Assistant Professor Doreen Burdalski, M.B.A., Chair Associate Professor Connie Heller-Horacek, M.F.A. and Paula Trimpey, M.F.A. Instructor MeeAe Oh-Ranck Lecturers Amanda Condict, Sara Nelson and Denise Shade What Can I do with a Major in Fashion? Albright Fashion Alumni: Where Are They Now? Overview Majors Core Requirements Track Requirements Combined Majors Courses Fashion Department Newsletter Fashion Department Web Site Courses FAS 105 Visual Literacy for Fashion The focus of this foundation design course is to explore the basic elements and principles of 2D and 3D design and their application in the fashion design process. Visual communication - using messages that combine words and pictures - is an essential skill in the fashion industry. It is the language most often used by designers and merchandisers in communicating with each other and their clients. Line, shape, texture, value, color and their interrelationships are studied and applied to solving design problems. Students learn to use these components to demonstrate thoughts and concepts through visual illustrations and graphic design. FAS 112 Fashion Fundamentals This course serves as a general introduction to the fashion industry and to the study of fashion. The course outlines the factors, processes and considerations involved in taking fashion products from concept 1
to the customer. In addition to the lecture students must attend one three-hour lab session, where the students gain hands-on experience in the conception and production of a fashion product. FAS 200 Textile Fundamentals A study of fabrics with emphasis on the interrelationships of fibers, yarn structures, fabric construction and finishes. Students examine the physical and chemical structures of natural and man-made fibers. They explore how the different physical characteristics, history and components of different fabrics relate to enduse. Government legislation related to textiles is discussed. FAS 203 Costume and Fashion History to 1800 This course focuses on the influence of fashion and dress throughout history. The course covers a timeline starting at the ancient world 3000 BC up to the 18th century. The purpose is to not only gain knowledge of the actual garments of the time, but also gain an understanding of why they were worn. Knowledge of the historical context will be an important thread throughout this course. The course will use an interdisciplinary approach to studying fashion history that combines lectures, activities, exams and a presentation. FAS 204 Costume and Fashion History from 1800 This course focuses on the development of western fashion, from the French Revolution to the present, and to the evolution from custom made clothing to ready-to-wear. It stresses the relationship of historic occurrences with changes in the arts, particularly in the development of American fashion. Specific silhouettes and details of each period of fashion are studied, in addition to fashion designers and theatrical costume interpretation of various periods of history. FAS 208 Fashion Business This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of the financial aspects of the fashion business. Special emphasis is placed on understanding and making managerial decisions based on review of the income statement focusing on both gross margin and profit before taxes. Pricing and markdown strategies are discussed, and the basic retail math concepts of initial mark-up and maintained mark-up are covered in depth. Students create a six-month merchandising plan which teaches them to forecast sales, inventory levels and reductions enabling them to calculate planned purchases and open to buy. Also discussed are measures of productivity like sales per square foot and GMROI. FAS 210 Product Development This course analyzes the process of creating fashion products: from trend research, through design, to production/sourcing, to distribution. It introduces concepts and methods used by buyers, 2
merchandisers and designers to create merchandise for targeted customer segments. FAS 218 Visual Merchandising This course is a comprehensive introduction to the practices and effective strategies in the field of retail visual merchandising. Students learn to look, compare, and innovate as they implement proven principles used in the presentation of merchandise through free expression utilizing both solo and group activities to develop critical thinking and communications skills. FAS/THR 220 Costume Construction This course will explore the techniques of costume and period clothing construction. The class will cover history of garment pattern development, sewing techniques and the creation of historic clothing using modern patterning and sewing techniques. As a final project for this class, students will be expected to create a complete period costume from concept to wearable three dimensional garment. FAS 230 Fashion Illustration The focus of this course is to give students a thorough knowledge of fashion of figure proportions, fashion poses and proficiency in illustrating them including: understanding the difference in illustration styles and skills required for marketing and designing; choosing the best media and employing it skillfully; using their fashion illustrations in presentations that effectively communicate their ideas. Prerequisite: FAS 105 FAS 244 Patternmaking/Draping This course introduces the student to techniques and skills in flat pattern making and draping. The student will learn how to create and manipulate a sloper set and become familiar with draping garments on a full size dress form to produce creative and innovative designs. The course also teaches students a common language of correct terminology so they will be able to communicate accurately with pattern makers and designers within the fashion industry. Prerequisite: FAS 112 FAS/THR 320 Stage Costuming This course is an introduction to the process of costume design and production. Topics covered include period costume research, play analysis, budgeting, and costume rendering. Also, this course will introduce costume studio personnel and their responsibilities in the costume design/production process. FAS 309 Lifestyle Marketing This course introduces the theories and practices of meeting the consumers' needs by creating and marketing fashion products that 3
