales and visibility, requiring 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 photoshoots, 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. Companies like Stella McCartney and Patagonia lead in sustainable fashion, making this a high-demand role.
Fashion Data Analyst
Retailers and brands now rely on big data to predict trends and optimize inventory. Fashion data analysts use AI and analytics to track consumer behavior, helping brands make smarter business decisions.
E-commerce and Digital Marketing Specialist
Online shopping is bigger than ever, and brands need experts to manage digital campaigns, SEO, and influencer partnerships. Companies like ASOS and Zara heavily invest in digital marketing professionals.
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 the fast-moving and highly world where 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; are you ready to walk it?
The writer is Founder and CEO, Inomi Learning, a Gurugram-based career and college guidance firm. info@inomi.in
The original article was first published in ‘The Hindu’, on February 15th, 2025.
With inputs from Kritika Malhotra, Lead Counsellor at Inomi Learning.
Richa Dwivedi Saklani is a certified coach from UCLA and is an accredited MBTI trainer who has worked with over 10,000 people across career planning and as a behavioral trainer in companies. She is the CEO & Founder of Inomi Learning and author of “The Ultimate Guide to 21st Century Careers”.
