Fashion Design and Product Development
Chair,
Department of Fashion: Lynn M. Boorady, M.P.S.
Fashion Faculty:
Julie Bennett, B.A.
Kirsteen Buchanan, M.A.
Janet Evenson,
Ph.D.
Monica McMurry, M.S.
Fashion is one of America's leading industries. Stephens College
offers excellent fashion programs that prepare students to become
professionals in the industry. A major in fashion at Stephens is
further distinguished and enriched by a liberal arts foundation.
Students at Stephens gain a thorough understanding of the technical
and creative skills necessary for a career in fashion design and
product development. Computerization is incorporated into several
design courses as computer technology is an integral part of the
fashion industry's future. The program at Stephens includes guest
critics who are actively involved in the industry and requires an
internship in the student's chosen field. Students are encouraged
to participate in one of our study abroad programs.
Women studying fashion at Stephens prepare themselves for positions
in fashion design and fashion marketing and management. The Department
of Fashion offers the bachelor of fine arts in fashion design and
product development and, in cooperation with business administration,
the bachelor of science in fashion marketing and management.
In addition, students may elect to develop a self-initiated major
that combines fashion with at least one other discipline, such as
theatre, art or mass communication.
Requirements for the B.F.A.
Major in Fashion Design and Product Development
The bachelor of fine arts major in fashion
design and product development requires the completion of liberal
arts requirements and 23.0 FAS courses, including a fashion-related
internship. In addition, 2.0 ART courses and 1.0 BUS course are
required. Students may elect additional FAS courses, up to 26.0
within a 40.5 course degree program. Students must earn a C- or
better in all required courses within the bachelor of fine arts
in fashion design and product development program. Students may
not continue to the next level class until the prerequisite class
is passed with a C- or better.
NOTE: In the following course listings, (1c) = 1.0
course or 3 semester hours.
Required Courses
FAS 111: Clothing Construction I (1c)
FAS 170: Survey of the Fashion Industry (1c)
FAS 192: Introduction to Apparel Manufacturing (1c)
ART 201: Life Drawing (1c)
FAS 201: Product Analysis (1c)
FAS 203: Textiles (1c)
ART 203: Painting/Color (1c)
FAS 214: Draping and Patternmaking I (1.5c)
FAS 220: Computer-Aided Patternmaking (.5c)
FAS 246: Fashion Drawing (1c)
FAS 248: Advanced Fashion Drawing and Illustration (1c)
BUS 250: Marketing (1c)
FAS 303: Product Development (1c)
FAS 310: Fashion Show Production (1c)
FAS 315C: Pre-20th Century Costume (1c)
FAS 316: Draping and Patternmaking II (1.5c)
FAS 320: Computer-Aided Design (1c)
FAS 325: Advanced Computer Aided Design (.5c)
FAS 330: Sportswear and Dresses (1c)
FAS 340: Sportswear: Active, Swim and Casual (1c)
FAS 394: Pre-Internship Seminar (.5c)
FAS 404: Tailored Design: Suits and Outerwear (1c)
FAS 405: Senior Collection: Line Development (1c)
FAS 420: Computer-Aided Manufacturing (.5c)
FAS 466: Senior Collection: Studio (1c)
FAS 468: Portfolio Development (.5c)
FAS 493: Current Issues in the Global Fashion Industry (1c)
FAS 496: Post-Internship Seminar (.5c)
Required Liberal Arts Courses
ART 105F: Beginning Drawing (1c)
FAS 375C: 20th Century Costume (1c)
Fashion Courses
FAS 105: Fashion Presentation: Modeling
(.25 course)
(Open to all students; required for first-time Modeling Group members)
A modeling course that benefits anyone interested in good carriage and an ability
to move with assurance and poise. A "performance" class in which students learn
runway modeling.
FAS 111: Clothing Construction
(1.0 course)
(Open to all students; lab fee charged)
A laboratory course in basic clothing construction techniques and skills. Students
learn types of silhouettes and garment details by completing samples then constructing
at least three garments. Emphasis is placed on developing analytical and critical-thinking
skills.
