The Fashion Communication minor, offered by the esteemed Parsons School of Design, is meticulously crafted to immerse students in the dynamic world of communication within the fashion industry. This program serves as a bridge, connecting design communication tools and techniques to crucial fashion elements such as visual branding, trend analysis and forecasting, fashion culture, styling and visual imagery, digital illustration, surface exploration, e-portfolio development, and fashion publishing.
This minor is strategically designed for students aspiring to careers in diverse fashion sectors, including fashion magazines, social media management for fashion brands, styling, public relations, creative direction, brand development, and comprehensive brand management. It provides a robust foundation in understanding and executing effective communication strategies tailored for the fashion landscape.
To successfully complete the Fashion Communication minor, students are required to earn 18 credits across four key subject areas, as detailed in the curriculum chart provided. This structured approach ensures a comprehensive and well-rounded understanding of the field.
Please note that course availability may fluctuate each semester. Certain courses may be under development and introduced in subsequent semesters. Students seeking to explore alternative coursework options to fulfill the minor’s requirements are encouraged to consult with their academic advisors. This ensures that students can tailor their learning experience while meeting the minor’s objectives.
Students who enrolled in this minor prior to 2020 can refer to this chart for the relevant curriculum structure.
Curriculum
| Subject Area | Sample Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Concepts | PSOF 2080 Fashion Visual TheoryPSOF 2085 Fashion and the NarrativePSOF 1230 Design Communication | 3 |
| Professional Practices | PSOF 1121 Fashion JournalismPSOF 1180 Fashion Public RelationsPSOF 1182 Fashion Trend AnalysisPSOF 1197 Fashion Show ProductionPSOF 1191 Visual MerchandisingPSOF 2055 Inside Fashion Styling | 6 |
| Visual Communication Design | NCOM 3200 Introduction to Digital DesignPSAM 1028 Communication Design Foundations: InteractionPSAM 1070 Communication Design Foundations: TypographyPSAM 1085 Digital Tools for Layout and ImagingPSAM 1050 Introduction to PhotographyPSAM 1060 Light and ImagePSAM 2835 Photo Concepts: FashionPSAM 3040 Communication Design Studio: Signs and SymbolsPSAM 2033 Systems for BrandsPSDS 3103 Brand StrategyPSOF 1125 Digital Fashion Illustration | 6 |
| History and Theory | Students should choose a course with a PLFS subject code. | 3 |
Students seeking to build foundational art and design skills are highly encouraged to select from the introductory course options provided. This ensures students have a strong base upon which to build their fashion communication expertise.
For BBA students, please be aware that only one core BBA course can be applied towards this minor. The remaining credit requirements must be fulfilled through elective courses, allowing for a focused exploration of fashion communication principles.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Fashion Communication minor, students will be able to demonstrate a range of essential skills and competencies vital for success in the fashion industry. These learning outcomes are designed to equip graduates with the tools to excel in fashion communication roles:
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Enhanced Visual Communication Skills: Students will develop strong visual communication skills, enabling them to effectively articulate concepts within the fashion design context. This includes the ability to select, edit, and refine visual elements through practical projects and creative exercises, ensuring clarity and impact in their communication.
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Proficiency in Visual Development and Technical Application: Graduates will gain competence in the visual development, communication, and resolution of fashion design concepts. They will be adept at using appropriate technical and technological processes, employing both digital and analog methods to create and refine their work, reflecting the evolving demands of fashion communication.
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Innovation in 2D Fashion Branding and Marketing Solutions: The minor fosters competence in developing innovative 2D solutions specifically tailored for fashion branding and marketing. Students will learn to create visually compelling materials that effectively communicate brand messages and marketing strategies in the competitive fashion market.
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Understanding of Fashion History and Theory for Informed Communication: Students will cultivate an understanding of fashion history and theory, enabling them to strategically select visual and theoretical research methods. This knowledge base will be crucial for the effective resolution of design communication projects, ensuring their work is both informed and impactful within the broader fashion narrative.
Eligibility
The Fashion Communication minor is open to all undergraduate students across The New School, with the exception of those enrolled in the AAS in Fashion Marketing and Communication program. This broad accessibility reflects the interdisciplinary nature of fashion communication and its relevance across various fields of study.
For any inquiries regarding the minor’s curriculum, including requests for course substitutions, please reach out to Geoffry Gertz at [email protected]. Geoffry Gertz is available to provide guidance and support to ensure students have a smooth and enriching experience within the Fashion Communication minor.
How to Declare or Change a Minor
For general guidelines on declaring a minor, please visit here. Current students can easily declare or change their minor by logging into my.newschool.edu, navigating to the ‘Academics’ tab, and clicking on the ‘Major/Minor Declarations’ link. This streamlined process makes it simple for students to officially enroll in the Fashion Communication minor and embark on their specialized study journey.
