What Fashion Talent Needs to Know Now: A Recruiter’s Perspective on a Shifting Industry

A journalist recently asked me a timely question:
“How is the fashion industry shifting from a recruitment perspective—especially for new graduates and professionals facing layoffs?”

It’s a conversation I’ve had with many brands and candidates lately. The truth is: we’re seeing a major recalibration. Layoffs across big fashion houses like LVMH are one symptom—but the change runs deeper.

Beyond Layoffs: A Broader Realignment

What’s happening isn’t just about cutbacks. The industry is rethinking what kind of talent it needs—and what “value” actually means in a creative business. Traditional design skills remain fundamental, but they’re no longer enough on their own.

Today’s market calls for professionals who bring something more:

• A mindset attuned to sustainability
• Awareness of societal and consumer shifts
• Strategic thinking beyond the sketchpad

It’s no longer about creating beautiful objects in isolation. The fashion industry wants individuals who can embed environmental awareness, ethical thinking, and systems-based insight into their work—whether they’re designing, producing, storytelling or managing.

What Graduates Need to Know

The good news? Education is evolving. Many fashion schools are now training students not only in craft, but in strategy, ethics, and communication. Today’s graduates are expected to:

• Understand the full fashion ecosystem—from sourcing to retail
• Position themselves as collaborators within brands and teams
• Use tools like social media and storytelling to express their vision
• Think entrepreneurially, whether inside a company or as a founder

For young professionals, the key is to explore where in the value chain they can have the most impact. Maybe it’s digital fashion, sustainability strategy, or product innovation—not necessarily traditional design.

For Experienced Talent Navigating Change

If you’re navigating a layoff or career pivot, don’t just look for similar roles elsewhere. Use this moment to ask:

• Where do your values meet your skillset?
• What future-focused capabilities could you build on?
• Which emerging areas—like regenerative fashion, circular logistics, or ethical production—could benefit from your experience?

The industry is transforming, and those who succeed in the long term will bring adaptability, multidisciplinary thinking, and a clear sense of purpose.

Final Thought: Reinvention Is a StrengthFashion is a fast-moving, image-driven world—but under the surface, what’s really needed right now is depth. Thoughtful talent. People who know how to align creativity with relevance. This is not just a challenge for job-seekers, but for brands as well.

If you’re navigating this landscape—whether as a graduate, a hiring manager, or a professional in transition—I’d be happy to connect. Let’s keep the conversation going.