[PODCAST] EP 12: The Future of Fashion Careers

[@jessiccablessngs1536]

Sewing and pattern cutting will always be needed skills. But students hate the production section because it's doing long tedious work in a short time frame due to tight deadlines. Design , marketing and promotion, are the instant gratification of the industry whereas sewing and pattern cutting are the delayed gratification.

[@karabotsoaedi6284]

I am thinking Pattern Construction too, it's one of those things you find out about and your already in the middle.

[@charmedprince]

Until they make wearing tree barks and sacks fashionable again 🤣🤣

[@emilycummings3125]

Sewing and pattern cutting are my favourite. I'm not as interested in drawing or marketing or whatever.

[@sewingincubator]

This video needs to be “required watching” for every creative starting in the industry The demand for people who commit to learn how to make great products will always be there, even if the tools (physical and digital) keep evolving , the basic principles will remain the same The hardest position to replace is a technical designer who has a strong pattern making, grading and Industrial sewing background Thank you for keeping it real ❤

[@zoehongteaches]

You’re welcome and thank you!

[@sewingincubator]

@@zoehongteaches I hope the hubby is doing well, and (just as important) glad to see YOU doing better! 🤩

[@zoehongteaches]

Thanks!

[@nehazite260]

To be honest, I always wondered why there is so much hype around trend forecasting like why do we need to rely on predictions and forecasts when we can absolutely get to know the real situation in matter of minutes

[@starveartist]

You are amazing. Your knowledge combined with your no nonsense delivery earned you all of these followers!!!

[@mrfunky1768]

I teach fashion illustration in a design program and I alk about these very things in my drawing class and the students thank me cause theyre not getting these very important real life conversations in any other classes we are sending these young ppl. into the world grossly unprepared thank you so much for your insight several of my students follow you as well !!!!

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome!

[@Imjusttryingtotellu]

I’m in school for pattern making and construction - I don’t know all the things I can do with the certificate but I’d like to start my own brand but I’m also really interested in supply chain and manufacturing.

[@zalia332]

I just want to thank you for making these videos, you truly have helped me in so many ways throughout the process of my clothing brand. Youre amazing!

[@zoehongteaches]

Thank you! You’re so kind.

[@calebwilson7472]

@zoehongteaches Are you still in New York

[@zoehongteaches]

I've never been in New York@@calebwilson7472

[@calebwilson7472]

@@zoehongteaches Oh ok.

[@phindlovu8321]

"Retailtainment" - Thank you for introducing me to my word of the season

[@AE-nf8nz]

Loved this video. as a student i interned everywhere and did everything from sourcing to production to merchandizing to designing and honestly after all my schooling i craved non-design things so much. like a desk job. something material and not abstract. not arguing and debating with a team over the hem band or how the shoulder is being fitted etc. sometimes its a nice break from design to work and gain experience in all the other areas. itll make you a better designer too.

[@LotsPots_amsterdam]

You always make so much sense ❤

[@zoehongteaches]

I try! 😂😂

[@Gian_Valkiri]

About the catalog modelling, right now in college in Brazil we have a discipline in Ai imagery and 3D render, we create the collection in 3D and we use Ai to improve the image and create a realistic catalog based on the 3D render

[@zoehongteaches]

Pretty cool. Yup, that's the direction we're all going in soon I think.

[@Derekkize]

Hi Zoe! Wanna say thank you so much for educating, your videos are always extremely helpful! Especially for people who don't have access to fashion school, but wanna start in the business.

[@zoehongteaches]

You’re welcome!

[@karabotsoaedi6284]

Available jobs that no one wants to do. This reminds me of when I went to fashion school, I never thought of doing pattern construction. Pattern Construction is not fun but interesting to know how to do

[@mariaangelicadelgado2917]

I think trend forecasters are evolving as fashion consultores, wgsn give you 3d models of their top products so makes easier to just making them.