FAS 170: Survey of the Fashion Industry
(1.0 course)
(Open to all students)
Survey course that explores careers in the apparel industry. Topics include:
the fashion cycle, production, distribution, marketing and merchandising fashion
to the consumer.
FAS 192: Introduction to Apparel Manufacturing
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: FAS 111, and FAS 170 with a C- or better; lab fee charged)
A laboratory course exploring techniques of clothing construction for mass
production. Emphases include sewing on a variety of fabrics, learning the function
and operation of different sewing machines (including industrial models), costing
and quality control. The operations of an apparel plant are studied from receipt
of raw materials through shipping of finished goods. Students complete samples,
then construct a fully lined jacket and garment of their choice that fulfill
class requirements.
FAS 201: Product Analysis
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: FAS 170.)
An introductory course to acquaint the fashion student with foundational skills
needed for the product developer. Topics covered will include the principles
and elements of design, color theory, trend and market research, garment styles
and parts, flat and mechanical drawings, an overview of fabric types and uses,
developing a line of garments, and industry sewing techniques.
FAS 203: Textiles
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: FAS 170 with a C- or better; lab fee charged)
A study of textiles with emphasis on the interrelationships of fibers, yarn
structures, fabric construction and finishes. Application of this knowledge
to an understanding of textile behavior and how the fabric determines the character,
performance and care of a garment. Students research new fibers and government
legislation related to textiles.
FAS 214: Draping & Patternmaking I
(1.5 course)
(Prerequisites: FAS 192 or permission of instructor; lab fee charged)
Basic principles of draping and flat pattern making: bodice, skirt and dress.
A visual understanding of garments will be provided by draping muslins and
making paper patterns. Original student design may be critiqued for eligibility
to Jury of Selection.
FAS 220: Computer-Aided Patternmaking
(.5 course)
(Prerequisite: FAS 214; lab fee charged)
Basic principles of computer patternmaking explored through a series of exercises.
The student will develop the problem-solving and technical skills necessary
to develop patterns on the computer.
FAS 230: Pre-Studies Abroad in Fashion
(.5 course)
(Prerequisites: completion of one or more courses of the following prefix(es)
with a C- or better: FAS, HUM, ARH and ART))
A tour preparation course for the fashion study abroad programs. Designed to
provide the student with a cultural, historical and practical background that
supports an international educational experience.
FAS 246: Fashion Drawing
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: ART 201, FAS 192; lab fee charged)
Learn the fashion figure's proportions and the effect of different fabrics
on the body by drawing from a live model. Croquis are developed, as are techniques
of rendering floats and mechanical drawings to illustrate garment details.
Fabrics are rendered with a variety of media. Exercises involve designing women's
wear for different categories of dress including designer and better sportswear.
FAS 248: Advanced Fashion Drawing and Illustration
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: FAS 246; lab fee charged)
Focuses on fashion illustration and may include study of proportions as well
as fabrics and designs appropriate for men's and children's wear. Live models
used extensively to gain better understanding of fashion figures. Exploration
of graphic design principles, layout and different media for advertising, promotion
and fashion presentation.
FAS 270: Foundations of Fashion Marketing Management
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: FAS 170 with a C- or better grade)
An introductory course that provides a basic foundation for marketing today's
fashion. Study includes the principles involved in the management of the functional
areas of retail, such as procurement of merchancise, sales, promotions, merchandising
and personnel. Includes an overview of the analysis and identification of quality
garment construction fashion trends within the industry.
FAS 280: Topics in Fashion
(.25–1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: dependent on topic being offered; taught at irregular intervals;
lab fee may be charged)
Courses developed to fit current trends in fashion design, product development,
marketing and management.
FAS 285: Concepts of Retail Control
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: FAS 270, BUS 250 and ACC 210 with a C- or better grade or permission
of instructor)
A study of the principles involved in the management of the functional areas
of any retail organization: planning, management, merchandising, promotion,
sales and personnel with special emphasis on merchandise operation and control
functions including the six-month buying plan.
