Yes, indeed, fashion is an exciting world for every fashion designer who gets up every morning and arrives at work. It is one of the most fascinating and fun jobs in the world. Most people are satisfied with their mundane 9 to 5 job, but for designers in this field, it is a completely different story. First of all, they get to touch, feel and work with the coolest and most unique fabrics. Secondly, they get to design and create innovative ideas. Finally, they get to sell their complete garment at a price to make a sizable profit and, at the same time, they get to meet the most amazing and fantastic people along the way. In addition, they often get to enjoy many great life experiences and different cultures through career-related traveling and social interactions.

There are many professional occupations that face daily challenges, red tape and roadblocks in this society because of the government’s strict laws and regulations that prevent professionals from doing what they love. However, fashion design is one of the very few professions where there are not many restrictions and regulations, or licensing requirements, in cities and countries around the world, to work or operate a business. An expat designer can practise her/his skills in any country without government intervention. Many fashion designer expats in Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are currently living a comfortable life – doing what they love the most – which is designing and selling their clothes on their terms. Interestingly, many expats even create jobs for the locals in their community and most expats only work 5 to 8 hours a day. As for the rest of the day, they spend their time on the beach or by the pool, so they can drink their favourite Margarita under the tropical sun. This is the perfect illustration of being able to live your life in a paradise of your choosing, if you have a practical life skill under your belt.

“Life in fashion is a life in a paradise”

– Chris Falcon is a Canadian designer and fashion educator with over 35 years of experience in the garment design and manufacturing business.