Merchandise Product Development
Take trend spotting to the next level
You don't need a crystal ball to spot trends, but an arsenal of knowledge and experience is essential - that's where we come in. The Merchandise Product Development Program teaches students the skills necessary for ultimate success in the fashion industry: From how to analyze and forecast trends to techniques for developing and marketing new and innovative apparel and accessory products.
What Our Students Learn
In our program students learn the skills to:
- Create distinctive apparel lines.
- Conduct and apply market and trend research.
- Apply garment construction principles.
- Sketch in proportion and detail.
- Use current industry technology.
- Choose appropriate fabric and trim.
- Sell yourself and your ideas.
- Develop specifications for how garments are made.
- Plan for financial success.
Why FIDM?
Video: Learn aboutMerchandise Product
Development
Students live and breathe a brand in the classroom to prepare them for their career.
Speakers from top companies (think PacSun, Levi's, BCBG, True Religion, and Rock & Republic) come onsite for Q&A panels and lectures.
Our field trips give behind-the-scenes tours of trend offices, working factories, and showrooms.
Students graduate from the program having created a portfolio of work for a variety of companies, products, and brands.
"I absolutely love Product Development - it was the best decision I ever made. My company has nothing but compliments for the way FIDM prepares students."
-- Ashley Kelley, Product Developer for Camelbak
A Closer Look
The Merchandise Product Development Program prepares students for a career in merchandising established fashion brands. The curriculum focuses on planning, developing, and presenting product lines, and on the technical design of individual styles within the line. Students learn to compete successfully in trend analysis, strategic planning, line development, and preproduction planning.
To download the Gainful Employment Disclosures, click here.
