In the College of Human Ecology .
Course Offerings
The Fashion Design and Management major is unique in the Ivy League, combining a strong liberal arts foundation with excellent training in fashion design and the business of fashion. Students take a broad range of courses by FSAD in the art of designing apparel, fashion and accessories, to the business of manufacturing and marketing them internationally, to the science of textiles and fibers.
All Fashion Design and Management students receive an introductory exposure to the basics of textiles and design. Students then choose one of two options that emphasize fashion design, management or marketing. Students may combine courses from more than one option.
Academic course work is further enhanced by field and international experiences and significant opportunities to complete independent projects for credit with individual faculty members. Gallery space provides the setting to display design work. In addition, the Cornell Costume and Textile Collection, housed in the department, provides a valuable resource; items from the collection are made available to students for classroom and special study use.
Faculty
J. Fan, chair (HEB T57A, (607) 255-3151); J. Hinestroza, director of graduate studies; M.Frey, director of undergraduate studies; S. Ashdown, C. C. Chu, C. Coffman, A. Lemley, T. Lewis, V.D. Lewis, A. Netravali, S. K. Obendorf, A. Racine
Academic Advising
All Fashion Design and Management majors are matched with a faculty advisor by the director of undergraduate studies, Professor Margaret Frey. Students are strongly urged to discuss their goals, course selection and sequence, electives, and career plans with their faculty advisor. Students in apparel design must begin working with their advisors early to develop a professional portfolio of their work. Students are free to change advisors; changes must be recorded with the director of undergraduate studies. Although advisors oversee course selection for the following semester, it is the student’s responsibility to keep track of his or her courses and to make sure that the program meets graduation requirements for his or her major and college.
Student Work
All apparel design work done as part of the academic program will be held by the department until it has been released by the instructor. Certain exceptional work may be used by the department to exhibit for academic purposes. The department is not responsible for the loss or theft of student work.
Course Fees
No grade will be given in a course unless the course fee has been paid and equipment returned by the last week of classes.
Options
Students may select options in apparel design or apparel/textile management. Most transfer students will need at least one extra semester to fulfill the requirements of the major. Transfers in the design option should plan on two additional semesters.
Option I: Fashion Design
The Fashion Design option relates the human need for fashionable and functional clothing and accessories to design principles and to the physical properties of textiles. Students take a sequence of studio courses, focusing on the manipulation by hand, eye, and computer of form, color, and fabric, as well as courses in the social, economic, historical, and cultural aspects of design. Many students participate in design competitions sponsored by the fashion industry.
Option II: Fashion Design Management
The Fashion Design Management option applies management and marketing principles to industry and consumer issues in this sector of the economy. Courses focus on the processes used to develop, manufacture, and distribute apparel and textile products and examine topics such as business organizational structures, globalization, product development, communication, advertising and marketing, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Students combine theory with case studies to find solutions to everyday problems.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Fashion Design and Management have found challenging employment within the apparel and textile sector, in independent and government-sponsored research, and in community organizations. In addition, the program prepares students for graduate or professional study in apparel design, apparel or textile marketing, or business and management. Some students continue professional study in business, law, or medical school.
Graduates design for influential fashion houses and under their own labels. Graduates also do specialized design in fields such as military, athletics, and public safety; create innovative clothing for special populations such as children, senior citizens, and the physically challenged; and use their creativity in public-relations firms, theater, publishing, and promotion. Graduates are attractive candidates for leadership positions in fashion and other industries.