FAS 290: Fashion Tours
(.5 course)
(Prerequisite: completion of one FAS course or permission of tour instructors)
New York Tour (spring break). Study and research in the New York fashion market,
theatres, museums and more. Fee charged.
FAS 303: Product Development
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: BUS 250 and FAS 203)
Focus on utilizing fashion skills to develop and market branded lifestyle products.
A variety of fashion-related goods are analyzed from conception to distribution.
Domestic and foreign markets are explored and global trade issues are discussed.
Group projects involve role playing and problem solving.
FAS 310: Fashion Show Production and Coordination
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: FAS 203, with a C- or better, BUS 250 and at least sophomore
standing)
The examination of fashion promotion includes faculty lectures and student
projects. A detailed study of the processes involved with staging a successful
fashion show. Knowledge applied to production of several events and the annual
spring fashion show.
FAS 314: Fashion Industry Strategies and Decision Making
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: BUS 250, FAS 285 or FAS 303 with a C- or better grade and junior
standing)
A course designed to interpret fashion marketing and management principles
through the case analysis method. Students encouraged to analyze and develop
alternative courses of action for a variety of situations. Includes discussion
of moral and ethical issues in the fashion industry.
FAS 315C: Pre-20th Century Costume
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: ENG 102)
A study of social history and the resulting costumes worn by men, women and
children from primitive times through the 1800s. Emphasis on how politics,
economics, and technology affect the changing silhouettes of each period. Writing
intensive.
FAS 316: Draping & Patternmaking II
(1.5 course)
(Prerequisites: FAS 214, FAS 203 and FAS 246 with a C- or better or concurrent
enrollment; lab fee charged)
Students strengthen and broaden draping and patternmaking skills by applying
acquired techniques to a wide variety of garment silhouettes. Tailored, loose-fitting
and bias-cut garments will be studied. Original student design may be critiqued
for eligibility to Jury of Design.
FAS 320: Computer-Aided Design
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: FAS 248 and computer proficiency; lab fee charged)
Using various Macintosh and PC-based programs, students learn to create mechanicals,
scan and manipulate fabrics and visuals, and design textiles.
FAS 325: Advanced Computer Aided Design
(.5 course)
(Prerequisite: FAS 320; lab fee charged.)
Computer course in which students utilize Lectra U4ia to create textile designs.
Students will also be exposed to texture mapping and storyboards. Color modes,
color matching and printing considerations will be discussed. Class time divided
between instructor demonstrations, student exercies and arranged laboratory
time for independent work.
FAS 330: Career Sportswear and Dresses
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: FAS 248 and FAS 316 with a C- or better; lab fee charged)
Better sportswear and dress class in which students develop a portfolio of
original designs, which are critiqued by a professional designer. Two ensembles
are constructed by the student, using a variety of fabrics. Manual pattern
grading, markers, cutters musts, spec sheets, and costing follow the design
work.
FAS 340: Sportswear: Active, Swim and Casual
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: FAS 330 with a C- or better; lab fee charged)
Students develop a portfolio of original designs, including designs necessitating
two- and four-way stretch fabrics. A professional designer critiques work,
and the student constructs three ensembles.
FAS 375C: 20th Century Costume
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: ENG 102)
Focus on the impact of cultural, political and social changes in 20th century.
Explores fashion and the psychology of dress in culturally diverse settings.
Final research project includes in-depth study of history of dress using an
assigned methodological approach. Writing intensive.
FAS 380: Topics in Fashion
(.25–1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: dependent upon topic being offered; lab fee may be charged)
Taught at irregular intervals. Includes courses developed to fit current trends
in fashion design, marketing and management. Topics may include: children's
wear; men's wear; large sizes; eveningwear; advanced illustration; knitwear
design; visual merchandising; ethnic costume and wholesale distribution.
FAS 390: Fashion Study Abroad Summer Tour
(0–2.0 course)
(Prerequisite: FAS 170)
Overseas study tour with emphasis on the international fashion industry. Previous
tours have been to France and Italy.
