Fashion Design and Merchandising
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Program Description
The Fashion Design and Merchandising program allows students to reflect their individual and cultural values and perspectives through fashion design and imagery. The program insures students possess the creative, critical thinking, technology, portfolio presentation, and oral communication skills required in the industry. Beginning in the sophomore year students have the option to follow a design or a merchandising track.

Program Facilities 
A dedicated studio/classroom serves the Fashion Design and Merchandising program and is equipped with industry-standard technology, equipment, and software including seventeen Bernina Activa 240 sewing stations, one Baby Lock Imagine serger, one Coverstitch with Jet Air, one blind hemmer, one Bernina Industrial sewing machine, My Label 3-D pattern software, Bernina Embroidery software, Kaledo, Modaris, and Diamino software, a large format printer for patterns. This apparel construction lab includes industry-specified dress forms for draping and construction.


Program Requirements

•  Students must present their art portfolio for review.
•  Program specific transfer credits may be considered.  

Career Potential & Employment Outlook
Graduates may seek employment for the following: junior design and development assistants, jewelry designer, assistant buyer and buyer associate planner, visual team associate, and merchandise coordinator. The National Center on Employment and the Economy recognizes rewards will go to the clothing designer whose grasp of the direction of fashion is uniquely matched to his or her understanding of the new fabrics that the new technologies are making possible. Graduates with 3-5 years experience have career opportunities such as senior merchandise manager, assistant designer, or designer.

CONTACT US

Kevin Donovan
Director of Enrollment Management & Marketing
Phone: (716)961-1870
Email: kdonovan@villa.edu