Lots of people dream of becoming fashion designers - I love sketching new outfits and collecting clippings from my favourite magazines - but to be a really successful designer takes a lot of dedication and years of hard work.

The most important thing you need is an obsession with all things fashion and then you need to start taking the right courses. Art is important at school because fashion designers need to be able to sketch and draw. Languages like French and Italian are also helpful as the fashion industry can take you all over the world.

After school, a fine arts fashion degree from a good university is very important. There are lots of good colleges but competition to get into the best courses is tough so this is where your passion for fashion will be essential! Degrees in fashion teach all of the basic skills needed to be a designer, like pattern cutting, sewing and using different textiles, as well as fashion history and the business knowledge you might need to run your own label.

If you really want to work as a fashion designer, you must get some work experience. Write to all of your favourite designers, especially new, up-and-comingfashion houses who might be more eager to find help, and offer to work for free. You'll get to see what it's like to work in the fashion industry first-hand and meet lots of people who may be able to help you on your way.