[@zoehongteaches]

Good to know. Weird that they’re doing that though…

[@Motomamiiiiiiiiiiiiiii]

I love your personality never stop being you and shining

[@KikiStar518]

This video gained you another subscriber I've been in the fashion industry on the design side the past 20 yrs and the lack of forward thinking within these companies is so frustrating. So much overdevelopment and fabric being wasted instead of investing in things like 3D design software to reduce it. Now I'm looking into pivoting to a way to show companies how that can be beneficial.

[@imaniezell3738]

Can you do a video or link a video of you talking about how the industry used to be? How exclusive everything used to be, the pros and cons of it, etc.

[@jaxn1221]

As always...fabulous and thoughtful

[@zoehongteaches]

Thank you!

[@butchniqabi]

arriving a little late to the party (just found your channel and i'm in love!) but i work in a popular bridal chain that basically utilizes "retailtainment" as its main selling policy. how my manager described it is that i'm functionally a bride's "best friend for an hour", we push excellent customer service and get directly rewarded for it in the form of a team bonus. our relationships with brides are so highly emphasized that our training essentially revolves around it! we also had some bridal shows during our grand opening to generate interest. i think with something so emotionally charged as marriage and weddings, retailtainment is the best way to secure customers, but i can already see other places pivoting towards it as well. it's exciting to think we're entering a new era of shopping experience, though i do worry for us poor underpaid workers haha!

[@Sketchartbymarc1]

Hi Zoe! Another timely and definitely imo on-target video! Always appreciate your valuable insights, ‘humorous candor’ and pragmatic approach. Many thx! 🙌😎

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome!

[@christiebecerril8113]

I love your videos, your content is always so educational and I love hearing your thoughts. AI might grow to do a lot of things but it can't replace all the work and skills needed to create a physical product, all the steps from start to finish.

[@timhalphide948]

Thanks a bunch. As I consider diving into this field, you are a great beacon of light and guidance.

[@247BadMamaJama]

I have a degree in Fashion Marketing and you just served me my Masters!! This was amazing, you now have a new follower! Thank you🙌🏽💕🙏🏽

[@makingnewdreamscometrue]

Informative content as usual. I’m on the other end of the spectrum in this industry. Trying to get rid of stuff so it doesn’t end up in a landfill. I’m glad to hear that you are open to respectful opinions that disagree with you. Funny you mention this topic along with illustrators who expect to be noticed because this morning I made a comment to someone that I thought that particular work was too dark for me and she removed me as a follower and blocked me. 😂

[@Justcetriyaart]

Im a print oattern textile illustrator looking to learn more about design to be more a combo. I might add more technical info since i want to pick up more sewing and embroidery.

[@zoehongteaches]

Expanding your skill base is always a good idea. Good luck!

[@crystalneel748]

Thanks for sharing! Always on point!🎯 I would like to know what you think about fashion upcycling/thrift flip/redesign as a business? And things like designing your own patterns to sell… Might make an interesting video topic? It has been tweaking my interest lately as something I might enjoy …it encompasses sustainability, creativity, physical sewing skills & much of what you mentioned…

[@zoehongteaches]

People sell their own patterns. People are increasingly dissatisfied with the big pattern companies. Upcycling is a tricky business, but can be done.

[@natak3705]

I appreciate your insight in this video. Understanding change in the fashion industry is imperative. Change is inevitable just as it is in all aspects of life. Happy Sunday. ❤

[@zoehongteaches]

Thanks! Happy Sunday!

[@lilyflojewellery4945]

I think you are amazing!!! I am a jeweller and I'm very aware that everything that you teach is applicable to a tangental industry. Your clear, deeply insightful perspective on the industry as well as tutorials on every part of the design process has absolutely informed me how to be a better designer and more professional creative! I adore you - you are funny and smart and I am very very grateful that you keep putting out these videos and thoughts as there is no one like you. Even at all the colleges I've been to and am applying for (MA DESIGN at 50!) I've never come across anyone with the knowledge and power that you do. ADORE YOU!!!!

[@zoehongteaches]

Thank you!

