Fashionistas Unite!

I hate television. More specifically, I hate reality television. Even more specifically, I hate reality television that gives my students an unrealistic idea about their future professions. My Fashion Merchandising majors can often be found watching Project Runway (ok, I admit it, I love Tim Gunn), The Rachel Zoe Project (why does she TALK like that???), and Running in Heels (does EVERYONE in fashion talk like that???) Yes, there is glamor, there are famous people...but there is also a hell of a lot of work and a hell of a lot of misconceptions. Let's clear those up, shall we?

Misconception #1: Fashion Merchandisers are just students who couldn't get in to a Fashion Design program. Yes, there is some overlap between the programs (Merchandisers should have an understanding about how garments are constructed, Designers should understand how to market their clothes) but the people who pursue these degrees are totally different. Merchandisers have to be strong academically because they will be taking a lot of "business"-based courses. As a Merchandising (or Fashion Marketing, depending on your program) student, you will be looking at Fashion from a business prospective. Most Design students have only a peripheral interest in business--they would much rather be sketching. If you are having a hard time making up your mind between Design and Merchandising, think about how you would rather spend your time. If you have strong analytical and writing skills, consider Merchandising. If you would much rather be drawing, focus your career path on Design. That being said...

Misconception #2: You Can't Be "Creative" as a Fashion Merchandiser. Pull out one of those glossy fashion magazines at your local newsstand...chances are, a Merchandiser had something to do with the layout. Walk in to an Ann Taylor store, chances are, a Merchandiser designed the store layout. Merchandisers need a lot of the same knowledge that graphic designers and marketing experts possess...they just apply it to fashion.

Misconception #3: Your Job Opportunities Are Limited With a Degree in Fashion Merchandising. The only thing that limits ANY student's job prospects are his or her ideas and willingness to work. Fashion Merchandising graduates have worked in magazine editorials, as stylists (perish the thought), as upper-level executives for major-label design houses, as buyers for department stores, as business owners...the list goes on and on. With any career, your work experience while you are in college (especially internships!) will help build your resume...so the more you work, the better off you are. I encourage my students to explore as many possibilities as possible. If a student is interested in retail as a profession, get some retail experience (preferably in fashion!) on your resume! If a student can earn a management position while still in college, they are more likely to be allowed certain "creative" freedoms in the store (like, I don't know, designing store displays??)

Of course, there are also certain truths that each Merchandiser must face throughout the course of their academic career.

Hard Truth #1: Academics are Crazy Important! There is a reason why I put this one at the top of the list...and why there is a gpa requirement to get into our Merchandising program here at VCU. Merchandisers have to be incredibly well-rounded in order to complete the degree here. As a professional, it is absolutely imperative that you possess strong writing and speaking skills (both are essential components in almost every class you take in the major). You will also need some basic business skills, like accounting, and economics, and marketing. Oh, and you will also need to understand Art History. Wait, what? Yes, Art History. A lot of fashion has its origins in historical design--so understanding where the idea for a piece came from is incredibly important.

Hard Truth #2: You Might Be Limited in WHERE Your Future Job is Located. Yes, you have a lot of job options, but the simple fact of the matter is that a majority of the jobs in fashion are located in major cultural hubs (i.e. New York, Los Angeles, etc.) If you are looking to make a big impact in the fashion industry, prepare yourself for living in the big city.

Hard Truth #3: Hope You Like Macs! Computer equipment tends to fluctuate from industry to industry, but the simple fact is that most people in fashion use Macs, so you should probably get comfortable with them now. If money is an issue in college, I recommend using a pc during college (where most of your school programs are geared toward pcs anyway) and then getting a Mac as a graduation gift. Making the switch from pc to Mac is fairly easy and it's another skill to add to your resume!