FAS 394: Pre-Internship Seminar
(.5 course)
(Prerequisites: completion of at least three upper-level courses in fashion;
junior or senior standing; or permission of instructor.)
A seven-week course to prepare students for the internship experience and the
job search. Seminar topics include: networking; constructing a letter of application
and résumé; and interviewing and applying internship requirements
to specific employers. Students must plan to complete 140 hours of substantive
work at an approved fashion-oriented firm.
FAS 401: Applied Fashion Marketing Management Project
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: FAS 285, FAS 314 and ACC 220 with a C- or better and senior
standing)
This in-depth capstone course for the F.M.M. degree is designed to give students
the opportunity to integrate the various functional areas of the industry into
one retail organization. This could include resource and merchandise planning,
financial and organizational development, marketing and promotion planning
into a viable and cogent merchandising unit.
FAS 404: Tailored Design: Suits and Outerwear
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: FAS 340 with a C- or better; lab fee charged)
Students develop portfolio of original designs of suits and coats appropriate
for the bridge/designer market. A professional designer selects designs for
construction. Students will use a combination of couture and industrial tailoring
techniques.
FAS 405: Senior Collection: Design Research and Line Development
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: FAS 340 with a C- or better and senior standing; lab fee charged)
Students choose a garment classification and target market, then conduct research
through interviews with vendors, buyers and consumers. After designing a collection
appropriate for the chosen market, a student creates production and merchandising
plans to complete the product development process. A portfolio of the student's
original designs is critiqued by a professional designer who selects a collection
of three or more complete ensembles for the student to construct in FAS 466.
FAS 420: Computer-Aided Manufacturing
(.5 course)
(Prerequisites: FAS 220 and FAS 466; lab fee charged)
Creation and manipulation of patterns using apparel industry-specific computer
software. Includes digitizing, pattern grading and marker making. Technical
design and production information is generated. Class time divided between
instructor demonstrations, student exercises and arranged laboratory time for
independent work.
FAS 466: Senior Collection Studio
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: FAS 405 with a C- or better; lab fee charged)
During an intense seven weeks, a student produces a senior collection as chosen
in FAS 405. A minimum of three complete ensembles must be constructed. In this
capstone course, a student must evaluate her work and make a formal presentation
before the Jury of Selection.
FAS 468: Portfolio Development
(.5 course)
(Prerequisite: FAS 466; lab fee charged)
Emphasis on finished work of original designs for the final portfolio, which
includes a résumé and letter of application. May be critiqued by
a fashion industry professional at formal presentation.
FAS 480: Topics in Fashion
(.5 or 1.0 course)
(Prerequisite: dependent upon topic being offered)
Previous topic offered: retail entrepreneurship.
FAS 493: Current Issues in the Global Fashion Industry
(1.0 course)
(Prerequisites: FAS 303 with C- or better and junior or senior standing)
Research and analysis of current issues in fashion design, product development,
manufacturing and merchandising for both foreign and domestic markets. Final
project involves study of fashion in another country.
FAS 494: Internship
(.5 course)
(Prerequisites: FAS 394, senior status and/or permission of the department)
Students must complete 240 hours of substantive work in an approved internship
with a fashion-oriented firm and complete an internship portfolio.
FAS 496: Post-Internship Seminar
(.5 course)
(Prerequisites: FAS 394, and student must have completed 140 hours of substantive
work at an approved fashion-oriented firm.)
Examination of case studies on the internship experience. A seven-week course
in which the student reflects on her personal internship experience and shares
the internship experiences of fellow learners. Emphasis is placed on the student's
assessment of her own work performance, the employment environment and the
internship employer. Critical thinking through effective problem solving is
encouraged through the analysis and development of case studies based on the
internship experience. Additionally, moral and ethical issues confronted in
the work environment are examined. The student will explore post-graduation
opportunities for employment that build on her internship experience.
Independent Study
Independent studies (special studies, tutorials, readings,
projects) may be proposed to the fashion faculty by a student who wishes to
investigate a subject not otherwise available. Information about independent
study may be obtained in department offices or in the Office of the Registrar.
