Summer Springboard
Fashion Merchandising
ON THE CAMPUS OF BARNARD COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
DISCOVER THE BUSINESS OF FASHION IN NEW YORK CITY: BUILD INDUSTRY SKILLS, SPOT TRENDS, AND LAUNCH YOUR CAREER WITH A PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO
THIS IS A TWO-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOU’LL FOCUS ON ONE COURSE FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION.
Fashion Merchandising @ Barnard College
- Gain foundational knowledge in fashion merchandising and retail marketing, exploring key career paths in the industry.
- Learn to identify emerging trends and understand market preferences through hands-on analysis and forecasting strategies.
- Explore fashion retailing by studying consumer behavior, visual merchandising, store management, and branding techniques.
- Understand the full lifecycle of fashion buying—from procurement and product development to sales and distribution.
- Build a professional portfolio that showcases your expertise in brand communication, market research, and creative design.
- Go behind the scenes with visits to the Fashion Institute of Technology and the iconic fabric district, and meet with rising designers, fashion buyers, and product developers.
Summer Springboard
Fashion Merchandising
About This Course
A fashion program for teens on a university campus in New York City
Ignite your passion for fashion and explore a world of career possibilities in one of the world’s most iconic fashion capitals. Known for legendary fashion events, world-class designers, and dynamic style scenes, New York City serves as a powerful influencer in the global fashion industry—offering the perfect backdrop for hands-on learning and creative exploration.
Throughout the program, students will dive into the business side of fashion, gaining real-world insights from seasoned industry professionals. Inspired by the iconic Steve Madden brand, they’ll examine key topics such as consumer behavior, trend forecasting, and brand strategy. The experience builds toward a creative challenge: developing and presenting original conceptual bag designs for Steve Madden. The program culminates in a final showcase at the Steve Madden headquarters in New York City, where one standout student design will be selected for a special award.
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
This immersive program blends real-world exploration with industry-driven instruction, offering a deep dive into fashion merchandising and retail marketing. Guided by professionals and inspired by Steve Madden, students will study consumer behavior, trend forecasting, visual merchandising, and store management. From mastering market research and procurement strategies to developing innovative design concepts, you’ll gain practical skills and insider knowledge. Throughout the program, you’ll build a professional portfolio that showcases your creativity, business acumen, and readiness for a career in fashion.
Career Exploration
Explore a wide range of fashion careers as you gain firsthand insight into the fast-paced world of fashion merchandising and retail marketing. Through industry-led workshops and real-world experiences—including visits to the Fashion Institute of Technology and NYC’s iconic fabric district—you’ll discover roles in buying, product development, visual merchandising, and brand strategy. Learn how to identify trends, understand consumer behavior, and navigate the fashion business from concept to sales. By the end of the program, you’ll have built a professional portfolio and presented your own Steve Madden bag design at their headquarters, giving you a unique glimpse into what it takes to succeed in the fashion industry.
RESOURCES
Course Infosheet
Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.
Program Catalog
Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.
Campus Page
Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.
“My experience was great. I made so many amazing connections and I became especially close with three girls who I now consider my friends. I learned so much and received clarity within the academic track I am wanting to pursue. I suggest that everyone takes this course.”
-Ava G. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Fashion Merchandising
Meet Your Instructor
Stylist, Couture Designer, and Fashion Educator
Emmanuel Whitmore is a stylist, couture designer, and fashion educator with more than fifteen years of experience in designer couture, luxury retail, and image consulting. His career spans craftsmanship, entertainment styling, and youth-centered fashion education, bringing a unique blend of industry expertise and creative leadership to the classroom.
Emmanuel began his formal training at The Art Institute in 2009, where he studied fashion design before becoming the lead couture designer for the custom design house Versailles Couture. During his tenure, he created original gowns and custom pieces for artists and public figures, including Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, and cast members across MTV, VH1, and Bravo networks. His designs have appeared on reunion stages for Married to Medicine, Love and Hip Hop, and other major reality franchises. He also designed the full bridal party collection for Yandy Smith’s televised VH1 wedding special, including her second gown and custom couture looks for her bridesmaids.
In addition to his couture work, Emmanuel is a dedicated educator. He has served as an instructor for a Cornell University–affiliated program, teaching an intensive course to thirty students that focuses on body type analysis, professional styling, and dressing for career pathways. Each summer, he also teaches sewing and fabric fundamentals through independent studio partnerships, guiding students in construction techniques, textile knowledge, and hands-on garment development.
Emmanuel currently works as a Lead Client Advisor and stylist at Argent in SoHo, supporting professionals across industries with wardrobe strategy, fit, proportion, and personal branding. He also curates digital shopping experiences through Hue and Stripe, leveraging access to more than seventy thousand retailers to bring a technology-driven approach to merchandising and client education.
This summer, Emmanuel will lead students through the world of fashion merchandising and brand storytelling. His course introduces how ideas evolve into garments, campaigns, and fully realized brand narratives. Students will examine trend forecasting, consumer behavior, and the role of storytelling in design—while creating mini-collections, analyzing brands, and developing their own creative concepts.
EMMANUEL WHITMORE
“My experience at Summer Springboard was great. The content is very engaging and the course was organized. I learned a lot and I’m so glad I took this course. “
-Anishka D. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Fashion Merchandising
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: July 5 – July 17, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $5,998 |
| Commuter Tuition: $3,298 |
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
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| City: New York City |
| State: New York |
| Campus: Barnard College |
Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.