Dr Mohammad Shafiq
Published on: 14-Aug-2025
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Careers in fashion business management are no longer just about overseeing sales or managing stores. The industry is evolving fast, blending creativity with technology, sustainability, and global trends. From AI trend forecasters to circular fashion strategists, today’s fashion careers require a fresh mix of skills.
This guide walks you through everything. We’ll explore high-demand job roles, must-have skills, top global institutions, and future career trends.
Fashion business management means running the business side of fashion brands. This field combines creativity with business strategy. The goal is to make fashion products successful in the market while staying ethical and sustainable.
Professionals in this field manage product planning, branding, buying, and sales. They also oversee marketing, supply chain operations, and retail strategy. Many work closely with designers, production teams, and digital platforms.
Today, fashion managers also focus on global trends, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. They use data, tech, and strong business skills to make smart decisions.
Does this sound like something you’d enjoy? Let’s look at what makes this field so dynamic.
|
Traditional Fashion Management |
Modern Fashion Management |
|
Focus on physical stores |
Focus on omnichannel retail |
|
Seasonal trends only |
Use of AI trend forecasting |
|
Basic supply chain work |
Ethical and sustainable sourcing |
|
Offline customer feedback |
Data from apps and online reviews |
|
Limited tech use |
Use of digital merchandising |
Fashion merchandising managers bridge creativity and business. They choose products that excite customers and keep stores fresh. It’s about spotting trends early and planning successful launches.
You’ll manage visual displays, online placements, and customer data analysis. If you love mixing style with strategy, this role offers the perfect blend.
Demand: High in both retail and e-commerce
Average UK Salary: £32,000 to £45,000
Education Path:
Explore alternative entry routes into fashion education.
With more people shopping from phones and laptops, someone has to manage the digital side. E-commerce directors make that happen. They improve websites, plan big online campaigns, and make checkout simple. It’s a role that blends leadership, marketing, and tech.
After 2020, demand increased significantly, and it’s still rising. You’ll need vision and strong teamwork skills, especially when leading large cross-functional teams.
Demand: Very high, especially after 2020
Average UK Salary: £60,000 to £95,000
Education Path:
In this role, you’ll help brands cut waste, choose eco-friendly fabrics, and rethink production from the ground up. You might also work on circular models, designing systems where clothes get reused or recycled.
The job combines trend-watching, auditing, and innovation. As sustainability becomes essential, this role is becoming central in fashion houses and startups alike.
Demand: Growing with green awareness
Average UK Salary: £40,000 to £60,000
Education Path:
High-end fashion is also about the experience. That’s what luxury brand managers do. From product launches to celebrity collaborations, they make sure every move reflects exclusivity.
You’ll work on global campaigns, maintain the brand’s image, and build emotional connections with high-end clients. If you understand both elegance and strategy, this career offers global opportunities and exciting creative work.
Demand: High among global brands
Average UK Salary: £55,000 to £85,000
Education Path:
Imagine designing virtual fitting rooms or smart fabrics that change based on your body heat. That’s the kind of innovation this role brings. It’s perfect for those who think in code but dream in colour. You might work with AI to predict style trends or build new tools for online shopping.
The role suits curious people who want to create the next big thing in fashion.
Demand: Huge, especially in global e-commerce
Average UK Salary: £50,000 to £75,000
Education Path:
Discover fully funded AI research programmes for global innovators.
An omnichannel strategist makes sure shoppers get a smooth experience everywhere, online and in-store. You’ll manage apps, pop-ups, and email campaigns. This role involves planning retail journeys using tech and design. It’s perfect if you enjoy strategy, customer data, and creative marketing.
Demand: High due to digital shifts
Average UK Salary: £48,000 to £68,000
Every fashion brand needs a clear voice, and that voice needs direction. From press events to Instagram posts, this role covers it all. You’ll manage PR, build influencer relationships, and shape public opinion. Good storytelling is key here. You’ll need to write, present, and think visually.
Demand: Stable and important in every brand
Average UK Salary: £45,000 to £70,000
Education Path:
Not sure which school fits your goals and budget? Below are the top schools offering strong fashion business management programmes. These schools focus on fashion supply chain ethics, luxury brand strategy, and e-commerce optimisation.
LCCA is known for creative business education. It blends art, fashion, and enterprise. The campus is in London, a fashion capital. It offers several programmes in fashion, including a BA in Business Management and Entrepreneurship. They also have a 2-year foundation degree in the same programme.
