Fashion Merchandising

Curriculum



The Virginia Marti College of Art & Design’s Fashion Merchandising program embraces the global perspective that fashion is a cultural phenomenon. As such, fashion integrates consumer and trade and commerce with the politics and economics of an area, region or country.
 

With a focus on business skills and professional responsibility, the Fashion Merchandising student is able to set priorities, manage their workload and understand the realities, as well as the subtleties of multi-tasking.
 

With an eye toward design, the Fashion Merchandising student is able to critically analyze situations, problem solve and innovate, so that the rigorous demands of fashion merchandising are met.


Program Outline


First Quarter

Covers the fundamentals of math, including fractions, decimals, percentages, statistics, simple business and consumer math, the metric system, and simple geometry.

Explores 9 essay styles, reviews grammar and MLA fundamentals, and improves both verbal and written communication skills.

Covers the origins of color, color consistency, means of expression, formal qualities, color qualities, color temperatures, color perspective, composition, and psychological interpretation.

Ideal for first-quarter merchandisers and designers since it is an introduction to the many facets of the fashion industry, from concept to consumer.

An introduction to 35 millimeter SLR camera use and the fundamentals of black and white and color photography compositions as an art form.

An introduction to personal and professional image development. Course material includes modeling and selecting appropriate clothes based on body type.

Second Quarter

Expands on the fundamentals of Math 1 and introduces students to salary and wage calculation, business math, measurement and conversions, and algebra.

Revisits key concepts from English 1 and focuses on reading and discussing short stories, poetry and song, film, and a novella.

Prerequisites: FM141, must be taken by second-quarter

Introduces students to retailing practices, as well as career options. Students will explore multi-channel retailing, management and control functions, merchandising fashion products, and communicating with the fashion clientele.

Prerequisite: B244

Expands on the photography skills and concepts of B244 and introduces students to darkroom film development.

An introduction to sales fundamentals, including various sales approaches, overcoming objections, closing, market research, and communications.

 



Third Quarter

Analyzes artistic development in architecture, sculpture, and painting from the Prehistoric era to the Gothic period.

Can be taken in lieu of History of Art I (G160)

Covers the Patriarchs and Major and Minor Prophets from Genesis to Malachi and their historical context.

An introduction to the theory and practice of interpersonal communication, which focuses on learning and applying the skills needed to improve the quality of interpersonal communication and interpersonal relationships with a variety of people.includes modeling and selecting appropriate clothes based on body type.

Prerequisite: X040

Introduces the students to basic Retail Mathematics and learning how to use Excel spreadsheets. Using Excel when completing Retail Mathematics problems will reinforce all concepts being introduced as well as illustrate the practical use of Excel in the retail world.

Prerequisites: FM141 AND FM171

An in-depth examination of natural and man-made fibers, yarn characteristics, and fabric construction, from the fiber stage to the finished fabric. Fashion Merchandisers and Designers will be able to apply the textile facts to the appropriate selection, use, and care of today’s fabric and textile products.

Prerequisites: FM141 and FM171

Provides an overview of the accessory industry; an introduction to major areas of accessory design, footwear, handbags, belts, leg wear, scarves, ties/handkerchiefs, hats, hair accessories, wigs and hairpieces, and make-up will be analyzed. Different make-up application techniques will be studied.

Fourth Quarter

Analyzes artistic development in architecture, sculpture, and painting from the Early Renaissance to the Post Modern era.

Can be taken in lieu of History of Art II (G161)

Covers the writers of the New Testament and their historical context and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Takes a psychological approach to explore classic and current trends in organizational communication and human relations in the work environment.

Prerequisites: FM102 or taken concurrently with FM102

Analysis and evaluation of apparel with an emphasis on construction, value and selling points. The student’s product knowledge will be enhanced by the acquisition of basic garment construction skills and analysis of archival garments.

An introduction to the operation and formation of small retail business enterprises, emphasizing managerial functions, business plans, merchandising, establishing and maintaining professional relationships, and trend analysis.

