I'm almost 17, and I'm home schooled, so i take fashion design at a local community college. I already have professional sewing skills, and i can use professional sewing equipment, like sergers, ect.. and i was wondering if this a plus since i have started so much earlier then the average wanna be fashion designer?

Also, what does it take to be a fashion designer? The clothes I make are inspired by the 60's pop art , the 80's, and some vintage styles. I like to make clothes that are really fashionable but wearable too, and i have made some handbags. Is that good enough or should i be more creative?

And where can I buy wholesale fabric and other sewing notions like zippers, buttons, thread, ect.

Any other info would be wonderful!