FASHION MERCHANDISING: COURSES
ADVERTISING PROCEDURES
ADPR 220
This course will provide a basic understanding of advertising procedures and basic advertising techniques as they relate to the other components of business and marketing procedures. Learn how to create and execute advertising campaigns for newspaper and magazine layouts, radio ads, television commercials, billboards, direct mail, transit advertising, etc. Production procedures, cost calculations, media buying, graphic design and layout, presentation formats will be covered.
ART & TECHNOLOGY
ARTT 410
Computer Technology becomes increasingly important in the Fashion Industry. In this Introduction to PhotoShop and Adobe Illustrator, students will be able to work with previously completed projects and concepts learned in other subjects or will be able to work on projects assigned in this semester. Create layouts for your own portfolio. Design promotional material, ads and layouts for newspapers, magazines, brochures. Learn about E-tailing and how to post and maintain a web site.
BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURSHIP
ENTR 340
The focus is on providing an understanding of the basic requirements for success in an entrepreneurial career including new venture start-up and development process. The course will cover the basic techniques, practices and terminology used in starting and operating a small business. Examine the Canadian business structure and such key topics as private companies, limited companies, partnerships, accounting procedures, financial projections, cash flow, management and personnel policies. The course will provide an understanding of the essential components of a successful business plan.
CAREER PREPARATION
RES 240
Enrich your professional image by upgrading your skills in business communications, career awareness, job search, assertiveness and public speaking. Identify your marketable employment skills; design and present a resume, cover letter, thank-you letter, interview script. This specially designed course also includes techniques to build self-esteem and self-confidence as well as a Loss Prevention certification workshop.
COSTUMING FOR TV & FILM
COS 435
Learn what really happens in the Wardrobe Department - in the truck and on set. Use a real TV or film script to learn script analysis for potential costume information. Learn how to create a character chart and design a suitable wardrobe for a selected character. Emphasis will be on contemporary costume. Costume design and wardrobe for music video will be discussed. Lectures will include handling on-set emergencies, fabric breakdown and garment ageing, garment maintenance and oh-so-important continuity. A brief history of film costuming will be included as well as an introduction to important film costumers.
FASHION AWARENESS I
FASA 150
This survey course explores the history and development of 20th century fashion. Become aware of the major fashion changes that occurred, as well as the social, political, economic situations and events that set the scene for these changes - from the Edwardian Period through the 1920’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. The contributions of century-shaping designers such as Poiret, Vionnet, Chanel, McCardell, Dior, Yves St. Laurent and Courreges will be studied as well as their influence on current fashion. Lectures are enhanced by extensive use of visuals including period film and video clips.
DESIGN AWARENESS
DESA 450
This course takes you “Inside the Designer’s Studio” and beyond. What really happens? Designers need and often use merchandisers as part of their working and support teams. Learn how a line of clothing - large or small - is inspired, created, manufactured, styled for the runway and photography. Develop an understanding of the design process including use of forecasting sources, finding fabrics and finishings, budgeting, costing and sizing, creating flats and spec sheets and promotion of the finished collection.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS
COMM 420
Learn to improve your communication ability - written and oral. Students will practice writing short editorial, fashion copy, business letters, press releases, proposal writing for free-lancers. Whether you are selling yourself or selling on the retail floor, strong oral communication skills are a must. Will your future job include interviews, interviewing others, sales meetings, staff training, line presentations, fashion show commentary, fashion reportage?
FASHION AWARENESS II
FASA 250
In this study of current fashion and designers you will learn what is happening in fashion from the 80’s to NOW in the major fashion centres: Paris, New York, Milan, Tokyo and London. What is couture? What is pret-a-porter? What are the lasting influences and contributions of the “big name” des igners? Who are the hot new designers to watch? You will be able to recognize their work, their individual “touches”, recurring themes, special construction techniques. Instruction is supplemented by extensive use of fashion publications and videos.
Note: Fashion Awareness I is not a prerequisite for Fashion Awareness II.
FASHION ELEMENTS
FELM 350
The language of fashion is invaluable in all areas of design and merchandising from writing fashion copy and commentary, portfolio preparation, retail sales and buying to pattern making. Learn fashion terminology and be able to recognize and identify elements of garments: basic silhouettes, necklines and collars, sleeve styles, pants & skirts, outerwear, prints and patterns, garment details and more. Ethnic origins of fashion are included. Learn to draw clear illustrations using a croquis figure. Current videos and publications are used for garment analysis.
