Billy Blue College of Design is leading the pack with one of the world’s first Branded Fashion courses.
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.
A huge growth area in the industry, the Bachelor of Applied Design (Brand Fashion) focuses on the design, production and marketing of garments. Students learn how to create and market a range of design solutions and use the latest software to communicate product design ideas.
The new course developed by industry veteran, Dr Mieke Leppens, says that the fashion industry has moved on from simply 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,” he said.
As the Billy Blue College of Design program director, Dr Leppens believes the 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.
Naturally, students will need to demonstrate their genuine design ability and individuality to be accepted into the course. “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 Dr Leppens.
Students could find themselves working for the likes of Quicksilver, Bonds, Witchery or Ralph Lauren, or even start up their 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 adequately prepare them 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 Ms Orellana, the majority of professionals employed in the fashion industry primarily 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,” said Ms Orellana.
Unlike a traditional fashion degree that experiments with 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.
The college is located in the heart of North Sydney’s CBD and the new course is expected to attract a wide variety of students who are keen to establish careers in the branded 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 about Billy Blue call 1300 851 245, email info@billyblue.edu.au or visit www.billyblue.edu.au.
