This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2023-2024 VCU Bulletin. This edition includes all programs
and courses approved by the publication deadline; however we may receive notification of additional program
approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available
in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
Deidra Arrington
Associate professor and chair
The Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising offers two programs. The fashion design concentration leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and the fashion merchandising concentration leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Both concentrations are extremely time-consuming. Students are expected to put class attendance and study time above other campus activities or employment.
All students are required to have a laptop computer. The department can provide specifications.
Students must take classes in the sequence prescribed by the department and adhere to all prerequisites. Failure to comply can lengthen the number of semesters necessary for completion of degree requirements.
Internships provide not only experience but industry contacts, and are strongly recommended. They may be conducted primarily during the summer semester.
FASH 120. Introduction to the Fashion Industry. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion majors or the minor in fashion merchandising. This is a survey of the apparel industry to guide students to an understanding of the factors contributing to, forming and shaping the fashion industry. Additionally, students are introduced to the art, business and craft in developing and marketing fashion product emphasizing the role of the designer and the various stages of production.
FASH 130. The Meaning of Dress. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An exploration of the fashion system in which individuals participate in the adoption of trends and signifiers to denote political, religious and cultural beliefs or the rejection of specific ideals as reflected through dress. This class will examine how dress enables an individual to identify with a group while simultaneously reflecting individuality through various case studies.
FASH 145. Technology in Fashion Merchandising. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion merchandising major or the minor in fashion merchandising. This course introduces students to contemporary technology with emphasis on computer graphics software and design principles in the fashion industry.
FASH 201. Construction Techniques. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 1 lecture and 4 studio hours. 3 credits. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion majors or the minor in fashion merchandising; non-majors may enroll with the permission of the instructor. The basic principles involved in garment construction with emphasis on professional design-room practices in sewing, pressing and finishing of garments.
FASH 203. Patternmaking I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 1 lecture and 4 studio hours. 3 credits. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion majors or the minor in fashion merchandising; non-majors may enroll with the permission of the instructor. Introduction to the basic principles of 2D and 3D patternmaking. Students learn to develop various patterns using both drafting and draping techniques. Drafted and draped patterns will be used to cut fabric and create garments.
FASH 204. Patternmaking II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 1 lecture and 4 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: FASH 201 and FASH 203. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion majors or the minor in fashion merchandising; non-majors may enroll with the permission of the instructor. Development of intermediate skills and principles of 2D and 3D patternmaking. Students learn to develop various patterns using both drafting and draping techniques. Drafted and draped patterns will be used to cut fabric and create garments.
FASH 205. Fashion Drawing I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 1 lecture and 4 studio hours. 3 credits. Introduction to the fashion figure working from models and photographs. Covers flat drawing techniques and fashion design theory. Explores different media and the use of color.
FASH 206. Fashion Drawing II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 1 lecture and 4 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FASH 205. Further development of drawing the fashion figure and expanded exploration of media and materials.
FASH 210. Visual Merchandising. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FASH 120. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion majors or the minor in fashion merchandising. Theory and practical application of visual merchandising techniques in the fashion industry. Development of design concepts, fixturing, layout and presentation for retail, manufacturing and special events. Use of contemporary technology.
FASH 250. Concepts of the Fashion Industry. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FASH 120. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion merchandising major or the minor in fashion merchandising. The evaluation and analysis of the fashion and apparel industry with regard to the economy, global markets, and industry practices and trends.
FASH 290. Textiles for the Fashion Industry. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 2 lecture and 1 laboratory hour. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FASH 120. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion majors or the minor in fashion merchandising. An introduction to the study of fabrics, focusing on fibers, fabric construction and fabric names.
FASH 301. Design I Studio: Draping. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 1 lecture and 4 studio hours (delivered face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisites: FASH 201, FASH 203 and FASH 204. A course that focuses on draped methods of garment design, reflecting current fashion emphasis.
FASH 302. Design I Studio: Tailoring. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 1 lecture and 4 studio hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisites: FASH 201, FASH 203 and FASH 204. This course is designed to instruct the student in the advanced skills, techniques and applications of patternmaking, garment construction and garment specifications, as well as demonstrate traditional/contemporary tailoring techniques. Students will also be introduced to evaluation guidelines for analyzing finished garments.
FASH 303. Design Theory and Illustration I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 6 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FASH 345. Enrollment is restricted to fashion design majors. Students will gain understanding of creative approaches to designing and illustrating garments, from concept to finished illustration.
