Career Girl Answers: What's the Difference Between Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising
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Dear Career Girl:
I'm a sophomore in high school and am
interested in going to FIDM. I really like Fashion Design, but I'm also
interested in Fashion Merchandising. Can you explain the difference
between the two, and is there a job that involves both fashion design
and merchandising?
-Katie
Dear Katie:
That's a great question and one I'm sure many aspiring fashion design school applicants are asking. And I can definitely explain the difference between these
two excellent career choices. While both fields will require an
understanding of business, Fashion Merchandising focuses on the business
of fashion while Fashion Design is the hands-on, technical skills necessary to create a garment or fashion collection from sketching and creative design to pattern-drafting.
FIDM's Fashion Merchandising
curriculum covers management concepts, selling techniques, pricing
principles, brand imaging, and marketing and business strategies, to
name a few.
On the other hand, FIDM's Fashion Design Program
includes courses in the history of costume, sketching, sewing, draping,
pattern drafting, garment construction, and portfolio preparation &
presentation.
In both programs, you will study textile science, critical thinking, color & design theory, and the history of costume.
So, what job incorporates both of these areas of study? A Design Director. They must have a creative vision and strong merchandising knowledge as well as good communication skills. They work closely with the sales team.
Before you make your decision, Katie, make sure you reach out to meet with a FIDM advisor. They will be more than happy to sit down with you and help you figure out your next steps. Good luck to you!
Fashionably Yours,
Career Girl
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