I want to study fashion design when I finish high school, but my Dad is dead set against it as he believes there’s no future in it. What do you think?

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I want to study fashion design when I finish high school, but my Dad is dead set against it as he believes there’s no future in it. What do you think? – Alicia, 17

Monday, 15 February 2010 15:05

Long gone are the days when creative pursuits were deemed low paying and unstable. Granted there are other professions like lawyers and doctors that get paid highly, fashion in Malaysia is gaining prominence in recent years. There was Project Runway a couple of years back, which helped launch the careers of Nurita Harith and Alexandrea Yeo. Nurita now owns her own boutique in Bangsar while being the stylist to the rich and famous. Despite finishing second in the competition, Alexandrea has continued to make waves in the local fashion scene, with outstanding shows at Stylo KL and a Malaysian Official Designers Association (MODA) competition.

Then there’s the Malaysia International Fashion Week (MIFW) that showcases some of the nation’s most talented designers. Some designers who have been featured at this yearly extravaganza were Bernard Chandran, Melinda Looi, Sonny San, Jimmy Lim and Justin Yap. And of course, there’s Zang Toi, one of our most famous imports to international fashion.

So there you go. Convince your dad that fashion design isn’t what it used to be. Yes, it requires a lot of hard work and sacrifice but so do other jobs. And if you’re determined enough, you might just be the next Nurita or Justin.

What say you?
What would you do if your parents forbid you from pursuing your passion or didn’t support your choice of career?

Photography: Getty Images.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 08 July 2010 17:13 )

Comments (42)

my dad against me too....it just becoz my aunt already have a boutique but something happen n theres no revenue for years...

n im already finished my degree in management...=)

tell you father every single thing he sees is design!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Time is in your hand, honour and respect your parents, door will open to you if you dare to belive it.

Adrian dont worry, your parents I believe hold you dear in their heart. Nothing wrong to wait for the right time to pursue your career. Your passion and dream will never die if you have the desire and love of your dream.

same situation before. jus like now, i take up the course tat i don like but my parents like. is a nightmare for me and i struggle for one year. so try to talk with them :)

it took my parent quite a while to accustomed themselves to the idea of me majoring in PR when they both work for the government and think government jobs are the most stable. But having me show them that i am truly passionate bout it made them agree to let me study my dream course. what i am trying to say is that at the end of the day, parents are merely looking out for their kids and just really want them to be happy, so by showing them that you are truly passionate bout the path you've chosen i am sure they will agree to it eventually.

I was in this predicament before. My dad was against my choice of career but I was determined. I sat down with him and had a heart to heart talk. I promised that i would not disappoint him with the path that I chose. That was 7 years ago and i am doing very well in my career if it wasn't for my dad's support and trust. It is very important to choose our own path. We are looking at our future and how we want to live it.
Whatever choices we make, strive and persevere because it is a tough world out there. Parent's blessing is very important too.

My aunts are the type of people who look down on careers other than doctors, lawyers, accountant and engineers. The experience at Starbucks planted the interest in me. I love serving people and making their day. However, i would i been killed by my aunts if i continued working there. Therefore, i plan to satisfy both parties(myself and my aunts) by taking up accountancy and then work at a cafe as an accountant

i think u hv to make sure is dat u really want and u r 100% comfirm about dat..
then, try to persuade ur dad n gv proof dat ur ambition still hv future..
everthing is depend on u..
gd luck!

sometime,its true bout what ur parents said. we can make money on fashion design for now fashion is famous things.
why should we do something we dont like??
but parent know the best for us.

Actually, dad just injected a booster towards ur dreamboat, kid.
You'd sure strive to excel coz there's no way you'd want to end up at ur parents doorstep with "I failed, dad. I didnt know what I was thinking. You were right all along" (shoot me).
As cliche as it is to relate, my dad pushed me to the edge when he took back my car coz I told him 'I want to be independent'. Today, we brainstorm together as I learnt that he's been showing off my work to his staff.. (priceless)
Its part n parcel of growing up, being mature n responsible of ur own action so to prove that u can b taken seriously. Trust me, if ur dad can't, the worlds too busy to care.