UAL is ranked among the world’s top fashion universities. It has great connections with brands. UAL’s London College of Fashion offers specialised degrees. Their fashion MSc shows 0% unemployment 12 months after graduation. Their Careers Team offers coaching, internships, and a special job board called "Creative Opportunities" exclusively for students.
Concordia University in Montréal is a top choice for creative thinkers in fashion and design. They offer both BFA and MDes in Design. The programmes blend hands-on training with business and sustainability insights. The university also supports students with labs, mentorship, and career coaching.
FIT is one of the most respected fashion schools in the world. The Fashion Business Management programme blends creativity, business, and tech. Students can choose from an AAS or a BS degree.
FIT works closely with top global brands like Nike, Ralph Lauren, and Macy’s. The school also offers study abroad trips. You can study in London, Paris, Milan, or even Australia. There’s also a five-week internship programme in London.
|
Institution |
Country |
Offered Programme(s) |
Tuition Fees |
Duration |
|
London College of Contemporary Arts (LCCA) |
UK |
BA (Hons) Business Management and Entrepreneurship |
£9,535 (UK/EU) |
3 years (full-time) |
|
University of the Arts London (UAL) |
UK |
Strategic Fashion Management MSc |
£9,250 |
4 years (full-time) |
|
Concordia University |
Canada |
BFA Design, MDes Design |
$4,000–$15,000 (CAD) |
3–4 years |
|
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) |
USA |
AAS and BS in Fashion Business Management |
$4,000–$6,000 (USD) |
4 years (full-time) |
Pro Tip: Many UK institutions offer financial support; explore scholarship options at London universities to reduce costs.
To succeed in fashion business management, you need a mix of creative and analytical skills.
Fashion brands are now using artificial intelligence to track style trends. As a manager, it’s important to understand how to read customer data, such as what people are buying, sharing, or searching for online. This insight helps brands design smarter and sell more effectively. Learning how to use AI tools will give you a strong advantage in today’s competitive market.
Brands are now expected to be more responsible. They must show how they treat workers, manage waste, and support communities. This is where ESG, Environmental, Social, and Governance, reporting comes in. Fashion professionals need to understand how to measure and report these values.
Fashion is a global industry. You may work with teams or partners in cities like Milan, New York, or Tokyo. Each place has its own way of doing business. That’s why good communication and cultural understanding are so important. This soft skill is especially valuable in luxury brand strategy and during fashion business internships 2025.
Every fashion brand faces challenges. It could be a supply issue, a social media mistake, or a product that didn’t meet expectations. Crisis management is the ability to handle problems calmly and quickly. It’s about leading your team, making clear decisions, and protecting the brand’s image.
Internships are vital for any fashion business career. Many schools offer fashion business internships in 2025 that focus on future skills. These give you real experience and make your CV stand out. You’ll gain practical skills and build a network. Look for internships that align with your career goals, whether it’s in e-commerce, sustainability, or luxury brand management.
The fashion business has its unique challenges. For example, social media can be a double-edged sword. A post may go viral for the wrong reasons, so brand reputation management is crucial. Also, global supply chains can be complex, requiring careful ethical oversight. Staying updated with technology and consumer behaviour is key to overcoming these hurdles.
The fashion industry is always changing, so continuous learning is important.
You usually need a diploma or a bachelor’s degree. Some start with a Foundation/HND or fast-track UK top-up degrees. Internships also help you get noticed.
Entry-level salaries typically start at around £25,000. Senior roles in large or luxury brands can exceed £90,000, especially with several years of experience.’
Both matter. A good degree helps you start strong. But real-world experience, like internships, is key. Try to get both.
Institutions like UAL, LCCA, and FIT have strong links to brands. They offer internships, real projects, and alumni networks.
If the degrees are from known schools, then yes, they are respected. Some short courses also come from top fashion universities. Just check their industry links.
It’s growing fast. Roles in digital retail, green fashion, and brand strategy are in demand. At universities such as the University of the Arts London, 87% of its graduates are working within 15 months after graduation.
Careers in Fashion Business Management are full of growth, variety, and creativity. You can work in styling, technology, branding, or sustainability. You can also lead teams, launch trends, or manage luxury labels. The possibilities are endless.
Leading schools and new programmes make it easy to start. Focus on building smart business skills. Learn how to handle trends, tech, and people.
With the right mix of knowledge and passion, you can succeed. So stay curious, keep learning, and go after your dream job.
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