Can One Really Make Money From Fashion Designing?

My guy, never listen to such people.
You need to believe in yourself and cut for yourself clientelle.
Display some of your design here.
Talk to some people that are in that business and they might be able to give you some constructive ideas.
Be patient, cos investment don't bring returns immediately.
Good luck and i am sure there are money in that biz.

Jumie, I cant but reply to your post. You've got to believe in yourself and follow your dream, be creative and like you've been advised leverage on the internet to showcase your product, if you are of the entrepreneurial mind know that even if you make 1million naira per month from the white collar job, you wont still be fulfilled until you pursue your dream.

Start posting your work and might pick some for my wife

It is possible to have a bright future in fashion designing.
First of all believe in yourself and make your dreams come true, dont allow people to discourage you and also have a target market (this will actually help you to stay focused).
In addition be creative, dont disappoint your customers, be willing to go extra miles, keep abreast of what is happening in the fashion world so you can ahead of your competitors.
Start advertising by wearing your clothes, post some pictures here and offer to sew for your family members too.

hey,
if you have invested in training, then you can make it.
You don't need to convince friends and relative, convince yourself and you are there.
 
You have what it takes to be the best just set out and fulfill your dream.
Be dedicated to your work, sincere and showcase what you are doing to the world.
watch a video on how to create a blog here using free blog for a start : www.blogging2profit.blogspot.com

I will also advise you to have a business plan for your business and give it time.

cheers!

I like what people have said about maybe posting some of your designs on here.
I also suggest you look online and look up other famous Nigerian fashion designers that are successful and get some encouragement from them.
I'm very interested in fashion myself and will be doing a lot of research when I come to Nigeria within the next two weeks.
I'll be going all over Lagos and hopefully working with and learning as much as I can about up and coming designers that I can collaborate with while there and hopefully when I return to the states.

My tailor charges starting from £180 for a skirt and blouse. It doesn’t matter if you bought your Ankara for only £10.

She sews extremely well and believe it or not, at those prices there is still a waiting list for her services.

They key to success is doing something you love and believing in yourself.

I will say go the extra mile & keep up with trends and fashion.

Before my tailor sews a stitch she will sit you down and ask you questions like;

Where are you wearing it to, who will be there, will your in-laws be at the event; so no boob showing, strapless designs 

If the design is for a one off event, she will ask you what shoes you will be wearing so she makes sure that the cuts your skirt  to the nearest cm so your shoes show, she asks you what bra you will be wearing so she knows how low to cut for the cleavage. When you go to pick up the garment on the agreed date, she asks you come into her studio wearing the bra you will be wearing under the dress and she sews you into the garment.

You will end up looking your best on the day. It is her policy not to sew up the final seams until you’ve fitted into the dress.

Women of all shapes and ages patronise this lady and they all come back for more.

In a nutshell step up above the competition, ensure you have excellent customer skills and watch your business go from strength to strength.

@ All,

Thanks for the positive replies. I am really encouraged.

I encourage more responses.

Thanks again!

I think the Nigerian fashion industry is gradually coming of age. My candid advise is that you can start small and grow up  depending on the patronage you are receiving. If all goes well, you may even reject white collar jobs that may come your way. An office colleague of mine was combining the two initially but had to drop her white collar job to concentrate fully on designing. Cheers as you decide on which course to follow.

Whether Fashion designers are called tailors in Nigeria or not?, the main issue is how good,creative and accessible are your designs and works. Some fashion designers in Lagos are making it big time, because they've learnt to perfect their skills in designing, creating ,advertising and socializing. Rome is trly not built in a day, as the days goes by and you work on these issues have mentioned,your skill will get noticed by right people that appreciate your works.
  I am a fashion designer, i started 2yrs ago, i got a strategic location in Lagos for my works. As soon as i finished my fashion training, i wasnt laid back , i continued working on my creativity, styling ,designing and finishing even till now and i will humbly say that a well known magazine picked my designs out from my website and wanted to interview me,they contacted me, i was interviewd and show cased in ther magazine and also a magazine abroad, also came across my website with my designs online and asked for an interview online, which i was too glad to oblige.
Uptill now, am still working on my skills and making money alongside. I stay in tune with whats trendy and what people desire to wear. Its all about loving what you do and bring out the best out of it.

on a serious note, post your website so we can see.

Go call zizi cardow(sp) et others "tailors" and see if your lips wont be twisted. 

If you are confident of your works, then exhibitt, get into pageants etc. I am into arts and had the same issues with just about everyone but as of today, they are all proud and boast that i made a break as an creative person that did not take a whilte collar job

  @ JUMIE---105 IKORODU ROAD, FADEYI BUS STOP. You can come over to my office and i will give you series of reason why you should hang onto your skill, if what i have just said above is not enough reason. If you love fashion designing , follow it passionately and the rewards will troop in before you know it. You dont have to convince anyone to believe in your works, believe in it yourself and people will see it through your own eyes.

 I'm making it in fashion designing and loving everybit of it.To be  a sucess in life is not easy, it takes BELIEF IN GOD, IN YOUR SELF, DEDICATION AND DILIGENCE  TO WHAT YOU ARE DOING. Dont let family or friends derail you, go for it and believe in yourself that you can make it , work towards it and you definitly will,  the choice is yours to choose, peace.

follow your dream, no fear di thing pay well well

True

@ STAGGER,
Pls I'm so much interested in this Pattern designing Software.
How do i get it from u or wherever? Are u charging, and what is your cost?
I stay in Lagos o.

@ JUMIE
Try TRENDSVIVI, she's quite good. Her fashion school is about the best now in Lagos, in terms of cost, conducive, relaxed and friendly learning environment.