appeal to consumer lifestyles. It examines the art of branding as a powerful tool in developing and maintaining customer loyalty. FAS 315 Fashion Merchandising Communications This is a study of the marketing and promotional strategies used within the fashion communication field. Students study the purposes, procedures, methods and techniques used in various fashion promotional activities. Special attention is given to writing techniques and layouts used in printed fashion communications. Prerequisites: FAS 105, 112 FAS/THR 320 Stage Costuming This course is an introduction to the process of costume design and production. Topics covered include period costume research, play analysis, budgeting, and costume rendering. Also, this course will introduce costume studio personnel and their responsibilities in the costume design/production process. FAS 325 CAD Concepts This course focuses on the purpose of CAD technology in the fashion industry for design ideation, concept development, research, and presentation. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop will be used to emphasis visualization and exploration of design ideas, along with knowledge of technical skills. Students will apply appropriate CAD techniques to create artistic and technical flat illustrations. Personal study and investigation will be important in the success of this course. At the end of the course, students should have a versatile portfolio of projects that exhibit knowledge and skill of CAD as used in the fashion industry. FAS 326 CAD Concepts II This course is a continuation of CAD 1. Utilizing Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, students will further develop their computer aided technical drawing skills. Additionally they will study the basics of creating and utilizing textile patterns and textures and will develop techniques to create professional presentations. Computer skills are employed in the implementation of in depth design projects. Each project is designed to promote individual creativity, thoughtful market and creative research and to develop effective verbal and visual presentation techniques. For each project students are required to present written and visual research and to show their process of exploration and refinement in creating and presenting a collection based on that research. Prerequisite: FAS 325 FAS 355 Brand Development Students apply basic principles and elements of design as they learn to develop and communicate a personal brand. Branding theory 4
and practice are discussed. By applying design concepts to their own work, students build a brand that communicates audience trust and understanding through the visual experience. Utilizing various techniques ranging from purely artistic to highly technological, the student develops a personal brand that encompasses and expresses their unique perspective. Prerequisite: FAS 105 FAS 372 Concept Development, Fashion Design This course focuses on the process of forming an idea and bringing that idea from concept to reality, specifically with regard to end products related to the fashion business. Students learn how to research, recognize or create trends, apply aesthetics, taste, design techniques, practical considerations and problem-solving strategies in the implementation of targeted concept development projects. FAS 373 Concept Development, Costuming Techniques and principles of fashion design are applied to the special demands of costuming for the theater, emphasizing the need for durability while creating the appropriate visual image. The day-today problems of assembling a show are explored. Students work on a current play by the Theatre Department and collaborate to design and also create the costumes for specific themes or time periods. FAS 376 Retailing This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the retailing industry. It focuses on the development of retail strategy and familiarizes the student with all the major decisions retailers must make as they strive to compete in an ever-changing environment. FAS 383 Advanced Construction Techniques This course emphasizes development of apparel construction skills at an intermediate level. Students continue to evolve principles by which flat pattern method is used in the development of design idea. Emphasis is on tailoring procedures, which are used in everyday dressmaking. In course work, students will learn selecting the tailoring method most appropriate for their fabric and pattern choice, as well as for their skill level and available sewing time. Prerequisites: FAS 105, 112 FAS 383 Electronic Patternmaking Student will learn the skill sets of computerized pattern making as it applies to the fashion industry. A focus will be given to the interpretation of design flats as they influence the design of patterns., 244. FAS 482 Internship 5
Students serve an internship in the fashion industry or a fashion industry-related business under the supervision of a faculty member and on-site personnel. Active participation and a significant level of responsibilities are expected in the internship setting. Reports and projects are required. FAS 490 Senior Seminar The senior seminar is a capstone course for all fashion students. Building on previous knowledge from the program, this course prepares students to enter the fashion industry. Special emphasis is placed on discussing issues current to the industry and researching the job market. Industry guest speakers are scheduled throughout the semester to enhance this experience. Working with instructor direction and approval, each student is required to complete a capstone project which requires intense research and a final presentation. top 6