Five Misconceptions about Fashion Planning: What You Think Is Glamorous Might Actually Be More Like Odd Jobs

Introduction:
Often, when people talk about fashion planning, they usually have certain preconceptions. For instance, they may believe that fashion planning is all about taking photos or perhaps involves marketing strategies in the fashion industry. Consequently, they assume that those working in such roles must always look glamorous, pay attention to their appearance, and have a fondness for luxury goods. However, the reality is that planning in the fashion industry often involves tasks that are more akin to odd jobs, especially during outdoor shoots, where functionality takes precedence over glamour.

• Misconception One: Isn't it all about styling outfits? Maybe you should consider becoming a stylist instead.
  Most commonly, the first misconception about fashion planning or clothing planning jobs is that they involve styling outfits. If styling clothes and hair is your passion, then perhaps pursuing a career as a stylist would be more suitable, as styling is only a small part of clothing planning work. Initially, it was mentioned that fashion planning involves various tasks, with some companies combining product planning and shooting theme planning, while others keep them separate. For example, the major tasks involved in shooting planning include theme conception, clothing selection (including coordination), communication and preparation of location props, staffing, catering, transportation, daily shooting schedules, and post-production copywriting, among others.

• Misconception Two: Want to develop comprehensive fashion planning skills? Then choose local brands!
  Why is that? Do you wonder this when you see this title? I remember when I first started working in the fashion industry, like many others, I always wanted to work for international luxury brands. After a few interviews and discussions, I realized it wasn't what I had in mind! The image and themes of luxury brands are planned by the headquarters in Europe and the United States, then provided to their subsidiaries worldwide. Even though there may be occasional shoots for local marketing needs, it's still different from fashion planning from scratch. Therefore, there's more framework in terms of control and creativity. However, neither option is inherently better; it depends on your goals. If you want to be involved in planning and executing the image and themes each season, perhaps local brands would be the better choice.

• Misconception Three: Small company or big corporation? Why?
  Once you've decided that your goal is to accumulate comprehensive planning skills, the next question is whether you should choose a small company or a large corporation. Here, I would recommend a medium-sized enterprise with a certain market presence. Why? One reason is resources, and the other is stability. Firstly, resources are related to the budget you can use and the industry contacts you can access, which also determines the quality of the shoot and the professionals you'll be working with. Secondly, stability refers to the company's operations. When you don't have much experience, you'll need experienced supervisors and colleagues to help you with processes and structures.

• Misconception Four: Can fashion planning only be used in the fashion industry?
  Next, I want you to consider whether fashion planning can only be used in the fashion industry. Of course not! Because the aesthetic economy has become a trend valued by many industries, this also underscores the importance of visual image, much like a person's external appearance, it requires design and careful planning. And this extends beyond the design industry; other fields such as food and beverage, technology, even education, also have similar demands, differing only in emphasis and whether it's done in-house or outsourced. Additionally, in recent years, there's been a trend towards self-service wedding photography. Isn't it more meaningful to design and plan the shooting theme, along with clothing, styling, and makeup settings, by yourself?

• Misconception Five: Can you apply fashion planning to personal branding?
  Absolutely! Personal branding is now an inevitable trend, and fashion planning can contribute to creating visual and linguistic brand images. When we talk about personal image building, we often think of personal colors, style outfits, and planned image shoots, all of which fall under visual creation. However, whether we like or follow someone often depends on how they speak, what content and viewpoints they share, and even the language they use. Planning is an integrated task, so whether it's styling, shooting planning, or copywriting, you must grasp and ensure that these detailed items follow the initial theme direction.

Here's an example: Suppose you want to create a jewelry brand with a cultural and intellectual flair, imbued with a sense of vintage luxury. What comes to mind? That's where planning begins. Next, we need to establish a persona, including her preferences and way of speaking, and these traits must be reflected in the text on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, as well as in every photo shoot.