FCS 126

The Fashion Industry

Credits: 3

Lecture/Discussion

The purpose of this course is to introduce those who are interested in the fashion field to the nature of the textile, apparel and related industries. This course is a ‘gateway’ to other courses in the Textile and Apparel Studies majors. Specific objectives include:

Content

1. Acquire basic understanding of the nature of fashion and its relationship to economics and social aspects of living.

You should be able to:

- explain what “fashion” is and how it influences and is influenced by human behavior.

- explain how the fashion industry impacts the U.S. economy.

2. Comprehension of consumer behavior and its importance in fashion.

You should be able to:

-explain the principles that govern fashion-related consumer behavior

-show that you understand how fashion trends are diffused in a population.

3. Understand the organization and operation of the manufacturing and marketing activities in the fashion industry.

You should be able to:

-identify elements of the apparel supply chain and understand the function of each channel member.

-know facts about the size, maturity and structure of the major industry segments (women’s, men’s, children’s, etc.).

-cite important statistics about domestic and international markets.

4. Gain an appreciation and understanding of the global nature of the fashion business.

You should be able to:

-explain the nature of the apparel industry in key foreign markets.

-show that you have an understanding of the effects of trade policies on the fashion industry.

-show that you are familiar with major trade laws that affect apparel and related industries.

5. Gain an awareness of career opportunities and requirements for those seeking employment in the fashion industry.

You should be able to:

- explain the qualifications for and job descriptions of key careers in manufacturing, wholesaling, retailing and auxiliary firms.

6. Develop familiarity with the language and terminology used in the fashion industry.

You should be able to:

- identify terms and their definitions as defined in the text and supplemented in class.

Skills

7. Develop research skills.

You should be able to:

-Gather data using observation and content analysis skills.

-Locate information on various topics using library, Internet and other methods.

8. Develop written and verbal communication skills.

You should be able to:

- Organize information about a topic into a clearly written report.

-Contribute to the preparation and presentation of group project both in oral and written forms.

-Express ideas, attitudes and opinions in a clear, concise manner.

9. Teamwork skills.

You should be able to:

-contribute equitably to group projects and discussions.

-give and receive assessment to both self and others.

Course Benefits

For students interested in the fashion industry as a career, this course provides an overview of the segments of the industry and their functions. It is a marketing based course designed to provide a clear understanding of the marketing channel activity required to develop, produce and deliver fashion products from concept to consumer. The material presented will provide the foundation upon which subsequent Textile and Apparel Studies courses are based. In addition, students will be introduced to current issues related to the industry and career opportunities. Many of the assignments for this course are completed as part of group activities, where students will gain experience in group dynamics, teamwork and individual responsibility.