Marymount University

If you want to enter the fashion industry as a fashion assistant, a degree from Marymount University in Virginia could be the best option for you.

With a teaching staff worthy of international acclaim, the university is able to provide students with a tremendous wealth of knowledge - from all areas of the world. Staff have come from countries such as India, the UK, Australia, and France. Hence, a worldwide perspective can be gained from each of these teachers during course modules.

There are two fashion related courses offered at Marymount University. They are:

• Fashion design degree.
• Fashion merchandising degree.

Both of these degrees relate to the fashion industry in different ways - so it's important to you choose the one which is most relevant to you and your future career goals.

Fashion Design Degree from Marymount University

Choosing the fashion design degree will allow you to gain experience in the following areas in particular:

• Textile management.
• Quality fashion standards.
• Fashion construction.
• Patternmaking.
• Fashion illustration.

Ultimately, if your dream is to become a fashion designer and own your own label or store, the fashion design degree is probably the most relevant course for you. It will provide you with the skills, techniques, and knowledge required to run your own fashion business - and to design your own apparel and clothing line.

There is a huge emphasis on textiles for fashion in this degree. The university believes that by encouraging students to understand textiles from multiple perspectives, they will have a better idea of how to put different materials and textiles together to form a garment.

After all, fashion design is all about combining the right materials in the right places, at the right time for the right person. Any one of these factors which may go wrong can spoil a garment, and result in disaster.

Fashion Merchandising Degree from Marymount University

An alternative to the fashion design degree for someone who is not as artistic as another person is the fashion merchandising degree.

In this qualification, you would be responsible for creating new garments. Instead, you'll be required to piece together individual items, and analyse current trends and market biases, in order to put together a range worthy of store showcase.

It's harder than it sounds - but once you get the inside information you need to work in the industry from Marymount University, you'll be set to go for life.