Experience as a Fashion Student so Far…

I just started my third year at Belmont, where we get into the merchandising portion of the major. The first and second years were focused on design, with classes in construction, illustration, flat pattern, and technology. Going into college, I had no real knowledge or skills in the fashion industry. I had an intense passion for expressing myself through fashion and an eye for taste, but not the extreme creativity required to be a designer. The first year opened my eyes to the vastness of the industry and all that it had to offer. My passion for sustainability flourished during my first semester, along with my love of creating mood boards, where my creativity thrived. I knew I had made the right decision not to be a designer since I struggled in illustration, not with the actual assignments but with drawing itself. I surprised myself by enjoying construction, especially my second year in Construction II. After taking flat pattern, I actually understood the design aspect and how to construct a garment. While registering for classes earlier this year, I had no idea what to expect. I'm currently in forecasting, merchandise simulation, portfolio development, and visual merchandising. The skills I've developed in design have informed the work I'm doing now. Even if it doesn't directly translate, the research aspect that went into all the prior projects is significant in what I'm doing now. Research, creating a story with vision, and putting it all together to form a cohesive project is my favorite and a primary piece of every class.