The Fashion Program at Marist builds on the College’s strong liberal arts tradition with a robust student-centered curriculum that addresses the ever-changing complexion of the fashion industry. Students develop creative, technical, business, and entrepreneurial skills that position them to compete and thrive in their chosen fashion-related field. Internships, experiential learning, international study, and professional development are integral parts of the Fashion Program as are digital proficiency, innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. With an emphasis on inclusivity and mentoring, the students experience a supportive program that uniquely prepares them for a career in a multi-faceted industry. The ability to communicate and present ideas, collaborate on cross-disciplinary projects, and think critically are the Program’s goals in creating an “industry ready” graduate.
Marist Fashion Ranked by Forbes
Marist's Fashion program was recently ranked by Forbes among the "Best Colleges That Are Shaping The Future Of Fashion." Forbes writes:
"Just north of NYC, the Marist campus overlooks the Hudson River providing a more serene setting to focus on your creative process. How serious is the college about its commitment to fashion? A brand-new, dedicated Digital Arts & Fashion Building opened in January 2019 with all the state-of-the-art tech at the students’ thimble-topped fingertips. You can catch the 35th anniversary Silver Needle Runway presentation of fashion graduates to experience the Marist style for yourself."
The Fashion Program features a comprehensive curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Science Degree for Fashion Merchandising or a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree for Fashion Design. Fashion Merchandising majors may opt for one or more concentrations--Business, Product Development or Fashion Promotion. Fashion Design majors may opt for a minor in Product Development or Merchandising.
Marist Named Top Fashion School by Leading Industry Publication
The premier industry publication Business of Fashion released its Global Ranking of Fashion Schools for 2019. Marist Undergraduate Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising degrees received several Badges of Excellence, including Best Overall, Best in Learning Experience, and Best in Long-Term Value.
The Fashion Design major trains students to create apparel for various markets considering creative, trend, target customer, technical, and production factors. Students develop skills in design, textiles, draping and flat pattern making, garment construction, and computer-aided design. In their senior year, they design and execute an apparel collection under the guidance of a professional designer to be shown at the School's annual Silver Needle Fashion Show, as well as a professional portfolio.
In addition to the Marist College Admissions application, additional information is required for applicants who would like to be considered for the Fashion Design BFA degree.
Fashion Merchandising
The Fashion Merchandising major concentrates on the planning, procurement, and marketing aspects of the fashion business. Students learn to research target markets, analyze business results, and develop strategies that effectively meet the needs of consumers. In their senior year, Merchandising students create an in-depth project in collaboration with a major fashion company. They also have the opportunity to work with MPorium, an entrepreneurial boutique operated by Marist fashion merchandising students.
