Looking to Design Your Fashion Portfolio or Collection?

Are you looking to design your fashion portfolio or collection? Or simply applying for internships, universities, or your first job? Your portfolio should reflect your creativity, skills, and potential.

Here's a checklist of the top 10 things every fashion student should have in their portfolio...psst we've included a list of renown Fashion Design schools right below too:

1. A Strong Introduction Page

Immediately engage visitors with a clean and visually striking intro. Feature your name prominently, followed by a concise designer bio that highlights your unique perspective or philosophy. This sets a clear and inviting tone for your portfolio.

Portfolio Credits: Jade Mendes | https://www.behance.net/gallery/170300601/Maresia

2. Moodboards and Concept Development

Showcase your process. Include moodboards, color palettes, fabric swatches, and visual inspirations. This helps the viewer understand where your ideas come from and how you interpret trends and culture into designs. Ps! Schools love seeing this part because it allows them to see your originality, research skills, and storytelling ability. 

Portfolio Credits: Hailey Lim 

3. Research and Design Development

Clients and employers love to see how you arrive at your final design. Share sketches, experimental drafts, textile explorations, and early concepts. It shows your capacity to evolve and iterate ideas, not just produce pretty final pieces. 

Portfolio Credits: Hailey Lim 

4. Technical Flats and Specifications

To fully convey your design vision, supplement your creative work with technical drawings and garment specifications. These demonstrate your grasp of garment construction (patterns, seams, measurements) and your meticulous approach, communicating your ability to translate ideas into buildable designs, even if you're still developing this expertise.

Portfolio Credits: Payal Dhende | https://www.behance.net/gallery/173264427/Fashion-Design-Portfolio/modules/1003271839 

5. Final Designs

Highlight your best final illustrations or renders. Whether hand-drawn or digital, they should clearly showcase your styling, fabric choices, and understanding of silhouette, proportions, and detailing.

Portfolio Credits: Hailey Lim 

6. Garment Construction or Finished Pieces

Photographs of completed garments (even better if styled in a photoshoot) bring your designs to life. If possible, include close-up shots showing the little details, such as embroidery, fabric manipulation, to show your skills.

7. Photoshoots and Styling Projects

If you’ve styled or directed a shoot, include it! Fashion today is about storytelling. Your ability to create a cohesive visual narrative will make you more versatile and appealing to brands and agencies.

8. Fashion Show or Exhibition Participation

If you’ve been part of fashion shows, exhibitions, or student showcases, add documentation. Backstage shots, runway photos, and event posters - these will show that you have experience in real world.

9. Personal Projects

Bonus! If you have any independent project that wasn’t tied to school assignments, show it! Personal projects show your initiative, passion, and what you truly love to create when no one is grading you. It also highlights your ability to adapt and experiment. 

10. Final Tips:

• Keep it cohesive: Even if your projects vary, your portfolio should have a consistent visual style.
• Less is more: Curate carefully. Only include your strongest/ most unique work.
• Tell your story: People aren't just hiring skills; they're buying into your journey and your point of view.
  

If you have any of these relevant work, do put them in as it leaves a professional final impression!

*If you need help in building your fashion portfolio:

We offer custom fashion portfolio building for aspiring designers at every level. Whether you’re applying to school or building your body of work for career opportunities, our team can guide you through:

• Design development and illustration

• Patternmaking and technical drawing

• Garment construction and sewing

• Portfolio curation and layout

• Digital tools and software training

Our Custom Class Package is tailored to your pace and goals. You’ll receive hands-on support in the specific areas you need, whether it’s preparing a collection or refining your technical skillset.

Click here to explore our custom classes!

Fashion Schools

Based on the information available for the most popular listed fashion schools, here's a general overview of what they typically look for in a fashion portfolio:

• Creative Thinking and Originality
• Strong Visual Communication Skills
• Understanding of Fashion Fundamentals
• Technical Skills (to varying degrees)
• Process and Development
• Personal Voice and Passion

For the most accurate and up-to-date details, it's best to check the official website of each university directly. Below we have included our own Singapore school that was combined between Lasalle and NAFA, as well as the top overseas fashion schools to consider: 

• University of Arts Singapore
• Central Saint Martins (London)
• London College of Fashion (London)
• Royal College of Art (London)
• Istituto Marangoni (Milan)
• Polimoda (Italy)
• Fashion Institute of Technology (New York)
• Parsons School of Design (New York)
• Bunka Fashion College (Tokyo)
  

Career Pathways

Here are some pathways you can pursue after graduating from Fashion, such as:

• Fashion Designer

• Fashion Patternmaker/ Drafter

• Fashion Technical Designer

• Fashion Illustrator

• Fashion Stylist

• Textile Designer

• Product Developer

• Costume Designer

• Fashion Educator or Researcher

• Fashion Buyer or Merchandiser

With a strong portfolio and technical foundation, many also explore building their own brands through entrepreneurship or roles in fashion marketing, digital content, and sustainability-focused design.