[@guneet.s]

Thank you so much for making this video . I a, working as a production manager since i graduated from my fashion college and have always loved this area of work. Your views help remove doubts of all sorts. Thank you !! ❤

[@erinvanhandel]

Great video, Zoe! I totally agree that AI is a tool and cannot replace all jobs in fashion. I particularly think it's a great tool for ideation, because kicking off a project often is the scariest part. I've used ChatGPT to write blog posts, and it absolutely DOES NOT produce (at least at this point) high-quality copy. AI needs editors and experts, and anything that's created by AI is only going to be as good as what's used to prompt/teach AI. Garbage in, garbage out. RE: Trend forecasting: I agree that the internet/technology has democratized, to a large degree, trend spotting. But there are many small/emerging brands that don't have the resources to DIY deep trend research. Also, a trend watcher who's removed from a brand may bring better perspective to what's REALLY happening vs. a designer who's deep in the weeds. UNRELATED: Your glasses and glasses chain combo are giving me life!

[@zoehongteaches]

You have a point but many small brands often can't afford trend forecasting services, or they find them lower priority over paying factories and fabric mills. And the bigger companies who can afford them often find in house merchandisers a better solution, more specific to their own needs. Nonetheless, the sector is shrinking, and many people ask me more and more if forecasting services are necessary.

[@caiamore25]

"Feel free to disagree with me, RESPECTFULLY"

[@thinkuthink]

Fascinating stuff ❤ I'm grateful to get these insights as a newbie so I can steer my Honda accordingly 😌🙌🏾🤗 Bliss you Zoe!

[@zoehongteaches]

you're welcome!

[@mentalstimulate]

Don't worry -- I'll market myself soon enough. Just have to learn from one of the best fashion channels out there first.🐕

[@gigilachaille5014]

Thank you Zoe! My background is production and I’m tired of arguing with people telling me robots will replace me… lmao Not in this life time

[@zoehongteaches]

Production management is too nuanced and requires too many conversations to be taken over by robots!

[@gigilachaille5014]

No I sew😅 on the production floor

[@gigilachaille5014]

But it would take way too much money to replace millions of years of evolution that goes for $0.17 an hour

[@zoehongteaches]

Oh yeah no robots there either 😂

[@gigilachaille5014]

Thats what I tell them and Indonesian kid in terrible working conditions that’s who would replace me not a robot

[@EdinsonFernandez-vw1iq]

Amazing as always. I appreciate your content so much. THANK YOU.

[@cloudninetherapeutics7787]

Straight to the point as always, Zoe. You're the best!

[@zoehongteaches]

Thanks!

[@atefehhajiagha5500]

This video was just what i needed, I was thinking about this like an hour ago !As usual thank you for the amazing content!💝💖

[@zoehongteaches]

you're welcome!

[@rossellaleonardi2908]

Great observations. Thank you, Zoe.

[@maissamichou7218]

All of your videos are so helpful, I'm thankful for you ❤❤

[@zoehongteaches]

thank you!

[@jessicawagnerkan2959]

Great video, as usual! Appreciate your insight!!

[@zoehongteaches]

Thanks!

[@riley23556]

Any advice on how to transition back to using your degree? I majored in merchandising, then covid cut my internship short. I'm stuck in customer service for a fashion brand that doesn't want me to move up :(

[@soffaerie]

I think anyone who knows what AI is currently able to do and what automated machines are currently able to do, would agree. I currently work at a company that sells software and machines to brands in south america and I can back up her argument

[@BethMikoMe]

I love all your videos Zoe❤

[@zoehongteaches]

Thanks!

[@just_cade]

You’re truly a gift to us all, Zoe! Your content is an absolute treasure trove of information, thank you for everything that you do! 🤍

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome!

[@ramsescarranza5774]

Hi Zoe. Thank you for being you. You are straight forward, honest and knowledgeable. I have a random question. I am having lunch with a very famous fashion designer in a month. I am a trained fashion designer who has been styling for the last 10 years but now I'm really interested in designing again. I want to show this person my work. How do I do it? what is the best way to demonstrate my skills with both sketches, mood board, flats etc. So, I am essentially showing a portfolio geared toward their niche which is evening wear. So, how would you suggest I show them? Electronically or actual paper? Both? Thank you for anything you can suggest.

