FASHION MERCHANDISING
Do you like staying on top of the latest trends?
Are you interested in how consumers choose certain products or brands?
Do you want to contribute to a more sustainable and just world through fashion?
The world of fashion and retail is dynamic and exciting. In this program you will dive into the business of fashion, including the life cycle of a product from development to production, to sales and buying. Sustainability is infused at every level, giving you an understanding of how your work will influence the environment and everything in it. Take advantage of our robust connections to the Minneapolis and St. Paul fashion scenes and major retail companies headquartered here to explore career interests and opportunities.
YOU WILL LEARN TO:
• Design and present your own collection
• Forecast trends and learn about target markets
• Think creatively and leverage design problemsolving skills
• Create eco-friendly fashion
• Generate a plan to launch your own business idea
• Build a portfolio and showcase in-demand 2D/3D computer-aided design skills
THE ST. KATE’S DIFFERENCE
REAL-WORLD PROJECTS: Gain marketable, hands-on experience with internships, research, and real-world projects.
UNIQUE RESOURCES: Learn about historical trends from our 2,000-piece dress collection.
COMMUNITY: Get involved in the University’s Fashion Association to learn from and with your peers; help run the annual Katwalk fashion show.
CAREER PATHS TO EXPLORE BUYER
Purchase goods a company or retailer can use or sell in their own business
STYLIST
Provide fashion advice, choose clothing for models or clients, and supervise photo shoots, to name a few
PRODUCT DEVELOPER
Conceptualize a product that consumers will want and bring it to life
TREND ANALYST
Predict future style trends using consumer data, market research, and knowledge of the fashion industry
VISUAL MERCHANDISER
Develop floor plans, color, lighting, displays, technology, and other elements to attract customer attention
SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: Study environmental and social justice issues important to consumers and the fashion industry.
CAREER CONNECTIONS: Connect with alumni and industry speakers who work at major retailers based in the Twin Cities.
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS | stkate.edu/business
FASHION MERCHANDISING
THE CLASSES
Classes in the Fashion Merchandising program include but are not limited to:
• Sociocultural Aspects of Dress
• Textiles with Hands-On Lab
• Apparel Construction and Analysis
• History of Dress
• Trend Forecasting and Analysis
• Visual Merchandising
ENRICH YOUR EXPERIENCE
Global and Diverse Perspectives
• Global Sourcing
• Retail Buying
• Omnichannel Retailing
• Internship and Fashion Leadership
Fashion Merchandising majors can take advantage of a 21-day study abroad opportunity in Europe, Asia, or other locations. Spend a semester at London College of Fashion, or a year at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Benefit from first-hand discussions with fashion designers, trend and color forecasters, costume designers, fashion magazine editors, buyers, textile wholesalers, and manufacturers.
Katwalk Fashion Show
Get involved in St. Kate’s annual Katwalk fashion show, recognized in Twin Cities fashion circles as an event to spot rising stars. Organized and produced by our student-led Fashion Association, learn how to manage event staging, public relations and promotion, and event management skills.
Katie’s Closet
Stretch your leadership skills and professional development with an internship at Katie’s Closet, a free second-hand clothing service run by business and fashion students to support fellow St. Kate’s students and community members in need of professional attire.
EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS
All St. Kate’s Fashion Merchandising majors complete a Business Administration minor. Other dual degrees and minors to explore include:
• Business Administration
• Business Analytics
• Fashion Design
• Leadership
• Marketing
• Sustainability Studies
ALUM TRACKER
St. Kate’s Fashion Merchandising alumni are currently working at:
• Target
• Adidas
• Apple
• Advantage Solutions
• Sigma Beauty
• ShopHQ
• Evereve
• Bluestem Brands
• Boutique Business Owner
• Event Styling Business Owner
College for Women Office of Admission
2004 Randolph Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105
651-690-8850 or 800-656-5283
admissions@stkate.edu
© 2022-2023 St. Catherine University 01-045-223
Your future now has a COMPASS COMPASS stkate.edu/compass
@stkates.business
@stkatesbusiness
stkate.edu @stkates.fashion
@stkatesfashion
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“The Fashion Merchandising program was definitely the gateway to helping discover my passions!”
– Takii-Monet Thomas ’21
The information in this document applies to students entering the College for Women. Provisions of this document are subject to change at any time. Consult the St. Catherine University Undergraduate Academic Catalog for official requirements.
