2024-2025 Academic Catalog
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
The study of the influence of culture and society on dress and dress practices, similarities and differences in the dress among groups and individuals, and the role of dress in reflecting and shaping intra- and inter-cultural interactions. The analysis of the construction and communication of personal and social identity (based on age, physical disability, gender, sex, sexual identity, race, ethnicity, religion, cultural and group/subcultural affiliations, etc.) through dress (clothing, accessories, body modifications) using fashion and social science theories and the intersection of various identities and positions in shaping human experience related to dress and appearance. Examination of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice issues and solutions related to dress and appearance within the United States and the global fashion industry.
Development, structure and operations of textile and apparel manufacturers, marketers and retailers in the fashion industry and the product types including menswear, womenswear, childrenswear and accessories. Identification of fashion careers and major fashion markets and vendors both domestic and international. Basic processes and principles governing forecasting fashion acceptance, movement and change as influenced by economic, sociological, psychological, political and technological factors. Sources of industry information such as trade journals, industry websites and company publications.
Basic principles and methods for digital drawing with consideration toward diverse populations in the global marketplace. Practice and skill development using a variety of computer tools to express design ideas via digital rendering by targeting diverse populations and understanding current global challenges. Hands-on experience via design projects.
Structure, properties and basic production of textiles and textile components: natural and manufactured fibers; yarns; woven, knit, nonwoven fabrics; mechanical and chemical finishes; colorants and coloration methods. Influence on performance of apparel and interior textile products. Sophomore standing and one semester of Pathways Concept 4 (Reasoning in the Natural Sciences) is required.
Identification and characterization of textiles and textile components including: fabrics, finishes and coloration. Influence of these structural parameters on performance of apparel textiles. Sophomore standing and one semester of Pathways concept 4 (Reasoning in the Natural Sciences).
Basic principles and methods for executing fashion illustrations, proportions of the fashion figure, design details, portfolio development, identifying target markets and fabric renderings with consideration toward diverse populations in the global marketplace. Exploration and practice in color with work in pencil, color pencil, pastel, and watercolor. Practice and skill development using a variety of manual and computer tools to illustrate construction details and create technical flats. Emphasis placed on the use of correct industry terminology.
Study of the pre-production stage of product development in the apparel industry, including planning a line based on market, consumer, and product research, forecasting trends in color, style and materials, developing and selecting designs and styles, and wholesale marketing of a line to retail buyers. Also includes the use of diverse inspiration sources for creating a design, application of computer-aided design to design and style development, and identification of career opportunities and qualifications for professional positions in the industry. Sophomore Standing required.
Study of the evolution and development of Western costume for adults and children from ancient times to the present with a focus on historical, socio-cultural, political, economic, and psychological factors/influences on changes in fashion and design style features. Use of terminology to describe each period’s fashion and clothing design style features. Evaluation of similarities and differences between fashion and clothing design style features of different time periods. Discussion of theories of fashion change and fashion revival theories that explain the revival/reoccurrence of features of historic costume styles in contemporary fashion and design.
An active learning approach to managing and digitizing historic costume and textile collections; conserving historic textiles; and designing and curating historic costume and textile exhibitions. Researching, documenting, interpreting, handling and storing artifacts. Mounting and displaying a professional costume and textile exhibit appropriate for general public viewings and sharing via oral or poster presentations. Community-engagement methods. Design Lab/Studio
Detailed investigation and analysis of the fundamentals of fashion merchandising concepts emphasizing problem solving at the retail level. Prerequisite: one semester of Pathways Concept 5 (Quantitative and Computational Thinking) required. Pre: Junior Standing.
Analysis of the performance properties of fabrics. Importance of evaluation to product development, quality control, and specification of care requirements.
Systematizing and assembling garment applications for the apparel industry. Conceptual study of simple to complex apparel construction techniques, stitch and seam types, cost-effective measures, applications with manual manipulation, computers, tools, and equipment.
