A fashion designer creates, plans and develops unique designs for clothing and accessories. Fashion designers also:

• have a good understanding of the design process
• undertake research into fashion trends and customer preferences
• have practical skills in building a garment
• work co-operatively with others within the industry including pattern makers and garment technicians.

Product developers assist designers in taking a design from the initial concept through to production. They often do tasks including:

• liaising with suppliers, manufacturers and other employees
• creating tech packs
• sourcing materials
• organising fit sessions
• sample management.

Whether a fashion designer or product developer is covered by an award will depend on:

• the industry their employer is in
• their skills, duties and qualifications.

It’s important to consider the actual duties they perform, not just their job title.

Award free employees

Fashion designers and product developers who are mostly involved in the creative side of the design process are generally award free. These employees will often have a degree qualification, such as a bachelor of fashion (design).

They’re not covered by the Textile and Clothing Award because there are no classifications that cover their duties, skills and qualifications.

They're entitled to the national minimum wage and the National Employment Standards.

Example

Vivienne is a fashion designer for a local fashion brand. She has a Bachelor of Design (Fashion) that she uses in her position.

Vivienne researches the history of fashion, current trends and the latest fabrics. She also prepares sketches for new garments.

Vivienne works with product developers to further develop her designs and create tech packs. She also works with the pattern makers and garment technicians to ensure that the conversion of her designs into patterns and the fabrics selected to make the garments meet her creative vision.

There’s no award that has classifications covering the type of work Vivienne does. The Miscellaneous Award doesn’t cover Vivienne because she’s a professional employee.

Vivienne is award free.

Industry award coverage

Textile and Clothing Award

Some fashion designers and product developers working in the textile industry may be covered by the Textile and Clothing Award, depending on their duties and skills.

Fashion designers and product developers engaged in day to day tasks that are mostly based in the manufacturing process, rather than the design and creative process could be covered by the Textile and Clothing Award.

The classification will be based on the individual duties of the fashion designer or product developer.

Other industry awards

Some fashion designers or product developers may be covered by other industry awards if their employer is in the industry covered by the award. For example, the Amusement Award provides a classification for trade qualified employees designing costumes.

To work out whether another industry award covers you, you may wish to contact us on your own situation.

Miscellaneous Award

The Miscellaneous Award can cover fashion designers or product developers if they’re not a managerial employee or professional employee, and not covered by an industry award.

An employee may be considered a professional employee if their role requires a degree qualification, for example, a bachelor’s degree in fashion or design.