EVOLUTION OF FASHION
The development and evolution of stylistic fashion change from ancient costume periods through the end of the nineteenth century are presented. Social, cultural, technological, and geographical factors that impacted fashion change are explored. Students learn to identify how historical styles and details are used as a basis for contemporary fashion design.
FABRIC ANALYSIS
This course emphasizes fabric construction and fabric identification, especially the classic fabrics. In addition, students examine the organization of the textile industry.
TEXTILE SCIENCE
Students examine the characteristics of fibers, yarns, dyeing, printing, and other finishing processes. The quality of fabrics and legislation relating to fabrics are explored.
SHOWROOM SALES
Sales and merchandising techniques for showroom sales are presented. Focus is placed on the differences between the retail and wholesale sectors of the fashion industry. Students learn how to present, merchandise, and sell a collection for maximum sales impact.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
The process of fashion product development is explored through hands-on development of a product from concept to final presentation. Students employ fashion market analysis to develop a product(s) aimed at a specific target market. Standard fashion industry product presentation skills are taught through hands-on applications.
FASHION IN NEW YORK
This course presents students with an overview of the fashion industry in New York. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between different sectors of the industry through first-hand observation fostered through field trips throughout the city and guest speakers.
PRESENTATION TECHNIQUES
In this course a variety of oral and visual presentation techniques appropriate to the fashion are explored. Students learn how to create effective visual presentations as well as how to utilize those techniques to communicate fashion content.
FASHION MAGAZINES
This course provides an in-depth study of consumer and trade publications specific to the fashion industry. Students learn how fashion publications determine what their target audience wants to read through practical analysis, field trips, and guest speakers.
VISUAL MERCHANDISING I
This course familiarizes students with the elements that create a favorable product image: color, design, display, and presentation. Relationships among product identification, store image, and promotional techniques are analyzed with regard to sale effectiveness. Emphasis is placed on student’s hands-on creative experimentation in building a total image.
VISUAL MERCHANDISING II
This course explores advanced concepts in visual merchandising including in store retail, showroom, and trade show displays. Careers in visual merchandising are explored as well.
MARKETING
This course introduces students to the concepts of marketing as they apply to the fashion industry. Customer demographics and target markets are defined. The four “Ps” of marketing (price, product, promotion, and placement) are explored through fashion case studies and market research.
MATHEMATICS FOR MERCHANDISING
This course provides students with the principles and the terminology important to profitable merchandising. Stress will be placed on finding solutions to practical problems, which occur in merchandising situations.
THE FASHION CONSUMER
This course focuses on the causes and effects of consumer behavior in fashion. Students will examine the formulation of strategies for targeting customers and meeting the needs of that population. Topics including demographics, marketing research, decision/buying cycles, advertising, and consumer lifestyles will be discussed and analyzed. Emphasis will be placed on current trends in advertising and retailing.
RETAILING
In this course an intensive analysis of store operations is covered. Students learn techniques for anticipating consumer demand, evaluating merchandise resources, and appropriating merchandise. In addition, effective sales methods, efficient inventory control, and appropriate customer services are evaluated.
FASHION BUYING
This course is an introduction to the principles of buying apparel and accessories. The course emphasizes the buying function and the differences of buyers’ responsibilities in various types of merchandising organizations. Students learn the principles, procedures, and techniques practiced by merchandisers of fashion goods in determining what assortments to buy and which resources to select.
COMPUTERIZED FASHION APPLICATIONS
In this course students utilize electronic spreadsheet applications to solve and analyze merchandising problems including: sales planning, assortment planning, mark-up and markdown calculations, open-to-buy, and operating results.
FASHION PROMOTION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
In this course students explore the strategies, planning, and execution of special events used to promote fashion products. Students use information on current fashion news, events, and personalities to plan promotional events and to create press kits.
HISTORY OF MODERN FASHION
The history of couture and ready-to-wear in the twentieth century is presented. Focus is placed on stylistic analysis of French couture designers and the development of American ready-to-wear designers. American and international designers at the upper levels of the fashion market are discussed and analyzed in terms of their overall influence.
FASHION PRESENTATION I
Students are instructed in the research techniques used in analyzing fashion trends including overall looks, silhouettes, color, and fabrication. They are given practical application assignments interpreting style changes in all areas of the fashion industry. Stress is placed on students' analyses and utilization of professional examples.
FASHION PRESENTATION II
Students utilize the methods and principles of fashion research explored in Fashion Presentation I to develop the necessary skills enabling them to execute professional fashion presentations. Emphasis is placed on students' creative exploration in fashion coordination, promotion, and presentation.
MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS
The merchandising, marketing, and design divisions of apparel and related manufacturing are explored. The material includes terminology, quality policies, selling and terms of sale, market weeks, resources, shipping, distribution, traffic, and contracting. The students learn the relationship between the manufacturer and primary markets as well as between the manufacturer and the retail buyer.
MERCHANDISING EXTERNSHIP
This externship provides the students with practical fashion industry work experience outside of the retail sector. Students apply the concepts and skills learned in the program. Students are evaluated based on performance by their externship coordinator and their on-site supervisor.
FASHION RESEARCH AND REPORTING
This course allows students to explore traditional and non-traditional fashion products. This course also provides the opportunity to apply previous course knowledge and fashion research techniques for product reporting and presentations.
