I have worked in the industry a good number of years and I can tell you that the vast majority of photographers, fashion or otherwise, have not taken any photography classes. They have just picked up a camera and experimented. You do, however, need money to get the equipment.
If you're setting up a business you may be able to get a business loan for the kit but you'll need a good business plan to show the bank. The most important quality for a fashion photographer is to be extroverted and be able to deal with people well. You need a good eye for fashion, composition, and lighting.
Good luck.
Get a job as a photographer's assistant, a fashion photographer if you can, you'll learn the trade better than from any course, and it will give you the extra money to get your gear.
I know several professional fashion photographers that have not studied with anyone. The most important thing is to have a camera and to keep shooting. Read the kinds of magazines that you want to be in.
Look for fashion editorials online and keep shooting and refining your technique. Read photography books on lighting but mostly practice. Photography is an artistic career and being so you do not have to have a degree.It is more important that you have skill and experience.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.