Prerequisite: FM160

Introduces the student to the multi-faceted world of contemporary business and accounting practices. An in depth understanding of these principles will be gained as the student produces various accounting documents such as general journal, Ledger, balance sheets, and income statements utilizing Microsoft Excel.



Fifth Quarter

Prerequisites: FM102

Examines the modes in costume from primitive man to 18th century. Emphasis will be placed on the prevailing design of costumes worn and information regarding origin, dates, colors, hairstyles, shoe styles, and accessories.

Examines the basic concepts of the economy and their applications to problems and policies.   Concepts include supply and demand, market and prices, income distribution, allocation of resources, contemporary economic issues, and personal finance.

Prerequisite: G101, G102

Focuses on increasing fashion vocabulary, creative writing skills, basic journalism skills (interviewing and editing) and fashion writing history. Students will develop a critical eye for reading fashion news articles, local newspapers, and magazines.

Prerequisite: must be taken second year.

An introduction to operating a business involved in purchasing products from other countries and selling products on the international market.

Prerequisites: FM162 or taken concurrently with FM162

Covers the principles, procedures and techniques buyers use to plan and procure merchandise. Students will examine and analyze current buying practices and apply their knowledge through simulation tasks.

Sixth Quarter

A continuation of History of Costume I; this course traces the historical development of costuming from the 18th century thru the 21st century. Students will examine the artistic and cultural influences that shaped each period’s fashion. Emphasis will be placed on western costume silhouette recognition and the vocabulary of historical clothing, hairstyles, footwear, and accessories.

Prerequisite: B102 and second-year standing

Covers all elements of fashion show preparation, including promotion, theme development, budget, choreography, schedules, and rehearsals, all leading up to a fashion show as a final project.

Prerequisite: B270

An application of psychological principles of human behavior as they relate to the world of work, including techniques and principles of the industry. The course covers recruitment selection, training, evaluation, leadership, motivation, and consumer behavior.

Explores the concepts and techniques of creating effective spaces for selling various types of merchandise in a retail environment.

Prerequisites: B270

Introduces the student to the concepts and techniques of advertising and promoting products and services. The course will give the student the opportunity to test methods and gain confidence and expertise. The course will actively take students through the process of creating an advertising campaign and promotion.



Seventh Quarter

Prerequisite: Second-year standing and B110

Explores visual merchandising including, but not limited to, store windows, point-of-sale areas, in-store displays and wall areas, and the various display materials used in retailing.

Prerequisite: Seventh-quarter standing

Designed to outline and apply the knowledge and theory of product development and forecasting by developing an apparel line from concept to commercialization.

Prerequisite: FM202

Designed to introduce students to advanced concepts and applications of computer- aided design used in the fashion industry, using NedGraphics Fashion Studio Suite.

An overview of the American legal system and basic laws that apply to contract sales, copyright and trademark, negotiations, product liability, and setting up a business.

Prerequisite: Second-year standing

Designed to provide a fundamental understanding of image and fashion consulting techniques and procedures; including areas of expertise, consultation skills and starting a consultation business.

Eighth Quarter

Prerequisite: Completion of all coursework prior to the eighth-quarter. To be taken concurrently with B254

A cooperative venture between the Fashion Merchandising profession and the College to provide the student with on-the-job training. Skills learned in the classroom will be utilized in the placement as much as possible. Students must maintain a minimum work schedule and attend regular Internship Review sessions.

Prerequisite: to be taken with concurrently with program internship.

Enables students to maximize their internship opportunity through activities monitored by the instructor. Journal entries and meetings with the teacher and coordinator are required to monitor the internship.

Prerequisite: FM270

A continuation of applications, concepts, and techniques related to visual display. It employs workshops, field trips and display set-ups that focus on the critical elements that make up successful merchandising displays.

Prerequisite: seventh or eighth quarter status

Designed to help students with the transition from college life to the professional world.  Classroom activities include completing job applications, writing resumes and cover letters, and practicing interviewing skills in a mock-interview final.

Prerequisite: FM202

Designed to introduce students to advanced concepts and applications of computer-aided design used in the fashion industry, using NedGraphics Fashion Studio Suite.