If you are interested in fashion, accessories, clothing, haute couture, and looking for new trends, then a career as a fashion buyer/sourcer is for you. This professional is a strategic player, indispensable in the textile industry. They are responsible for finding the best products at the best prices, in line with a purchasing strategy.

What skills and qualities are required? What training is recommended? What are the responsibilities of a trend spotter? Discover the profession of fashion buyer/sourcer!

The fashion and luxury goods sector is not experiencing a crisis. On the contrary, it is constantly evolving and encompasses a wide variety of professions.

Among them is the profession of buyer/fashion source, prized by new talents who are highly skilled in the multitude of communication media and the proliferation of new trends. Curious and passionate, these buyers travel the world to find striking and innovative products in the textile and luxury goods sectors. They are able to preview the brands, materials, and accessories that will be all the rage at the next Fashion Weeks.

The buyer occupies a strategic and crucial position in companies specializing in fashion.

Here are the various tasks of a fashion buyer:

• Monitor fashion and luxury trends : The buyer closely monitors developments in the fashion and luxury goods market, both in France and internationally, to determine which products will be successful.

• Select products Based on their analysis of the market and their company's business objectives, buyers develop purchasing plans and select the products to be purchased. These purchases must be profitable and must comply with the employer's procurement strategy.

• Negotiating with suppliers : The buyer maintains relationships with brands. During negotiations, they obtain the best prices and acquire high-quality products. They discuss delivery terms, prices, and deadlines.

• Manage inventory : The buyer aims to avoid stock shortages or overstocking issues by adjusting product orders. They regularly place orders and handle the purchase of new products. They may also request that products be manufactured in order to build up a collection.

• Getting around : Sourcers are often on the road meeting with various business partners, discovering new designers, and seeking out new sources of supply. To do this, they attend trade shows and put together calls for tenders.

To become an international buyer/sourcer, being passionate about fashion is a good start, but it's not enough. Here are the essential qualities you need to become a buyer:

• be adventurous Fashion is a vast jungle where buyers position themselves as hunters. Curious, lively, and passionate, they thirst for adventure. Mobile, buyers must be ready to jump on a plane at any moment to seek out new international trends, sometimes for several days or even weeks at a time.

• have strong interpersonal skills : New brands and products in the textile industry can sometimes be difficult to identify and approach. Buyers must contact numerous individuals and suppliers in order to bring their projects to fruition.

• be a negotiator : The job of fashion buyer requires a strong personality in order to master the art of negotiation. Once that rare gem has been found, the sourcer enters into a long phase of negotiation with the various suppliers and manufacturers.

• be creative : Buyers in the fashion and clothing industry must be able to come up with innovative ideas for clothing and accessory selections. This allows them to work effectively with creative teams to design exclusive products.

• know how to manage stress : The future of a collection and its sale often depends on the buyer. If negotiations over fabric or materials fail, the competition will step in. It is important to remain calm when concluding business deals.

The fashion buyer has acquired numerous skills through training and various experiences in the workplace.

• Have a good knowledge of the fashion and luxury goods industry.
• Mastering the technical language of the textile industry.
• Have in-depth knowledge of your brand's products in order to find the most suitable materials that meet the technical criteria defined in advance.
• Practice several foreign languages: it is essential to speak English and another language in order to communicate with partners or companies working internationally.
• Knowing how to anticipate upcoming trends.
• Mastering the manufacturing and production methods for different materials.
• Master Excel.

To become a buyer in the fashion and textile industry, you need to complete a vocational training program after high school. The Bachelor's Degree in Luxury Fashion and Digital Marketing is ideal for acquiring all the skills needed to become an international buyer.

Each year, students complete an internship at a major fashion or luxury goods company. Thanks to its numerous partners, ISAL Paris offers internships in China, allowing students to expand their network, improve their foreign language skills, and develop their ability to negotiate with other cultures. This training program enables students to build up a professional portfolio, an essential tool for buyers.

During these three years of study, language courses tailored to the fashion market are offered in English, Italian, or Chinese. Apprentices learn the fundamentals of marketing and communication, as well as the fashion industry. They are also introduced to business management and fashion brand management.

Once they graduate, students can become collection managers, purchasing managers, or international buyers.

In order to help students achieve their career goals, ISAL Paris highlights its Master's programs and MBA.

The Master's Degree in Fashion Management is, for example, essential training for accessing this creative job.

Over two consecutive years, several topics are covered: team management, luxury product and brand policy, sourcing, purchasing and production monitoring, commercial management of a collection plan, luxury business English, etc.

After completing their training, students enter the workforce.

A junior buyer can earn a salary equivalent to €2,000 gross per month. A senior buyer can earn up to €6,000 gross per month. Salaries vary depending on the employer, specialization, and experience.