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The Billy Blue College of Design in Australia will offer one of the world’s first Branded Fashion courses in 2010. Branded fashion is a huge growth area that requires talented designers to generate clothing that resonates with a brand’s image, meaning and price point.
The new course has been developed by industry veteran, Dr Mieke Leppens, in consultation with leading design houses in Australia, Europe and the United States.
“The fashion industry has moved on from needing good sewers and pattern makers. Fashion houses are demanding students come equipped with a cutting-edge eye for contemporary designs and the required industry and business knowledge needed to meet the tough demands of a branded fashion brief,” said Billy Blue College of Design program director, Dr Mieke Leppens.
“The Branded Fashion course will appeal to students who have a natural eye for forecasting trends, cultural demands and attitudes towards contemporary design. The course will teach students to utilise their design and academic knowledge and skills,” he said.
It is the first, and only, course in Australia to balance design strengths such as drawing, written and visual communication, with management, planning and business skills. Students will graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Design, majoring in Branded Fashion, and could find themselves working for the likes of Quicksilver, Bonds, Witchery or Ralph Lauren, or even starting their very own fashion label.
Former head designer and buyer with Supré, Marcella Orellana, consulted on the Branded Fashion course, and believes it will change students expectations and preparedness to work in fashion.
“Typically, Australian design students graduate as good artists but with no real grasp of how they will get a job or how the industry actually works. This new course will change the way students approach the start of their career,” said Ms Orellana.
According to Marcella Orellana, the majority of professionals employed in the fashion industry work in development, not pure design.
“To carve out a successful career in the Australian fashion industry, students need to understand the relationship that exists between the retailer, designer and buyer. Until now, no one has offered a course that teaches students the business basics and industry nuances alongside the creative elements of fashion design,” she said.
Unlike a traditional fashion degree that dabbles in ‘haute couture’ and pattern making, the Branded Fashion degree covers planning, branding, costing, communication and computer skills. Students will also be exposed to the strategic elements of dealing with foreign companies and bulk production.
Students will need to demonstrate genuine design ability and individuality to be accepted to study.
“The course has been created to prepare students to handle the real demands of the fashion world. Students will be able to use their creative aptitude and academic know-how to meet a design brief on budget and on time,” said Mieke Leppens.
The course is expected to attract a wide variety of students, from school leavers to careers changers, keen to establish careers in the branded fashion industry.
“The days of the ‘fashion artist’ are numbered. Billy Blue will be helping students to hone their artistic, academic and business acumen to be job-ready for the fast-paced fashion industry.”
The Bachelor of Applied Design (Branded Fashion) will start in March 2010 and applications are currently open. Australian students applying for the Bachelor of Applied Design (Branded Fashion) are eligible to apply for FEE-HELP.
For more information call 1300 851 245 or visit www.billyblue.edu.au