Fashion CV examples

A Fashion CV isn’t just a list of jobs – it’s your portfolio on paper. If your career were a collection, this CV would be the showstopper piece that closes the show. Employers want to see your ability to stay ahead of trends, collaborate with teams, and contribute to the success of a brand or project.

With this guide, you’ll learn how to write a CV that’s as polished and stylish as your work, helping you stand out, get interviews, and take the next step in your fashion career.

Your CV should be as sleek and well-coordinated as a high-end outfit. A clear CV structure ensures recruiters can easily spot your skills, experience, and qualifications: recruiters don’t have time for clutter – save the avant-garde designs for your portfolio, not your CV.

Here’s how to structure your Fashion CV:

• Name and contact info – Keep contact details at the top so hiring managers can reach you quickly. Including a picture of yourself is optional, but recommended for a role like this.
• Profile – Start with a summary of your expertise, key achievements, and career aspirations.
• Core skills – Showcase your abilities, from trend forecasting to client relations.
• Work experience – List your previous roles in reverse chronological order, highlighting your contributions to brands and projects.
• Education – List your academic background and any relevant certifications or training.
• Additional info – You can optionally mention hobbies and interests and awards that reflect your creativity or fashion knowledge.

Your CV format should reflect the elegance and professionalism you bring to your work. Just like mixing patterns, there’s a fine line between creative and chaotic – your layout should be stylish but professional to keep recruiters engaged and focused on your content.

Here’s how to format your Fashion CV effectively:

• Bullet points – Break down your responsibilities and achievements for quick reading.
• Divide sections – Use clear headings to separate your CV into logical parts.
• Use a clean font – Opt for a stylish but easy-to-read font to make your CV look professional.
• Keep it the right length – Two pages is plenty of length to showcase your expertise without losing the recruiter’s interest.

Your profile is your personal brand statement, giving recruiters a snapshot of your expertise and what makes you stand out in the fashion world. You’ll need to show the benefits hiring you would bring, and hopefully convince the recruiter to keep reading.

If you’re newer to the field, opt for a longer personal statement instead, and be sure to attach a cover letter to back up your application.

Here are some tips on what to include in your Fashion CV profile:

• Where you’ve worked – Mention brands, boutiques, or studios you’ve collaborated with.
• Your top qualifications – Highlight relevant degrees or certifications, like a fashion design degree.
• Creative expertise – Note your strengths in areas like sketching, styling, or fabric sourcing.
• Notable achievements – Mention standout accomplishments, like designing a bestselling collection or managing a successful campaign.
• Career aspirations – Reference goals that align with the role, such as growing a brand’s influence or specialising in a particular niche.

Your CV skills section is your chance to show recruiters exactly what you bring to the table. It’s like a carefully curated mood board – a quick snapshot of your strengths that align with the role.

A good CV will tailor this section to reflect the specific focus of the role – if it’s a design job, emphasise your creativity, while a retail role might highlight organisational and sales skills.

Remember, substance matters here. Swap vague terms like “creative thinker” for specifics like “proficient in Adobe Illustrator” or “expert in sustainable fabric sourcing.”

Your work experience section is where your career story takes centre stage. Recruiters want to see the brands, teams, and projects you’ve worked with and how you contributed to their success. 

Start with your most recent role and work backwards, focusing on experiences that are relevant to the position you’re applying for.

If you’re just starting out in fashion, highlight internships, work placements, or personal projects. Designing outfits for a student runway show or creating digital fashion illustrations for a portfolio still count as experience and can show your potential.

• Outline – Provide a brief introduction to the brand, company, or project, and your role within it. Mention the type of fashion work involved, such as retail, design, or styling.
• Responsibilities – Focus on the key tasks you managed, like creating garment prototypes, coordinating photoshoots, or implementing visual merchandising strategies.
• Achievements – Include measurable accomplishments, like increasing store sales through effective merchandising or designing a collection that received industry recognition. Numbers and specific outcomes are always desirable, so add metrics where possible in your CV.

The education section highlights your academic foundation and professional training. In the fashion industry, this could mean anything from a degree in fashion design to certifications in digital illustration or textile technology.

If you’re a recent graduate, focus on coursework, projects, or internships that demonstrate your skills and dedication. Include any workshops or short courses that have expanded your knowledge, such as a masterclass in fashion marketing or sustainable design practices.

Always list your qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent.