Merchandise on Hand

by Lynsey Hemstreet
Fashion School Review Columnist

June 15, 2006

Send to a friend |

Printable Version

Fashion design is a coin with two sides: design of the pieces, and the merchandising of the line. As a fashion designer, you'll have a leg up on the competition if you know how to design and make clothes, as well as how to get stores interested in carrying your garments. Read on for more information on finding a fashion design and merchandising school.

From the Table to the Street

In the United States, much of the production of fashion design takes place overseas or in other countries. But even as popular as American ideas of fashion design are around the globe, Americans set the trends from their own country. While in fashion design and merchandising school, you will learn all the aspects of the creation of clothing. How does each garment evolve as it passes from the design table, through a pattern-making program, onto a bolt of cloth, and finally onto the racks?

After you understand the process of fashion design, you'll learn about buying patterns and trends. You will be able to recognize brand consistencies, and study how to market to a particular clientele. How do you build a marketing strategy or a promotional campaign for your fashion design line? If you have an interest in advertising, shopping and a flair for fashion design, this would be a perfect fit for you.

Hone Your Skills

In fashion design and merchandising school, you'll learn the basics of the business side in classes like accounting, marketing, and business. Also, you'll study the role of advertising in fashion design, the impact of different markets like website ordering and catalog sales. You'll also study the country's demographics to determine your best markets, in your drive to move your fashion design ideas from your head into stores.

Sources:

About the Author
Lynsey Hemstreet has two passions in life: writing and makeup. A journalism grad from San Francisco State University, she is a cosmetics consultant by day, freelance writer and editor by night. Lynsey's written work ranges from independent music reviews t

Featured Schools
Campus International Academy of Design & Technology Online First and foremost, the Academy's faculty comprises industry-experienced creative professionals in graphic design, web design and web development. Creative students have a tendency to learn best from creative instructors, and IADT Online's faculty infuses every virtual classroom with enthusiasm, understanding and real-world perspectives. See more facts about International Academy of Design & Technology Online Program Offer: Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Merchandising Campus Locations: Tampa Campus The Art Institutes The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations. See more facts about The Art Institutes Program Offer: Fashion Marketing (BS) Fashion Marketing (AAA) Fashion Marketing & Management (BA) And more... Campus Locations: Arlington Atlanta Austin Charleston Charlotte Chicago Cincinnati Dallas Decatur Denver Draper Durham Fort Lauderdale Fort Worth Houston Indianapolis Miami Milwaukee Minneapolis Nashville New York North Hollywood Novi Overland Park Philadelphia Phoenix Portland Sacramento San Antonio San Bernardino San Diego San Francisco Santa Ana Santa Monica Schaumburg Seattle Sterling Sunnyvale Tampa Tinley Park Troy Tucson Vancouver Virginia Beach Campus College of Westchester At The College of Westchester, you'll experience a real-world education that will give you an edge in a highly competitive job market. Your professors and advisors are committed to providing you with the skills you need for a successful future. Your success is our success! For more information about College of Westchester’s graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please click here. Not all programs are offered online The College of Westchester is accredited by: The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (267-284-5000). The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Authorized by the New York State Board of Regents to confer: Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S), and the Associate in Occupational Studies Degree (A.O.S). All programs offered are registered by the New York State Education Department. See more facts about College of Westchester Program Offer: Fashion Retail Merchandising Campus Locations: White Plains Campus International Academy of Design and Tech Start planning for your future. No matter what you want to achieve in your career, the International Academy of Design & Technology in Chicago can help. The Academy offers diverse and comprehensive degree programs in numerous Design disciplines as wel See more facts about International Academy of Design and Tech Program Offer: Fashion Design and Merchandising Merchandising Management: Fashion Merchandising Campus Locations: Chicago Nashville Sacramento Seattle Campus Harrison College Get started on your career with an education from Harrison College. We offer more than 30 degree, certificate, and diploma programs in the fields of health sciences, veterinary technology, information technology, criminal justice, and business, in addition to our culinary arts academy. We have 13 campuses in Indiana and Ohio, and, depending on the field of study, some or all classes may be taken online. See more facts about Harrison College Program Offer: Fashion Merchandising Campus Locations: Indianapolis Campus Berkeley College *The Berkeley Advantage® Widely recognized among colleges and universities, Berkeley College offers a proven approach to career education that provides students with a competitive edge and the skills sought by employers. This innovative combination of benefits is known as The Berkeley Advantage®. A supportive faculty chosen for academic excellence and relevant professional experience Flexible scheduling: day, evening/weekend, and online classes More than $37 million in Berkeley College grants and scholarships for qualified students provided in the past award year Valuable, real-world experience through program-related, faculty-monitored internships or job-related assignments Bachelor’s and Associate’s degree programs developed and updated to meet current business and professional demands Tuition freeze for full-time students who meet continuous enrollment requirements More than 20 Career Services specialists who assist students in identifying and pursuing job opportunities Extensive employer connections with leading firms and organizations Free lifetime career assistance for Berkeley College graduates See more facts about Berkeley College Program Offer:* AAS, Fashion Marketing & Mgmt BBA, Fashion Marketing & Mgmt BS in Fashion Marketing & Management Campus Locations: Little Falls New York Newark Paramus White Plains Woodbridge Campus Collins College Prepare yourself for the future. Collins College, located in Tempe, AZ, is your gateway to the world of design and technology. Get the education you need to start a new career in Visual Communication, Multimedia Production, Animation, Digital Video, or PC See more facts about Collins College Program Offer: Fashion Design and Merchandising Campus Locations: Phoenix Campus Visual College of Art and Design Follow your passion! For over 35 years, the Visual College of Art and Design (VCAD) has taught artists and imaginative people just like you. VCAD's Fine Arts diploma program is highly regarded for providing a well-rounded arts education in an environment that emphasizes creativity and individuality. Which program is right for you? Choose from Graphic Design, Marketing & Merchandising for Fashion, 3D Modelling Animation Art & Design, Fashion Design, and Interior Design. We know that employers want graduates who are knowledgeable about their field and possess the most up-to-date technical skills. That's why our students receive focused and specialized training on the tools, techniques, and technology used in their chosen career field. See more facts about Visual College of Art and Design Program Offer: Marketing & Merchandising for Fashion Campus Locations: Vancouver Online Stratford Career Institute Earn Your Diploma from Home! Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods. See more facts about Stratford Career Institute Program Offer: Fashion Merchandising and Design Campus John Casablancas Institute of Applied Arts For over 25 years, the John Casablancas Institute (JCI) has been widely recognized as the industry leader in providing job-ready training. With burgeoning careers as award-winning makeup artists, international fashion stylists, and cutting-edge hairdressers, graduates of the JC Institute continue to shine. See more facts about John Casablancas Institute of Applied Arts Program Offer: Fashion Business & Creative Arts Campus Locations: Vancouver Online Ashworth College You don't have to rearrange your life to get a quality education. Ashworth College, a respected worldwide leader in distance education, offers high school diploma programs, professional-level career diploma programs, associate's programs, and master's degree programs in a variety of career fields. Ashworth College can teach you the practical, hands-on techniques you need to succeed in the real world. Study on your own schedule, at a pace that makes sense for you. See more facts about Ashworth College Program Offer: Fashion Retailing