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Fashion courses at Mercyhurst College have been carefully sequenced, updated, and supplemented as the industry changes. Our faculty prides itself on the level, involvement, and commitment of our students.
Fash 110. INTRODUCTION TO THE FASHION INDUSTRY
This course introduces the fundamentals of fashion and the basic principles that govern fashion evolution, organization, and merchandising. Students will be exposed to all avenues of employment in the industry and will analyze its basic structure. 3 credits.
Fash 120. CONTEMPORARY FASHION ANALYSIS
This course is an analysis of the aesthetic components of fashionable clothing as an expression and product of the times. Students will survey clothing and textile designers, build a fashion vernacular, and research fashion designers from past and present. 3 credits.
Fash 130. INTRODUCTION TO FASHION CONSTRUCTION
An overview of terminology, processes, and equipment basic to an understanding of textile products and apparel construction. Consumer studies of women's, men's and children's apparel assembly quality. Construction of two simple fashion items, and samples of seams, seam finishes, darts, gathering etc. to be completed during this course. 3 credits. Fash 200. International Fashion Travel Experience The fashion industry is a global enterprise. Every two years an international trip offers students the opportunity to experience its dynamics first-hand. A rotation of Paris (2006), Milan/Venice/Florence (2008), and London (2010) presently exists. Students may travel for non-credit or request one credit for this travel. 1 credit.
Fash 205. APPAREL I: QUALITY EVALUATION
Analysis of apparel structure and the relationship between apparel features, price, and quality in domestic and foreign produced goods. Focus on development of technical vocabulary and skill in assessing overall apparel quality. Some clothing assembly will be performed. Laboratory experiences. Prerequisite: Fash130. 4 credits.
Fash 230. FASHION CONSUMER BEHAVIOR
This course will deal completely with the fashion industry consumer. Areas studied will include: how they perceive, learn, remember, utilize culture, personality, attitudes, the fashion life cycle, social psychology, and how corporations appeal to, compel and interact with them in the domestic and global arenas. 3 credits.
Fash 240. THE INTERNATIONAL FASHION INDUSTRY
Advanced study of the fashion industry including an analysis of the interrelationships among producers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers in the national and international marketplace. Roles of managers and buyers will be explored with an eye to the methodology of contemporary retailing. Analysis and implications of fashion trends and current issues facing retailers are examined through the applications of fashion theory and professional trade and research journals. Prerequisite: Fash 110. 3 credits.
Fash 300. BASIC DESIGN
A fundamental study of fashion design methodology, with attention to inspiration sources, gender, specific need and age requirements of individuals. Specific areas include fashion and figure illustration, menswear design, children’s wear design, special needs design, flat pattern, fabric draping, and textile design execution. 3 credits.
Fash 310. MENSWEAR
A study of the menswear industry with emphasis on garment style, fit and quality, sizing, assembly techniques, fabrics terminology, trade associations, international issues and designer presence. A man's shirt will be constructed. Prerequisite: Fash 130. 3 credits.
Fash 330. TEXTILES FOR APPAREL
A basic study of fibers, yarns, fabric construction, finishes, and dyeing and printing processes as these relate to the end-use performance of textile products for use in the apparel industry. Corequisite 331.
3 credits.
Fash 331. TEXTILE SCIENCE LAB
This course is a corequisite for Fash 231: Textiles for Apparel. Students will examine fibers, yarns and fabrics for identification, performance and end use characterization. Testing procedures as to shrinkage, absorbency, weaving, water repellency, colorfastness, etc will be performed. Corequisite: Fash 330. 1 credit.
Fash 350. APPAREL II: ASSEMBLY AND PRODUCTION
Organizational and assembly processes involved in custom-made and ready-to-wear apparel. Students will identify and define business and production terminology as used by the apparel manufacturing industry. Examination of the relationship between fi t, pattern alteration, assembly sequence and alteration of ready-to-wear will be pursued. Laboratory experience will include a serged, silk-like and fully lined garment. Prerequisite: Fash 200. 4 credits.
Fash 360. MERCHANDISE PLANNING AND CONTROL
Covers the terms, calculations, and concepts necessary in successful merchandising, such as the retail method of inventory, operating statements, techniques of planning seasonal purchases, and methods of figuring mark-ups, turnover, open-to-buy, mark-downs, as well as terms of sale. 3 credits.
Fash 370. FASHION RETAIL MANAGEMENT
A study of the administrative functions of a fashion retail operation. Fundamental principles of store management such as location, personnel, buying, advertising, selling, planogramming, entrepreneurship and business planning will be examined. 3 credits.
Fash 410. HISTORY OF DRESS AND FASHION
A survey of the development of dress in western cultures and of trends in the evolution of historic costume. The phenomenon of fashion and the elements through which it has been expressed will be examined from psychological, sociological, economic, and political perspectives. 3 credits.
Fash 420. PRODUCT LINE DEVELOPMENT
This course delves into the merchandiser’s role as a product line developer. Students will research populations, synthesize data, formulate sample plans and source primary markets as necessary when implementing a ready-to-wear collection. CAD systems will be employed for illustrations. Assortment plans, budgets and promotional strategies will be explained. Prerequisites: Fash 120, 130, 330. 3 credits.
Fash 430. FASHION PROMOTION
A study of the techniques and practices by which retailers, manufacturers, and producers utilize advertising and promotion. Planning of in-house promotional events and print media advertising. Store merchandising, video and voice promotions will be included. Prerequisite: Mktg 162. 3 credits.
Fash 440. ILLUSTRATOR FOR FASHION
An introduction to illustrator technology as it relates to the fashion product line development industry. Digital rendering of croquis, garment lines, textile prints, and store merchandising will be practiced. Prerequisite: Fash 420. 3 credits.
Fash 475/495. FASHION MERCHANDISING INTERNSHIP/CO-OP
This is an individual work/study experience. The student is provided training and on-the-job learning in the fashion field of study. The experience is coordinated and supervised by the career services department. Prerequisite: Junior standing or by permission of program director or department chairperson. 3 credits.