Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Exploring Careers In Fashion Design and Design & Merchandising
July 12th - July 25th, 2009
For two exciting weeks, come live on our campus and explore “hands-on” the fields of Fashion Design, or Design & Merchandising. You will attend classes taught by Drexel faculty studios and labs used by our very own students. In studios will spend valuable time sketching and designing products, projects, and more. Field trips will give you an insider’s look at top retailers, designer boutiques and yes, even upscale merchants to discover where fashion and merchandising meet. You will even get to create the beginnings of your own personal design portfolio that can play an important role in applying to college.
About the program
Design & Merchandising: Where Design Meets Business
Study the journey of Fashion products from the designer’s mind to the final purchase Learn the roles of buyers, product developers, marketing professionals, fashion writers, event planners, and retail managers who make Fashion Retail happen. During your two weeks at Drexel, you will dive into the world of creativity, developing a product and designing its packaging and promotion. Explore the tools of the trade – sketching, drawing, prototyping, computer techniques and business. At the end of your stay you will have a great idea of what it takes to be successful in the business of Fashion.
At the same time, we will explore Philadelphia’s hottest shopping districts, learning from successful professionals what it takes to make it in this fast-paced business world. At the end of the two weeks, we’ll exhibit your work, and you will take home a portfolio of your accomplishments along with the experience of having created your own unique product and business!
Fashion Design: The Power to Make a Statement
To some, fashion is an art form. To others, it is almost a religion. Designers are people with a desire to create. And fashion designers possess the power to transform an image to make a social statement.
Explore the exciting world of fashion design through conceptualizing, fashion sketching, studio courses in trends, fabrics, construction, computer aided design (CAD) and other awe inspiring topics. Discover who and what influences fashion and how it all began. Experience the multi-faceted field of fashion through our “hands-on” approach to Fashion Design. Through field trips you will get an insider’s look at top retailers, design boutiques and the ultimate understanding of a designer’s dream to dress her customer.
Your fabulous future is waiting for you!
Old and New Combined
The core curriculum of our program exposes you to everything from the history of art and design, to the design process and state-of-the-art computer aided design. Our special topics speakers will discuss the variety of career opportunities, along with providing insight into hot topics for the 21st century.
Philadelphia Is Your Workshop and Playground
Philadelphia is a city of great music, exquisite art, fine food, and great shopping. Our instructors and teaching/resident assistants will lead you on an exploration of the city’s best shopping districts where we will meet with store managers, merchandisers and designers who will share their experience and enthusiasm for the business. The city will serve as inspiration for your creative work, and we also have some fun adventures and special meals planned so you can experience Philadelphia to its fullest.
Back to topProgram Format
Studio as the Focus: Design studio is the heart of our program. Most afternoons will be spent in the studio developing design projects through sketching, computer aided design, and product development. Studio time involves group interaction and presentations along with one-on-one time with instructors.
Technology as a Tool: Students will be introduced to computer design in their area of concentration. As part of the core curriculum, students will explore graphics packages that are used in the design industry today.
Lectures for Deeper Understanding: Lecturers from Drexel’s faculty as well as industry professionals will give you an overview of trends in fashion and merchandising. Specific topics will be presented in small group sessions with opportunities for discussion.
Field Explorations to See “What’s Out There.”: We will travel about the region visiting offices, fashion studios, and retailers where fashion and design & merchandising come together in one exciting package.
Cultural Events to Awaken the Spirit: As a group, we will take-in the latest gallery shows and have dinner at one of Philadelphia’s exciting restaurants. We will explore the rich and diverse museums in Philadelphia, taking time to observe and understand art’s role and influence in fashion and merchandising.
Of course, there will be some time to kick back and relax. Drexel’s pool, basketball and volleyball courts will be available in the evenings. In general, we will spend our leisure time as a group as we have a lot to explore in a short period of time.
Back to topGeneral Information
Eligibility: We welcome high school students who are16 years of age who have completed their sophomore year by July, prior to the start of the program. We encourage anyone who is excited about design to apply and we limit each program to 16 students.
Faculty: Students will be taught by Drexel faculty from the Department of Fashion and Design & Merchandising in the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. The faculty will be assisted by teaching assistants all of whom will spend one-on-one time with every student.
Housing & Meals: Students will live together in a Drexel Residence Hall with separate accommodations for females and males. We are located in University City, adjacent to Center City Philadelphia and many cultural sites. We have around-the-clock supervision including faculty, teaching and resident assistants. Students will also enjoy access to the Drexel Library and athletic facilities. Meals will be provided through Drexel Dining Services as well as through caterers for field trips.
What will you bring home with you: Students who successfully complete the 2-week program will receive a program certificate from Drexel University’s Department of Fashion and Design & Merchandising, presented at the student gallery exhibition. You will also take away the foundation of a diverse student portfolio with original art and digital files along with a lot of career insights and happy memories, too.
Registration and PaymentYou may apply by completing the downloadable application, enclosing a copy of your high school transcript, your 200 word personal statement of interest, and a recommendation from a high school guidance counselor or teacher.
- Send Items to:
- Summer Program Coordinator
- Drexel University
- Nesbitt Hall 503
- 3215 Market Street
- Philadelphia, PA 19104
How soon will you hear from us?All applications will be reviewed as we receive them and applicants will be notified within 3-weeks from receipt. Admissions decisions are based upon academic preparation and commitment to explore design. We will limit the program to approximately 16 students per concentration and we urge all to apply by May 15th, although we will continue to review applications if spaces remain. We will mail an acceptance letter and an information package to you and your family with additional program information, and of course, more forms to complete. Enrollment is limited and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis upon review and acceptance of the application.
Back to topTuition Registration
Tuition: The program tuition is $2700 and includes the following:
- Supervised accommodations in residence halls
- Three meals a day
- Classes, seminars, and lectures
- Field trips, museums and office tours
- Use of computer resources, library, and athletic facilities
- Recreational field trips and social events
- Select Supplies and Materials: We will also provide a list of items students should bring with them
Tuition does not include student health care coverage. All students must provide proof of insurance in order to enroll in the session (form will be provided).
A deposit of $300 is required to apply and reserve a place in the program. Your deposit will be returned if you are not accepted into the program. Upon acceptance, your deposit is nonrefundable. The balance of $2400 must be paid by June 26, 2009, according to the options presented on the Registration Form. No refunds will be made after June 26, 2009.
Questions? Call 215-895-1834 or E-mail Tia McNair at tjm22@drexel.edu.