The fashion industry is one of the most difficult in the world to become a success, due to factors like intense competition, fast-changing trends, economic uncertainty and the need to adapt to new technologies and consumer behaviours. UK fashion has a highly competitive market, especially for roles like fashion design, as the industry’s glamorous image and demand for talent has grown exponentially in recent years. These difficulties only multiply if you’re an expat looking to break into the UK fashion industry.
When you’re an expat living in the UK, a strategic approach that combines talent, networking, and understanding the nuances of the local scene will be crucial for success. Making this work effectively won’t be easy, but if you have a true passion for fashion and make a conscious effort to achieve your goal, the sky will be the limit.
This guide will explore how you can break into the UK fashion industry as an expat, as we delve into obtaining the relevant visas, building your professional foundation, connecting with the right people and more. Continue reading to find out more.
Breaking into the UK Fashion Industry
Navigate Visa Requirements
When moving to the UK, you’ll need to obtain the relevant visa to legally be able to work and stay in the country. The Global Talent Visa for fashion is a key visa choice, as it allows those from overseas to move to the UK and join a fashion business legally. For a Global Talent Visa, you can apply through two means:
- Apply as a leader in your field through the ‘Exceptional Talent’ visa.
- Apply as a potential leader in your field through the ‘Exceptional Promise’ visa.
You’ll need three letters of recommendation, ten pieces of evidence that show that the applicant has exceptional talent or promise, a valid passport and a TB certificate (if required) to be considered for the visa. If successful, and you move to the UK for several years, you can eventually apply for British Citizenship to remain in the country.
Understand the Landscape
It’s very important to conduct thorough research about the UK fashion scene, as you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the key fashion hubs to ensure that you’re moving to the best area to unlock your potential. London and Manchester are currently the best locations for breaking into the UK fashion industry with London focusing on more high-end couture, while Manchester focuses more on sustainable practices and a unique blend of streetwear and contemporary wear. Each location will have brands, retailers and events that are specific to that region.
Determine which area of the fashion industry aligns with your skills and passion, as this will give you the best chance of success. This could be design, styling, buying, marketing, journalism, production or another specialised field. Your international experience and skills can be an asset, so keep this in mind when selecting your route.
Build Your Professional Foundation
Adapt your portfolio and CV to the UK market. This will be different to what you’re used to adding onto your CV in your home country. Highlight projects and experiences that demonstrate your understanding of UK fashion trends and standards. Ensure your CV is clear, concise and adheres to UK formatting norms as this will show that you’ve done your research on how to construct your fashion portfolio.
Develop a professional online presence through platforms like LinkedIn, a personal website or an Instagram account to showcase your work and connect with industry professionals. This gives you a great chance to let business see the standard of your current work, as they can often spot good potential and will develop your skills into something more profound and professional.
Efficient Networking
Networking can unlock many doors within the fashion industry and allow you to meet the right people who can offer you positions that provide you with relevant experience. Make an effort to attend fashion networking events, trade shows and workshops to meet like minded people. London and Manchester both offer various types of talks throughout the year to help fashion novices gain a better understanding of the industry. Eventbrite is a wonderful platform that can help with finding these events.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to people whose work you admire for informational interviews, as you have nothing to lose and might just get a reply back from them if you sell yourself in the right way. Be polite, respectful of their time and have specific questions prepared, as this will show that you value their expertise.
Gain Practical Experience
Just like any other job, you have a higher chance of being hired if you have relevant skills and experience that you can apply to the role. If you’re just getting started in your fashion journey, it’s important that you don’t aim too high too soon, or you could end up failing at the first hurdle. You can seek internships and apprenticeships to gain hands-on experience, build your portfolio and help gather a better understanding of the industry demands. It’s a very popular way to start a career in fashion.
Depending on your skills, you could consider freelance opportunities to build your portfolio and gain exposure to different aspects of the industry. While it might be slow to get work at first when freelancing, it’s important that you stick it out and be patient as good things come to those who wait.
Cultural Awareness
Develop a good understanding of UK workplace cultural norms, communication styles and professional expectations, as it’s likely to be very different from your home country. While you’ll pick up most of this as you go, having that initial basic understanding will show business that you have taken everything into consideration.
While your unique international perspective is valuable, be mindful of current UK fashion trends and adapt your aesthetic accordingly when presenting your work. This can be daunting, but it’s crucial that you play to your strengths and stick to the skills that you excel in to have the best chance of succeeding.
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