What does it really take to become a fashion designer?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Alethea, a designer at Next, to break down the reality of working in fashion, from high street accessories to predicting next year’s trends.

From growing up on a council estate with dreams of becoming a designer, to working for Vivienne Westwood, to designing pieces you’ve probably seen on the high street, Alethea’s journey proves there’s no single route into fashion.

Alethea shares:

• Always knowing she wanted to be a fashion designer
• The teacher who helped map out her path
• Studying fashion at university and foundation year
• Working for Vivienne Westwood and Lulu Guinness
• Why she moved from designer brands to the high street
• How fashion really makes money
• The difference between designer labels and commercial fashion
• What it’s like seeing your designs out in the real world
• The pressure of development trips to factories
• How trends are actually predicted
• Why macro trends (like politics and economics) shape what we wear
• Navigating feedback and rejection in creative roles
• The realities of working in fashion production

She also opens up about:

• Why you don’t need to be “fashion crazy” to work in fashion
• How to break into the industry without connections
• Why you should make your mistakes working for someone else
• The importance of developing thick skin
• Why creativity and commercial awareness must work together

If you’re interested in:

• Becoming a fashion designer
• Working in high street fashion
• Trend forecasting
• Creative careers
• How to get into the fashion industry
• Commercial design roles

This episode is for you.

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

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