FASH 304. Design Theory and Illustration II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 6 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FASH 303. Enrollment is restricted to fashion design majors. A continuation and expansion of the skills and theory in the prerequisite course. Students will refine creative approaches to designing and illustrating garments, from concept to finished illustration.
FASH 319. Fashion History: The Modern Era. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion majors or the minor in fashion merchandising. An in-depth study of fashion from a historical and socio-economic point of view. Supported by a study collection with a focus on research and writing.
FASH 320. Fashion History: The Present Era. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits. This course explores the history of 21st-century fashion and explores designers, trends and movements affecting fashion.
FASH 325. Fashion and Sustainability. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Prerequisite: FASH 120. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion majors or the minor in fashion merchandising or with permission from the instructor. This course presents topics in sustainability and will engage and educate students on how sustainability influences fashion systems from the industry and consumer perspectives. Students experience self-directed and reflective learning that will inform other studies and prepare them for a variety of careers and to become better global citizens.
FASH 330. The Business of Design. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. This course introduces basic global economics and general design business concepts such as the free enterprise system, legal forms of business and financial considerations. It also surveys business and management practices such as planning, decision-making, communication, global ethics, marketing, human resources, finance and entrepreneurial skills needed to open a design business. Crosslisted as: IDES 330/GDES 330.
FASH 340. Merchandising Portfolio. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: FASH 145 or FASH 345; FASH 343; and FASH 380. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion majors or the minor in fashion merchandising who have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours (junior standing). Professional preparation for the development of a digital portfolio used in the pursuit of internships and/or career opportunities. Technology-intensive course.
FASH 341. Merchandise Planning and Control. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion majors or the minor in fashion merchandising who have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours (sophomore standing). Practical application of the retail mathematics used in relation to the calculations for an income statement, markup, markdown, gross margin, turnover and a six-month buying plan.
FASH 342. Retail Buying Simulation. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: FASH 341 and BUSN 162. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion merchandising major or the minor in fashion merchandising. The practical application of retail buying in relation to the calculations for a six-month buying plan. The simulation includes the projection of sales, markdowns, inventory, gross margin, markup and turnover.
FASH 343. Fashion Forecasting. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FASH 120. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion majors or the minor in fashion merchandising who have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours (junior standing). Using trend forecasting principles to identify and analyze current cultural shifts, students will research and simulate a fashion forecast.
FASH 345. Fashion Communication. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion majors or the minor in fashion merchandising who have completed at least 30 credit hours (sophomore standing). Students will learn to conceptualize fashion design while gaining an understanding of graphic and illustration software through the utilization of technology as a drawing and communication tool.
FASH 346. Fashion Website Development. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FASH 145 or FASH 345. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion merchandising major or the minor in fashion merchandising. This course examines the fundamental concepts of fashion business website development, primarily related to fashion, branding and e-commerce. The class is a group simulation and includes planning, building, designing, executing, marketing, branding and maintaining a successful fashion e-commerce website and social media platforms.
FASH 350. Fashion Promotion. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FASH 120. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion majors or the minor in fashion merchandising who have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours (junior standing). An in-depth analysis of the technical and creative approaches to fashion promotion, which includes advertising, visual merchandising, publicity and events.
FASH 360. Merchandising Luxury Fashion. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FASH 120. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion majors or the minor in fashion merchandising who have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours (sophomore standing). This course is an exploration of the merchandising of the luxury fashion sector, which includes the forecasting, product development, branding, marketing, buying, selling and counterfeiting of luxury products. Students explore the luxury fashion industry through lectures, assignments and face-to-face exposure to suppliers, manufacturers and retailers in the luxury sector.
FASH 370. Design History: 20th and 21st Centuries. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ARTF 105-106. Study of the major theories and styles on communication arts, fashion and interior environments of the 20th and 21st centuries. Contemporary analysis of cultural conditions and the manner in which designers respond to those conditions. Crosslisted as: GDES 370/IDES 370.
FASH 380. Fashion Branding. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Prerequisite: FASH 120. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion majors or the minor in fashion merchandising who have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours (sophomore standing). An in-depth study of the concept of fashion branding and the processes necessary to successfully develop or redevelop a fashion brand.
FASH 390. Historic and Ethnic Textiles. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FASH 290 or IDES 446 or permission of instructor. An examination of the history of textile design and production around the world. Crosslisted as: INTL 390.
FASH 391. Fashion Workshop. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 workshop hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum total of six credits. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion majors or the minor in fashion merchandising. A topical workshop offered in various areas of fashion not included in the regular curriculum.
