Fashion Design and Merchandising

Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
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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

Fashion Design and Merchandising program has a dedicated studio and apparel construction lab with a classroom of Bernina Activa 240 sewing stations as well as other industry-standard technology. Equipment available to students includes BabyLock Imagine serger, Bernina Industrial sewing machine, Coverstitch with Jet Air, blind hemmer and industry specified dress forms for draping and construction. The program utilizes My Label 3-D pattern software, Bernina Embroidery software. A computer studio with Kaledo, Modaris and Diamino CAD software is available to students together with a large format plotter printer for patterns. 

Program Requirements 

Students must earn a grade of C or above in all Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) courses for successful completion.  Students must earn a grade of C or above in all Business Courses for FDM majors for successful completion.


Career Potential & Employment Outlook

Information from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics states that Fashion Design and Merchandising graduates can pursue a variety of employment opportunities including clothing designer, footwear designer, accessory designer, jewelry designer, textile, apparel and furnishings occupations, retail occupations including assistant buyer, visual team associate and merchandise coordinator.  Employment of fashions designers is projected to grow between 2008 and 2018. New jobs will arise from increased demand from an expanding population.

For more information or to enroll, contact:

Kevin Donovan
Director of Enrollment Management
Phone: 716.961.1870
Email: kdonovan@villa.edu