FASHION ILLUSTRATION
FILL 115
This course has been created specifically for Merchandising students and no previous drawing experience is required. It covers the differences between real body proportions and the fashion figure proportion as well as perspective, value, movement and balance. Learn to create flat (technical) drawings and industry spec sheets. Overcome your fear of illustration through extensive drawing and live model drawing.
FASHION MERCHANDISING
MRCH 200
An overview of the fashion industry - from the primary industry to retailing. Study the social, economic, political, psychological and technological factors that influence fashion trends, fashion buying and merchandising. Identify fashion trends and chart their development on the fashion cycle. Merchandising practices of retail organizations are discovered through field work and in-class discussions.
FASHION SHOW PRODUCTION
FSP 230
What’s behind the planning of a fashion show? Learn the ins and outs of a professional production - from the selection of models, garments, and venue to the staging, lighting and music. Whether it’s a mini show or a massive production, you’ll learn all the how-to’s including styling the garments and selecting the hair and makeup look. A fast-paced career for those with lots of creative energy, imagination and organizational skills.
FASHION STYLING
STYL 330
This hands-on course is all about creating the “right look” for different types of fashion shoots: editorial, catalogue, advertising. Learn how to project the right promotional image for the featured fashion product. Examine current fashion trends and learn how to create different fashion looks with different accessories; how to fit clothes on models; how to work with the photographer, makeup/hair stylist and the art director to create the total image. Students will have the unique opportunity to style a fashion shoot at a photographer’s studio. Contact sheets will be critiqued and prints made available for portfolio purposes.
FASHION WHOLESALING
FWS 315
Learn the ins and outs of fashion wholesale marketing: how to become an agent (manufacturer’s rep.), the function and structure of an agency, domestic and import collections, setting up a showroom, calling potential customers and developing accounts, presenting clothing lines to buyers, writing orders, surviving market weeks.
INTRODUCTION TO MANUFACTURING
MANU 305
Gain knowledge and understanding of production and management techniques in the manufacturing industry. Learn the organization of the Production Department and analyze the developmental stages of a specific line of merchandise from design through production to presentation. Create a factory plan and a collection story board. Field trips to local manufacturers are included.
MARKETING ESSENTIALS
MARK 140
Examine the Canadian Marketing system and discover its role and operation within the total Canadian economy and within each individual business. Relate the basic marketing principles of price, product, promotion and place to fashion businesses. Learn about target marketing, market segmentation, channels of distribution, case analysis of marketing problems, and more.
PUBLIC RELATIONS & EVENT PLANNING
PREV 430
Public Relations is one of the fastest growing careers in North America today. Job opportunities exist in corporations large and small. Maybe you dream of having your own PR firm. Event Planning can include weddings, career fairs, community events, charity benefits, political functions, product launches, parties for film production and other companies ... and, of course, fashion shows. Learn how to search out funding sources and sponsors, how to generate media attention for your event.
RETAIL BUYING
RBUY 320
The emphasis is on the coordination of the retail buyer’s varied responsibilities including planning sales and a merchandise assortment to meet planned stock levels, and maintaining inventory control. Learn how to effectively manage a department or boutique with respect to planning and buying the merchandise assortment while meeting the merchandise policies of the store and the needs of the target market. Basic mathematical concepts are practiced to complete various planning and buying documents correctly.
TEXTILES
TEXT 120
A study of natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic fabrics; their development, characteristics and application to fabric performance. Fiber processing, fabric construction, finishes, and fabric care are studied. This course is taught from the point of view of the consumer and the retailer (with emphasis on modern fabrics and developments). Completing a fabric swatch book will aid in the identification of fibers, yarn types, fabric construction processes, colour application methods and application of textile finishes.
VISUAL MERCHANDISING
VISM 130
You don’t sell if you don’t show, and we’ll show you how to sell by creating a visually exciting retail environment. A series of practical exercises will cover creating shadow boxes and panels; displaying accessories and cosmetics; dressing a bust form and mannequin, pinning techniques. Learn how to use visual merchandising materials and tools, how to source props and fixtures. Store windows and point-of-sale displays are studied and critiqued.
Note: The college reserves the right to change course offerings, course content, kit contents, facilities, faculty, tuition fees, and course schedules without notice.