Sketch, Sew, Create: Fashion at Centenary

Fashion is more than just choosing an outfit. At Centenary University, students interested in the industry can explore two different majors: Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising. While both programs focus on fashion, they allow students to learn about different parts of the industry.

Fashion Design focuses more on the creative side of the industry. Students can learn how to design and construct clothing, while developing their own ideas. The major gives them a chance to work with clothing and better understand what goes into creating a finished design. 

“Fashion is one of the most competitive businesses in the world. And while it can be easy to feel very minuscule as a designer in such a wide marketplace, the only thing that drives me in the sewing lab is seeing how I’m able to see my creativity come to life in real time. Passion is what it all comes down to,” said Laurie Hyppolite,  fashion design major.

Fashion Merchandising focuses more on the business and presentation side of fashion. Students can explore areas such as styling, marketing, retail, and how clothing is presented to consumers. This major can appeal to students who are interested in fashion but may not want to design clothing themselves. 

The Fashion Department offers a variety of classes that allow students to explore different areas of the industry. Some of these include Apparel Construction, Visual Merchandising, Figure Drawing, and Fashion History. Students also have the opportunity to work in design studio labs, which seniors take as they prepare for their final fashion show. 

“I really like being able to take an idea I have and turn it into something real. Seeing the finished piece after putting so much time and work into it is really rewarding,” said Shaina Hall,  fashion design major.

Currently, there are two Fashion Merchandising majors and eight Design majors, with one student who is a dual major in both. 

Jolene Richardson, professor in costume design and fashion studies, explained why studying fashion is important and how it connects to everyday life. “What makes this program so unique, and fashion so important, is that fashion, or clothing in general, is the visual language we all communicate by. Even for people who don’t think they are ‘fashionable,’  everyone gets dressed, and it’s so important to understand the legacy that clothes have had throughout our history. For the future of fashion and our cultures at large, studying fashion is vital.”

The Fashion Department also held a Model Search on Tuesday, Sept. 15, in Trevorrow. The search included both male and female students and helped the department find models to be part of the annual fashion show.

One opportunity connected to both programs is Centenary’s annual fashion show, which takes place in April. The show allows students to present their work and gives others the chance to become involved through modeling and other roles. A fashion show involves more than walking on a runway. It also requires planning, preparing clothing, and helping the event come together. 

In addition, the fashion show also gives students a chance to see their work presented in front of an audience. After spending time developing an idea or creating a piece, students can experience what it is like to share that work in a larger setting. This can help connect what they learn in class to the type of work they may encounter in the fashion industry. 

Carlee Nigro, senior writing major with a minor in criminal justice, attended last year’s fashion show and enjoyed seeing the students' work. “I thought the fashion show was really fun! I got to see the fashion majors at work, and it was nice to see.”

The show is still several months away, but it gives students something to look forward to later in the academic year. It also provides an opportunity for the campus community to see the work connected to Centenary’s fashion programs. Events like the fashion show can help bring attention to the creativity and effort students put into their classes.

The two majors also show how many different parts of the fashion industry work together. A piece of clothing may begin with a designer’s idea, but it also needs to be styled, promoted, and presented before it reaches an audience. Learning about these different steps can help students understand how the creative and business sides of fashion connect.

The Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising majors offer students different ways to explore their interests. Whether they are interested in creating clothing, learning about the business side of fashion, or helping put together a fashion show, students can gain experience while studying a field that combines creativity and practical skills. 

Through its two fashion majors and annual fashion show, Centenary gives students opportunities to learn about the industry both inside and outside the classroom. For students interested in fashion, the programs offer different ways to develop their skills and explore possible careers. 

An upcoming opportunity for students to connect fashion with their future careers is Centenary’s free “Dress for Success” event, taking place Thursday, Sept. 24, on the Quad at 6:30 p.m. The Fashion Department is organizing the event.