Overview
When you think of Pennsylvania, fashion may not be the first thing that comes to mind. The state is more popular for historic sites and architecture, but fashion has a place here too. Pittsburgh and the University of Pennsylvania sponsor their very own fashion weeks and the cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh host a number of fashion events each year. Not only this, but the state is home to one of the most active shopping scenes in the U.S.
Shoppers can find the latest fashions in the states large malls or small boutiques or they can shop for hidden treasures at thrift stores, consignment shops, and vintage venues across the state. Visit any major city in Pennsylvania and you’ll find a mix of styles from elegant to trendy to a little over the top. No matter what the style you come across in Pennsylvania’s gritty cities and towns, it’s usually fresh, and at times, a bit funky.
In addition to knowing a thing or two about fashion and having its own style, Pennsylvania is also home to several fashion design programs that can help you train to become a fashion designer or fashion merchandiser. These programs can help you develop the technical and creative skills needed to make in the fashion design industry whether you decide to start a career in Pennsylvania, Nevada, or New York. Talent comes in handy too, but once you have the technical skills to go along with it, you will be well on your way to becoming a pat of the world’s most glamorous industry.
Career Opportunities & Employers in Pennsylvania :
Pennsylvania fashion designers work in product development, they work for seasoned designers, they work in textiles, and they may work exclusively in pattern making. These are just a few of the things fashion designers are trained to do. Fashion merchandisers may work in product development, production, marketing, and sales. Many also work in visual merchandising for retail stores or fashion houses. Fashion design and fashion merchandising graduates can find work in these areas and many others across the state from downtown Philadelphia to Shadyside Pittsburgh.
Pennsylvania Fashion Schools & Programs:
If you’re interested in finding a job while you work on your line or even if this is not your plan, you’ll need a degree. Most employers prefer a two- or four-year degree from an accredited college. Fortunately, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits approximately 300 postsecondary institutions with programs in art and design and some are located in the state of Pennsylvania. These schools typically award degrees in both fashion design and fashion merchandising. In many cases, the degree is combined into one.
Aspiring fashion designers and merchandisers living in Pennsylvania will have access to schools such as Philadelphia University of Philadelphia and Moore College of Art & Design. Other Pennsylvania schools that offer fashion design and fashion merchandising programs are:
- The Art Institute of Philadelphia
- The Art Institute of Pittsburgh
- The Art Institute of York
- Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Cheyney
- International Academy of Design & Technology, Pittsburgh
- Lehigh Valley College, Center Valley
- Pace Institute, Reading
If you are interested in a career in fashion design or fashion merchandising, enroll in a fashion design or fashion merchandising degree program at any of the colleges listed above or one that you find on your own. If you are interested in starting your own line or business, consider combining your fashion degree with a business or marketing degree. Most traditional universities offer marketing and business degrees, while most art and design schools do not. You can take business courses at another school while completing your fashion program or you can wait until you have completed your degree to enroll in a full-time business or marketing degree program.
For more information about the fashion design and fashion merchandising industries, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics at Bls.gov.
Employment and Salary Trends for Pennsylvania :
The nearly 200 Pennsylvania fashion designers live in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh—two of the state’s largest cities. Although the number of fashion designers decreased from 360 between 2006 and 2009, salaries are up. Pennsylvania fashion designers earn an average of $52,790 per year, up from $48,250 in 2006. They work as textile artists, fashion directors, designers, strike off artists, consultants, weavers, and in other related professions.
As of May 2008, the mean annual wage for fashion designers nationwide was $61,160. The lowest paid fashion designers earned an average annual salary of $32,150 and the highest paid fashion designers earned $124,780 per year. Because many fashion designers are self-employed, salaries may vary greatly. It’s not unusual for a top fashion designer to earn millions per year
Employment and salary figures for fashion merchandisers have not been reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but a significant part of the job involves working with window and store displays. There are 1,500 merchandise displayers living in Pennsylvania, down from 1,930 in 2006. Fashion merchandisers also work as sales associates, store managers, account managers, buyers, fashion show coordinators, personal shoppers, and in other similar positions.
Although figures are down in Pennsylvania, overall employment in the fashion industry is expected to grow by one percent for the 2008-2018 decade. Sewing and cutting jobs may decline as more and more designers and brands choose manufacturing companies overseas. However, employment of fashion designers is stable because many firms prefer to keep design work in house.
| Number of jobs | Mean hourly pay | Mean annual pay | Job Outlook | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Job |