Apparel product development using basic and advanced flat pattern drafting techniques and skills. Concepts and application of specifications, flat pattern drafting techniques, garment fit and alteration, pattern grading, and marker layout principles used in apparel engineering, product development, and production, along with the development of skill in using a variety of related manual and computer tools.
Comprehensive study of small business concepts as applied to the textile and apparel retail industry. Analysis of the entrepreneurial mindset and strategies for business entry with emphasis on small business development, including concept and opportunity identification, merchandising and management, operations and control, advertising and promotion, and financial planning for a textile and/or apparel retail business.
Study and application of basic and advanced draping techniques for patternmaking in the apparel industry, including darts in skirts and bodices, princess lines in bodices, yokes, pleats and gores in skirts, and asymmetrical structures for whole garments; selection of fabrics appropriate for garment styles; evaluation of garment fit, design and construction. Includes students design and construction of garments suitable for juried design competitions or exhibitions. Design Lab/Studio. Pre: Junior Standing
Implement design solutions using technologically advanced software to create styling on avatars with photorealistic 3D rendering. Transform skills acquired in digital illustration and flat pattern drafting courses into comprehensive tools to create real-life simulated garments. Manipulate or create digital assets (flat patterns, fabric, stitching, trim, etc.) to produce an original style for digital portfolio. Design Lab/Studio (2H, 2L,3C)
The development and production of a professional apparel portfolio in both paper and ePortfolio format. Pre: Senior Standing required; 3234 or permission of the instructor.
An active and experiential learning approach to historic costume and textile collection management, including describing collection scope, policies, and organizational systems, selecting appropriate basic preservation and conservation techniques used for the care of historic clothing and textiles related to controlling the environment, handling and storage, and cleaning, using standard museum practices when accessioning, dating, labeling, cataloging, mounting/mannequin dressing, and photographing textile artifacts, developing methods for community engagement, and designing and installing historic dress exhibitions. Design Lab Studio.
Study of clothing behavior of individuals in relationship to their needs, values, attitudes, interests, and self-concepts. Overview of principles and theories related to individuals emotional, mental, and physical activities when obtaining, using, maintaining, and disposing of apparel products so as to satisfy their needs and desires. Application of principles and theories related to clothing behavior to the analysis of consumer and the development of effective merchandising strategies.
Analysis of technologies, consumer trends, and strategies in fashion e-tailing. Identification of merchandising models, major features, challenges, and trends in fashion e-tailing, including big data, virtual and augmented technologies, and mobile- and social-commerce. Development of a strategic plan for an online fashion venture.
Study of the various segments of teh textile and apparel industry. Analysis of the market structure and functioning of each segment and of factors currently affecting the industry.
Functions of fashion analysis, promotions, forecasting, media, and communications in the fashion industry. Assessment of effective promotional activities based on consumer, market, and trend research of fashion products. Development of fashion promotion, forecasting, and communication plans. Pre: Senior standing.
Study of quality of ready-to-wear apparel and factors that influence variations in the aesthetic and functional performance of the end product, including consumer perceptions and expectations, manufacturing processes and trends, and the physical components of the end product.
Integrative study of methods of operating at all levels within the fashion industry. Special emphasis on design, merchandising, and promotional activities. Seminars on campus and at pre-arranged appointments during a five-day stay in New York. AHRM major; Junior standing. Twelve hours of AHRM/FMD courses required.
Analysis of consumer characteristics as part of a forecast/market study to prepare new fashion merchandise lines based on key findings from forecasts. Formulate a financial merchandise plan using measures of profitability and pricing and devise financially beneficial marketing communications. Compare and contrast career choices through self-evaluation within the fashion apparel industry.
Study of international sourcing of apparel products through a simulation of the sourcing production to illustrate the procedures and factors needed to source apparel abroad and interrelationships among suppliers, retailers and consumers in the global apparel supply chain. Examination of social, economic, political, cultural, ethical, and environmental factors, law and trade barriers that influence a sourcing decision of apparel products abroad.
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