Fashion Merchandising

Exploring the Business Core of Fashion: NYC

Program Highlights

Attain fundamental knowledge about pursuing a career in fashion merchandising and retail marketing.

Acquire practical strategies to identify industry trends and gain insight into market preferences.

Delve into the art of fashion retailing through the study of consumer behavior, visual merchandising, and store management

Develop a comprehensive understanding of procurement, development, and sales processes involved in fashion buying.

Gain insights into the day-to-day operations of the fashion world, including valuable market research techniques.

Showcase proficiency in utilizing tools, materials, and techniques to enhance brand communication, including social media and integrated marketing.

Demonstrate your expertise by creating a portfolio that highlights your skills and projects.

Residential Tuition :
$5,898

Commuter Tuition:
$3,298

**Tuition will increase on December 1st, 2024**

Session 1:
July 6, 2025 July 18, 2025

Barnard College, Columbia University
New York, New York

Course Overview

Uncover your passion for fashion and explore diverse career opportunities in one of the world’s most reknowned fashion cities. Renowned for their rich history of top fashion events, leading designers, and a thriving fashion culture, these cities are legendary and exert tremendous influence in the fashion world. Prepare to use these cities as your living classrooms for an exciting journey of discovery.

Throughout the program, students will immerse themselves in the business aspects of the fashion industry, guided by insights from industry professionals. Drawing inspiration from Steve Madden, they will explore topics such as consumer behavior and fashion forecasting. This journey culminates in the creation and presentation of conceptual designs for the Steve Madden brand. As the course concludes, students will showcase their innovative Steve Madden bag concepts at the Steve Madden headquarters in NYC, with one standout design earning a prize.

Meet your instructor

Joy Bridges

Fashion Merchandising Fashion Institute of Technology

Los Angeles-based fashion and celebrity stylist Joy Bridges, a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, infuses her work with an innovative yet chic sensibility.

Learn more

Topics you'll explore

Hands-On Learning

New York: Enhance your understanding with visits to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), and meetings with up-and-coming designers, fashion buyers, and product developers. You will also have an opportunity to attend art exhibitions and explore the Museum of Arts and Design.

Career Exploration

Students explored the fundamentals of fashion and embarked on an immersive career journey. On the second day of the course, they took a field trip to the Steve Madden headquarters, where they began learning all aspects of the fashion industry—from identifying trends and understanding customer behavior to selecting textiles, manufacturing, and bringing designs to life. Last summer, our students expanded their experience by visiting the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), exploring the iconic fabric district, and meeting with rising designers, fashion buyers, and product developers. They even had the incredible opportunity to present their final project to the Steve Madden headquarters team.