Apparel Design

The Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies addresses the design, development, analysis, delivery and use of products and services. An industry-oriented approach is emphasized. Its programs prepare students for dynamic careers in apparel design and fashion merchandising. All students gain skills in verbal, written and visual presentation, computer networking, product development, business communication and project management. The Department offers industry-standard software in all majors. Extensive contracts and partnerships with business and industry enhance student opportunities, and international linkages and winter session travel/study programs enhance classroom instruction. Off-campus coursework is available through special arrangements with the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.

The Apparel Design major studies the conceptualization, design and pre-production of products for apparel-related industries. Students learn to translate inspiration into design, use technology to conceptualize and develop apparel design, and prepare promotional presentations. Positions include apparel designer, design development coordinators, and computer-aided design system managers. The Fashion Merchandising major studies the planning, production, promotion and distribution of products in fashion industries to meet consumer demand. Students learn to define and analyze target markets, design and use visual communication, and plan and promote fashion products. Positions include fashion directors, merchandise buyers, corporate merchandise planners, and marketing directors.

Students interested in these business-oriented fields should contact the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies, 211 Alison West, 831-8714.

The Fashion Industry

The fashion industry is huge. Each year, over $250 billion is spent on fashion (including accessories) in the United States and over $20 billion in revenue is generated annually. Over 4 million people are employed in this industry which includes the following areas: design, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, retailing, advertising, communications, publishing and consulting. Fashion industry employers are located just about everywhere but most are concentrated in New York City (with over 5,000 showrooms), California (Los Angeles and San Francisco), Miami, London, Paris, and Italy. Large employers are based in cities such as Dallas (Neiman Marcus, Fossil), Ohio (Limited Brands), and Beaverton, OR (Nike). While some production still occurs in the United States and Europe, the majority is now done overseas (China, India, Mexico, South America). To compete in the fashion industry job market today, job seekers must have strong computer/technical skills (Excel, Photoshop, Illustrator, Quark Xpress) and understand the global economy, including manufacturing and textile technology.

Sample Job Titles

Check the Dictionary of Occupational Titles under section 142 for additional related careers.

Enhancing Employability

- Participate in Internships, Field Experience Placements and Alumni Mentor Program .
- Sample UD Field Experiences: Glimmerglass Opera, The Gap, Jones of NY, QVC, Inc.

Some Employers of Apparel Design Majors

* apparel manufacturers       
* design studios         
* retail businesses   
* fashion forecasting firms   
* publications           
* consulting firms
* contractors                 
* pattern companies      
* textile mills          

Other Sources of Information

American Apparel & Footwear Manufacturers Assn. (AAFA)
www.apparelandfootwear.org/

American Assn. of Textile Chemists & Colorists (AATCC)
www.aatcc.org/

American Textile Manufacturers Institute
www.textileweb.com/storefronts/amertextile.html

ApparelNews.Net
www.apparelnews.net/

ApparelSearch.com
www.ApparelSearch.com

Fashion-411
www.fashion-411.com/

Fashion Center
www.fashioncenter.com/

FashionCareerCenter.com
www.fashioncareercenter.com/

Fashion Group International 
www.fgi.org

Fashion Industry Directory
www.apparelsearch.com/fashion.htm

Fashion Institute of Technology - Career Links
www3.fitnyc.edu/library/research_guides/internetguide/int_careers.htm

Fashion Jobs (by 24seven)
www.fashion-jobs.biz

Fashion Jobs Central (fees)
www.fashionjobscentral.com

Fashion Net
www.fashion.net/

Infomat
www.infomat.com

International Association of Clothing Designers & Executives (IACDE)               
www.iacde.com/

Macy's - College Recruitment
www.macysjobs.com/macys/index_flash.asp

Macy's/Bloomingdales - Careers After College
http://www.macysjobs.com/college/index.asp

New York Fashion Designers
www.fashionwindows.com

Project-Solvers
(sign up to receive their GREAT newsletter)
www.projectsolvers.com

StyleCareers, LLC
www.stylecareers.com

[TC] ²
 www.tc2.com/

The Textile Institute
www.texi.org/

TextileWeb
www.textileweb.com

The Riley Guide (click on "A-Z Index")
www.rileyguide.com

Women's Wear Daily
www.wwd.com/

Resources for Finding Employment

University of Delaware Career Resource Center Materials Available

• Careers in Art (CSE 27)
• Career Opportunities in Art (CSE 30)
• Careers in Focus - Design (CSE 35)
• Careers in Focus - Arts & Entertainment (CSE 42)
• Your Modeling Career (CSE 51)
• Inside the Fashion Business (CSE 56.5)
• Careers in the Fashion Industry (CSE 57.5)
• Careers for Fashion Plates & Other Trendsetters (CSE 58)
• Vault Career Guide to the Fashion Industry (CSE 58.5)
• The Fashion Intern (CSE 59.5)
• Careers in Focus - Fashion (CSE 60)
• Careers in Focus - Retail (CSE 61)
• Opportunities in Retailing Careers (CSE 62)
• Career Opportunities in the Retail and Wholesale Industry (CSE 63)
• American Apparel Manufacturers Assn. Directory (CSD 85)
• Fairchild's Retail Stores Financial Directory (CSD 87)
• Fashion Careers - The Complete Job Search Handbook (CSD 89)
• Directory of Department Stores (CSD 90)
• Job Hunter's Sourcebook (CSD 376)
• Professional's Job Finder (CSD 377)
• Dictionary of Occupational Titles (GE 25 & GE 30)
• www.udel.edu/CSC/netresources.html CSC's Internet Resources

Further information including: Skills to Develop, Strategies for Contacting Employer, Grad School Information and where to get assistance is available in the CAREER RESOURCE CENTER located at 401 Academy Street.

Last updated: November 8, 2007 (CH)