FASH 392. Exploring Textile Applications. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Corequisite: FASH 290. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion majors or the minor in fashion merchandising. This advanced course uses a hands-on approach to examine textiles and textile applications as they are used within the fashion industry.
FASH 401. Design II Studio. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 1 lecture and 4 studio hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credits. Prerequisites: FASH 301 and FASH 302. A series of upper-level design classes for the advanced or skilled student, reflecting current topics in the fashion industry. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
FASH 402. Design II Studio. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 1 lecture and 4 studio hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credits. Prerequisites: FASH 301 and FASH 302. Enrollment is restricted to junior- and senior-level fashion design students who have completed all sophomore studio courses. A series of upper-level design classes for the advanced or skilled student, reflecting current topics in the fashion industry. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
FASH 403. Design Theory and Illustration I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 1 lecture and 4 studio hours. 3 credits. May be repeated. Prerequisite: completion of all Department of Fashion sophomore studio courses. A series of design theory and illustration topics that address current fashion and support the Department of Fashion design courses. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
FASH 404. Design Portfolio. 4 Hours.
Semester course; 2 lecture and 4 studio hours. 4 credits. Prerequisite: FASH 304. Advanced design theory and illustration course that teaches students to develop senior portfolios of original design work, including other tools and presentation skills with mock interviews necessary in order to obtain jobs in the field of fashion design.
FASH 405. Middle of Broad Studio. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 6 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: ARTF 131, ARTF 132, ARTF 133 and ARTF 134. Students will work in an interdisciplinary design environment on community-based design projects. The course is a designated service-learning course.
FASH 440. Line Development Studio. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: FASH 342; or FASH 301 and FASH 302. Enrollment is restricted to fashion majors or the minor in fashion merchandising who have completed a minimum of 90 credit hours (senior standing). The fundamentals of producing a line of apparel from the design concept to the consumer will be explored. Students will collaborate and work on teams with emphasis placed on market research, specification sheets, costing, sourcing, production and sales, which will yield a three-dimensional item/object. The course requires an online promotional component.
FASH 442. Fashion Event Planning. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Enrollment is restricted to fashion merchandising majors with departmental approval. A practical application of the production, planning and execution of professional fashion events.
FASH 443. Fashion Management and Leadership Development. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Enrollment is restricted to fashion majors or the minor in fashion merchandising who have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours (junior standing). The study of advanced leadership skills as they relate to the fashion industry. Topics include team-building, negotiations, ethics, time and stress management, and cross-cultural communications.
FASH 445. Fashion Entrepreneurship. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FASH 342. Enrollment is restricted to fashion majors or the minor in fashion merchandising who have completed a minimum of 90 credit hours (senior standing). This course applies the objective and decision-making procedures inherent in successful entrepreneurship. Quantitative strategies are applied as students develop a model for a business plan.
FASH 450. Line Development. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Enrollment restricted to fashion majors. Students will learn the fundamentals of producing a line of apparel, accessories or home fashions from conception to consumer. Emphasis will be placed on market research, specification sheets, costing, sourcing, production and sales.
FASH 451. Importing and Exporting Fashion. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FASH 342. Enrollment is restricted to students in the fashion merchandising major or the minor in fashion merchandising. Examination of U.S. import/export theory, government regulations and global sourcing. Students will gain insight into the dynamics and cultures of the international fashion marketplace and global supply chains.
FASH 490. Fashion Seminar. 1 Hour.
Short course (5 weeks); 3 lecture hours. 1 credit. A professional seminar for senior fashion majors. Lectures will cover career opportunities and job preparation.
FASH 491. Studio Topics in Design. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 2-6 studio hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisites: FASH 301 and FASH 302. An in-depth study of a selected topic in fashion not included in the curriculum. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
FASH 492. Independent Study in the Fashion Industry. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; 1-3 independents study hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Enrollment is restricted to fashion majors who have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours (junior standing) and with department chair approval. Independent study is limited to those students who have demonstrated intense commitment to a particular area of study within the fashion industry. This course will not substitute for a degree requirement. A contract between the supervising faculty and the student will clearly define the learning outcomes and expectations.
FASH 493. Fashion Internship. 1-6 Hours.
Semester course; 1-6 practicum hours. 1-6 credits (40 work hours per credit). May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Enrollment is restricted to fashion majors who have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours (junior standing). A practicum in which students apply gained fashion program knowledge at a departmental approved company.