Patterns would be presented to the clients, who would then place an order if they liked them. He was the one who originated the idea of fashion houses and telling his customers the kind of clothing that would suit them.Īt that time, a good number of design houses started to hire the services of artists to generate patterns for garments. Charles, who was earlier a draper, established a fashion house in Paris. Charles Frederick Worth is believed to be the first fashion designer in the world, between 1826 to 1895. In addition, each department has an advisory board of industry professionals that assist in program development, internships, job placement and fundraising.The beginning of fashion designing dates as far back as 1826. Industry and Community Involvement:Īll departments are highly involved with their industry counterparts and seek opportunities to work with community partners. Our students and faculty find unique ways to bring community service into the learning experience through experiences such as campus and community workshops, after-school programs for area school children, and work with local non-profits.
An annual trip to New York City includes visits with professional designers, manufacturers, retailers, trend forecasters, showrooms, fashion magazines, museums and more.
Interns and graduates have found a range of career opportunities directly related to their knowledge of both the design and merchandising sides of the apparel industry.Graduates have obtained positions in design, merchandising, product development, and styling/public relations, and as showroom managers, visual merchandisers, buyers, store managers and other positions.Įmployers include the corporate offices of Cato, Wrangler, Chico’s, Victoria Secret and Nordstrom, as well as independent designers, retailers and stylists. After GraduationĮmployment: Graduates are poised to enter the apparel industry with an understanding of the design, merchandising and marketing of a product. The department advises transfer students to begin the program in the summer in order to complete the program in three years.
This degree is housed in Appalachian’s Department of Applied Design. Students complete a for-credit internship with showrooms, design firms, stylists, retailers and fashion magazines in locations such as New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Charleston, Washington, D.C., Colorado and South America. You will acquire the skills for the process of apparel product development from concept to consumer, including design, production, distribution, marketing and merchandising.Ĭlasses are small, and students receive personalized attention in advising, studio classes, internship preparation and career counseling. Appalachian State University’s Bachelor of Science in Apparel Design and Merchandising program encompasses the design, merchandising and marketing of apparel and textile products and provides a comprehensive understanding of the global textile complex.