In case of a fickle mind or a gullible, abort mission immediately

Lots of communication. Show them examples of people who have been/ are successful in your field. Also be prepared to work your butt off to show them that you are committed.

think about it over and over again. if you think youre making the right decision then go for it.
p/s: if u want my opinion on where u can further ur study on fashion design feel free 2 ask me :)

Sometimes, you got to listen to them. After all, they ate more salt than you.

Do what u think is right for you. U don't want to end up regretting for not doing what u like doing in the future.

It's ur own choice. Talk to ur Dad, really, talk from ur heart. And make sure u r determined to walk this path. All the best to you =)

i think you should follow your choice...you will excel in something if you really love it but imagine u studying something you don't have interest in....there is high chances for you not to perform well in it....an at the end its going to effect your future...so i think u should follow your choice and it will also give self satisfaction and no regrets later on

yess....go for it...find some statistical info about fashion designer in future..get all the related matters n show it to ur parent...

Well, if you want to choose fashion as your career. I think you need to have a whole hearted passion. Think wisely in your choice. If you are very sure of it. Talk to your parents and gives facts about fashion designer,so that they will know that being a fashion designer is also a good career and have a bright future. What is in your parents head are they are so worry of your future and want everything for your best. If you love fashion so much go for it. Be brave, do research and discuss.

Talk to them and allow them to understand your passion....it is your life and they would want you to be happy doing something you love...go for it!

I think that fashion designing is one career that will not be affected by the change of economy. Everybody needs clothes and everybody wants to look good.

I think the best ways to convince your dad is by getting him to talk to people in area. That him for university open days and talk to lecturers in this course. Allow him to ask questions.

When I wanted to study psychology, my father was against the idea too. So my mum and I took him to open days at universities and got him to talk to the lecturers and we also got him to attend previews on psychology. That was how we got him to turn around and I got to study what I wanted. Try it. It might work for you too!

just go with your own choices and try to explain to your parent

after all your daddy is your bank..

try to make them follow you when you doing your work and show them the successful person especially in Malaysian people. Also grab them into your real world.

Convince them that there is a future in your chosen career. That is where your passion lies and show them some example of successful people in that field of career.

u need to show them ur talent and they will trust on u...

Belive in yourself... no matter what line or field you study or work... do your best and you will be successful!!!

give urself some time to think carefully before decidin. taking the fashion industry is not as easy as it looks. Research on the best college that offers u the best. Try goin to local designers boutiques to have a look or maybe get a job in the boutique itself to understand the industry.

success comes along with high determination

what u feel yr heart says designin`gd then go ahead.

I guess first u must b really determine n 100% sure that u r very into becoming a fashion designer as i've seen many ppl who withdraw or change course later. Then you can slowly explain to your parent about ur passion n tell them stories abt successful Malaysian Designer such as Jimmy Choo n Zang Toi. If u think ur folks have no patience for words, perhaps u can start with presenting a moodboard with famous faces n tell stories from there. Show them ur creativity n be patience to convince them!

Follow your dreams dear...it will give you the fullest satisfaction if you success or failures

You should proof him your interest and try to convice him since he is the mostly one to support you in term of the fees. Haha.

Be determined enough of what you want.Prove them that you can do well in this field because this is your future but not theirs.Most of the parents are likely to think that designer is not a well paid job and professional.So always be confidence of what you want to do and never give up.Im sure you can do it.

u must proof to your parent that u really like to become a designer.

that is called socila norm. respect your parents opinion but at the same time try to share with them your concerns and interest in a light manner too

if u have a strong desire and good knowledge in it, go for it! Show to your parents what you can achieve out of it

Parents opposition is because their negative thinking is affected by those shown in television that fashion design is not a good job. Other than showing the examples of successful local designer, prove/ convince them by your successful results such as joining competitions or take a part time job related to the field.

I think that when it comes to studies, some kids have to totally depend on their parents. So, once they've graduated and have found a temporary job, they're free to seek the career they've always wanted.
Fresh graduates have all the time and energy in the world. Give in for a bit, then take all you deserve later.

i will go both(their choice n my choice)

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