[@nataliechim5227]

Excellent video Zoe.

[@_olia.os_]

I'm interested in why you think that fashion illustration is less affected by A.I. than photography? I am from Ukraine, and I never in my life saw job propositions for illustrators, and I always thought this kind of work stayed in the 20th century.

[@marcosdiaz8377]

thanks for do this videos i love your content

[@asthajain8574]

Heyy!! Your videos are really very very informative and helpful 💗 I would like to know about surface ornamentation and print making also !? It would be helpful. Thank you !

[@atefehhajiagha5500]

Your glasses are so cute!

[@Juststudiothings]

Well I wrote a huge comment but don't see it so just gonna say : always enjoy your podcast. Thanks!

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome and thank you!

[@vrushtikotak1268]

I loved it, would you mind putting this too for your next video, how fashion schools are gonna be irrelevant cuz we are learning literally everything from KZbin I think next generation is going to ask what KZbin channels do you follow than asking what college are you from😂😂😂😂😂

[@zoehongteaches]

hahahahaha~

[@gasanafreddy2797]

You are right

[@christoje]

3:58 haha, that sounds just so real 😀

[@Rawomnivore]

If you are not currently in the fashion industry but wish to do one of the new and increasingly important jobs that are being created, what do you think is the best way to get in? e.g. AI renderer or Production manager

[@booch3984]

im a young man starting my sewing journey i watch your videos occasionally and i would like to say i appreciate your insights and opinions 🙏🫶🏼

[@jessiccablessngs1536]

I think vogue is failing because people are tired of seeing celebrities, commercial products and trends. Social media has taken over trends, celebrities are unrelatable and people are concerned about overconsumption, overproduction and other sustainable issues. Vogue is not adapting to the present times. We don't need people telling us what to wear anymore. People can, and should decide their own style. Vogue needs to talk about things people actually want to read.

[@zoehongteaches]

I do find the better articles are over at Vogue Business. The main site is only good for runway shots for me. I used to pay for VB and WWD subscriptions but let them lapse while husband was in hospital. I need to pick those up again.

[@charmedprince]

It's us with the scissors and pins who will still survive so fret not 😌

[@walterw9829]

Thank you for your expanded POV. I always learn something new. #shinybacon

[@zoehongteaches]

#shinybacon hahahahah

[@mery299]

what about Stylist. Is it that influencers are now the new stylist¿

[@AgusThaSwagger]

Can you talk about the future of styling?

[@roshnirana4573]

What about visual merchandiser?

[@slacks100]

1/2" Seam Allowance please Break it down Break it down boo.

[@iambelene423]

How do you feel like makeup artists are going to be affected?

[@PBromide]

Does anyone have a link to the video of Diesel using AI to make designs but then patternmakers creating the patterns?

[@christoje]

@PBromide I was interested to find it too and searched and searched. Actually, I think it's the G-Star Raw video that Zoe refers to in "[PODCAST] EP 9: AI's Impact on Fashion Design (Artificial Intelligence)" at about 8-23 - she gives the website link at the top of the description.

[@PBromide]

@@christoje thank you for looking it up! I’ll check it out.

[@alli_mode]

Just saying hi today. 😊

[@zoehongteaches]

👋

[@monabelanger8916]

very informative video! thank you!

[@zoehongteaches]

you're welcome!

[@luisarmentaartist]

i like to think im prima ballerina

[@Cheree_Wright]

❤

[@jahanvisinghhh]

you talked about consultants but isn't AI can be a consultant too. like just ask chatgpt.

[@zoehongteaches]

A *good* consultant learns a lot about a specific company before discussing changes that that company can implement that will serve them best specifically. If you want to input reams of data about income data, production processes, sourcing, company culture, etc etc etc to get an unproven source to spit out suggestions, sure. You can try that.

[@hlovewood5636]

come back another day AI, cause Mrs. Hong has dismissed you