Sewing School Dropout. Salary: $20,000 or less 

While doing some needlework with a couple of co-workers at the discount dress fitters you work at, one of their jokes catches your funny bone in a certain way. You laugh hysterically and almost stab Steven in the eye. This is why he didn't want to sit next to you in the first place.

Fashionis-tough. Salary: $40,000 

An irate model at a small-time fashion show attacks you with a bagel. Turns out there were some big agency scouts in the audience, yet you had her walk the runway in an avant-garde period piece. The frilly collar completely hid her face from the crowd. You think to yourself how that may have actually been an improvement.

Off the Racker. Salary: $70,000 

You land a job designing sneakers. After a few months you come up with what you believe is a guaranteed, surefire hit. Your boss looks at the sketch and asks why the basketball shoe has a four-inch stiletto heel. You reply that it will make the game really interesting (you're also not much of a basketball fan).

Runway Ready. Salary: $95,000 

You show up in the drafting room fifteen minutes early to surprise your design team with coffee. Upon seeing you, three of your designers scream and one of your assistants faints to the floor. They're overstressed because New York Fashion Week is in five days. You really should have known better.

Chic Unique. Salary: $120,000 

After years of hard work and good luck, you're chosen to lead one of the most famous design houses in the world. You weep for joy on the day you see Anna Wintour sitting in the front row at your fashion show. Then you realize it's your turn to walk and smile, so you fix your face and walk through the curtain.