By Preetam Saikia
The world of fashion education is changing rapidly thanks to the rise of digital learning platforms. As online courses disrupt traditional design institutes, they are also shaping the future of the wider fashion industry in profound ways.
As these online courses disrupt traditional design institutes, they are also reshaping the future of the broader fashion industry in different ways, such as increased access, a diversified talent pool, and affordability. Let us observe in detail the impact of online courses on the fashion industry.
Greater Accessibility to Education
One of the most profound effects of online fashion education is the unparalleled access it offers. In a vast and diverse country like India, the reach of brick-and-mortar institutions is characteristically restricted, leaving out many aspiring designers with dreams that are never realized. But the rise of on-demand online courses has altered the game completely. As per recent surveys, there are presently over 50 active edtech startups in India which are sharply focused on design-related education. These startups are transforming access, bridging physical gaps, and allowing talented individuals from smaller towns, cities, and villages to pursue reputable and recognized qualifications in fashion design.
This democratisation of fashion education is a game-changer. It is giving access to untapped talent, bringing fresh perspectives and creativity to the industry, and ensuring that fashion is no longer the limited sphere of bigger cities.
Ease of Flexibility
Online learning also provides a great level of flexibility that was earlier unimaginable. Working professionals, who might have once thought that a full-time design degree was completely out of reach owing to their busy schedules, can now upskill through part-time courses that fit effortlessly into their lives. This newfound flexibility is producing multi-talented designers who come from diverse backgrounds, including engineers, architects, artists, and more. These individuals bring a rich tapestry of experiences and skills to the fashion industry, bringing new ideas and approaches to an age-old profession.
In 2022, 33% of students on The Designer’s Class platform were working professionals seeking to expand their design skills. This highlighted the transformative influence of online education on the industry’s workforce composition.
Affordability and Diversity
Digitisation has also made fashion education more affordable and less dependent on geography. Top private design colleges cost over Rs 3 lakhs annually. Online diploma programmes offer similar curriculum at a fraction of the cost. This democratisation of education has increased diversity in the talent pool and allowed candidates to stand out on merit rather than means.
This change has had a massive effect on the talent pool, resulting in a new era of diversity and inclusivity. Fashion houses are not only limited to a select few; they now have wider access to fresh perspectives and talents, resulting in a much-needed mix of creativity and innovation.
Continuous Upskilling
One of the most lasting outcomes of digital learning is its capability to encourage lifelong learning. Short online courses make it viable for working professionals to repeatedly reskill themselves on the newest technological and sustainability trends. In an industry that transforms at a rapid pace, incessant learning is not just an asset; it is a need. This continuous upskilling fosters an agile workforce that can keep pace with fashion’s rapid evolution.
Fast-tracking Progress
With the fresh talent from online courses, the fashion industry is witnessing progress. Digital natives, who are well-versed in online software and tools, offer exceptional energy to fashion houses. They challenge conventions, go beyond boundaries, and lead innovation. The unique perspectives that they bring to the table, gained through flexible learning, are eroding the traditional norms, making the industry more dynamic and open to change.
Meeting Global Demand
Online education has also enabled scale, allowing the Indian fashion industry to meet surging global demand. Export promotion councils project India’s apparel exports to expand to $100 billion by 2025. Online academies are training talent en masse to power this supply chain. For instance, in 2022, over 5,000 students graduated from The Designer’s Class certificate program, vocationally equipped to join both domestic and export-oriented fashion sectors.
In conclusion, the industry stands at the cusp of massive growth, aided by online education platforms. Fashion e-commerce revenues alone are projected to grow to USD 14 billion by 2025. Digital academies are steering talent to fill this appetite while transforming conventional fashion education for the future.
The author is chief marketing officer, The Designer’s Class.