The FDM curriculum provides students with the knowledge and skills needed for career positions in apparel- and fashion-related fields. Students learn fashion industry operating methods; develop buying and merchandising plans; study textile fibers and fabrics; create fashion apparel lines; examine Hawaiian, Asian, and western costume artifacts; analyze the effects of social, political, and economic conditions on local, national, and global industry operations and consumer needs; and study current concerns relating to social responsibility, ethical issues, and environmental impacts as these relate to fashion businesses and consumers.
Courses cover these and related topics:
- Social and cultural aspects of dress
- Costume history
- Textile properties
- Fashion forecasting/marketing
- Apparel design and construction; Fashion CAD
- Fashion promotion and fashion show production
- Retail buying and merchandise management
- International trade issues; Retail entrepreneurship
- Branding; Visual merchandising and retail store design