Fashion Design & Product Development
Dare to create original works while learning about all aspects of the fashion industry and tapping into our extensive alumni network.
Stephens College is ranked as one of the best fashion schools in the world. Stephens College was ranked the 6th “Best Fashion School in the World in 2019” by the Business of Fashion, London and the 22nd “Best Fashion School in the World” in 2022 by CEOWORLD magazine.
A BFA in Fashion Design & Product Development prepares graduates for all aspects of the fashion industry.
Why Stephens?
- Stephens is one of 20 schools in the country — and one of very few in the Midwest — invited to the Council of Fashion Designers of America educational initiatives, connecting our faculty and students to high-level industry organizations.
- Our students consistently earn scholarships from the Fashion Scholarship Fund and Fashion Group International.
- Fashion-Schools.org ranks Stephens the No. 15 Private Fashion Design School in the U.S.
Career Preparation
- Define your design identity and let your creativity bloom as you create original works.
- Collaborate in teams with other fashion majors on real-world projects.
- Hone your technical skills used in the fashion industry such as patternmaking, draping and fashion drawing.
- Use advanced digital technologies, including Adobe programs, to develop dynamic fashion presentations.
- Create a professional-level portfolio to help jump-start your career.
- Take study trips to international fashion capitals for college credit.
What does a block schedule look like?
Take a look at the below sample block schedule for a first-year Fashion Design & Product Development major. The Block offers the rare opportunity to focus on what matters: learning, doing, and getting ready for your future. Want to know more? Contact an advisor academicaffairs@stephens.edu.
Curriculum
Major Requirements
- Degree: BS
- Curriculum: Fashion Marketing and Management (FMM)
- Elective Courses: 29 credits
- General Education Courses: 31 credits
- Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD): 8 Non-Credit Classes
- Major courses: 60 credits
Immersive Learning Opportunities
Produce, market, and report on The Collections, our annual student designer fashion show, a dynamic runway event established in 1944.
The Collections
Network with top industry professionals who visit Stephens every year, including prestigious designers invited by the Jeannene Booher Fashion Lecture Series.
Be inspired by our Historic Costume Museum and Research Library, featuring 13,000+ pieces, including designer garments from fashion icons Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, and more.
Costume Museum & Research LibraryThe Collections 80th Annual Fashion Slideshow
To showcase the incredible up-and-coming talent of our Fashion students, Stephens College has been producing The Collections annual student designer fashion show for more than 80 years.
Notable AlumnI
- Mary Eifert ’15, Associate Designer, White House Black Market, Ft. Myers, Florida
- Bea Barton Fuller ’04, Director Advanced Concepts, Basketball Footwear, Adidas, Portland, Oregon
- Stacey Hansen ’96, Technical Development Director, Nike, Beaverton, Oregon
- Brandy (Gann) Hanson, VP Technical Design, Abercrombie & Fitch, Columbia, Ohio
- Michelle Fifis ’02, Founder, Pattern Observer, Asheville, North Carolina
- Helen Jean ’02, Interim Curator, Fashion Design, Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix, Arizona
- Camille Palmer ’04, Senior Technical Designer/3D Specialist, PVH, New York, New York
- Sophie Ranek ’19, Assistant Designer, Weissman Theatrical Supplies, St. Louis, Missouri
- Maggie Robey ’08, Product Developer, Byer California, San Francisco, California
- Tobie Roberts ’18, Production and Development Manager, Pleiades, Lafayette, Colorado
- Gretchen Roehrs ’12, Art Director & Product Manager, Rothy’s, San Francisco, California
- Britt Wallace ’12, Swimwear Designer, O’Neill, Los Angeles, California
- Katherine Woodruff ’12, Film/TV Costumer, Nashville, Tennessee
- Jane Zachritz ’11, Designer, Bernard Chaus Inc., New York, New York
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