In his new reality television show, “The Cut,” fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger describes the elements of his fame with an acronym:

Hilfiger explains that the key to his sustained success in the fashion industry has been his uncanny ability to fuse the four aforementioned elements in a tidy package that has mass appeal. Hilfiger launched his first collection in 1984, and netted profits of $11 million by 1986. But, of course, if you have visited any major department store in the past fifteen years, this is not hard to imagine. Hilfiger’s spirited but casually colorful update on the classic preppy look has catapulted him into a household name. He has made chambray shorts and cotton collared shirts chic again. His collections fill the racks and people buy.

Hilfiger is also famous for his ability to forge great relationships with huge musical acts – including Nelly, Puff Daddy, Destiny’s Child, the Black Eyed Peas, and No Doubt – to name a few! He has been praised for his ability to appeal to consumers through the use of celebrity endorsement. This methodology certainly fits into his “F.A.M.E.” approach of creating a lifestyle brand, which he explains to the sixteen eager contestants selected to be a part of “The Cut.”

In hopes of being chosen as the next great American designer, contestants will be put through the ringer. Hilfiger explains that each of the tasks, ranging from testing business instinct, to social skills, to sales and marketing, to design and creativity, are a part of the skill set necessary to achieve success in the competitive industry of fashion.
So, if you are reading this you are probably not a contestant on the show. That is okay! We think that you can gain valuable advice from Hilfiger anyway. In choosing the various tasks for the contestants, Hilfiger provides a guide for all design hopefuls. Fashion design is not just about design – at least not if you want to rule the fashion world! As you develop your design skills, it is also important to work on your ability to socialize, sell yourself and understand the numbers behind it all. Whether you seek “F.A.M.E” or a lucrative career in fashion, Hilfiger is a worthy model for success

You are creative. You can sew. You have a sketchbook of designs the Hilton sisters will drool over. So, why go to fashion school? There are many reasons:

1. You will be taught.

The study of fashion design involves hands-on training, so, yes, you can prepare yourself by developing many skills on your own. However, when you choose to pursue a fashion design degree, you are choosing to be taught.

What does this mean? You will interact with instructors and professors who will teach you new and advanced skills. You will be critiqued and your technique will be perfected through exchanges with other students.

As a fashion design student, you will have the time and opportunity to hone and perfect your craft without the pressures of clients and your career.

2. You will be inspired.

Who will you encounter in fashion school? Other talented, excited, inspired young artists. Design school affords fashion students the opportunity to experiment and feed off of the energy and innovation of other students. In our opinion, this experience can only make your own design work better.

3. You will be prepared.

The challenges and obstacles of earning your fashion design degree will thoroughly prepare you for the fast-paced, “so five minutes ago” fashion industry. Also, your courses and class projects will give you an opportunity to build out a diverse portfolio of your student work, which make your skills more marketable.

4. You will get a job.

Yes, it is true, and quite possibly the most important reason you should go to fashion school. What distinguishes you from the leagues of other creative, skilled seamstresses? Your degree! Employers want designers who can commit to work hard and achieve success – two abilities obtaining a degree proves you have.

Training, inspiration, preparation, and more job potential. What more can you ask for?