BA (Hons) Degree in Fashion Business

Fashion business professionals drive the tactical and entrepreneurial spirit of a fashion company. They work on production, communication, marketing and retail and must possess a thorough knowledge of the fashion panorama. They are able to identify with great precision which tools they need to successfully position a brand, a collection or even a single product in the fashion and luxury markets. They are experts in the business of fashion.

This full-time course is a strategic and market oriented blend of the main perspectives in fashion business; covering strategy, budgeting, finance, product development, fashion marketing, communication, branding, retail operations management and global distribution channels. Fashion is an industry in constant evolution, therefore both time-tested and contemporary marketing strategies are analysed in order to achieve business goals. Participants learn brand marketing and development strategies, and implement specific cost control systems. By studying cultural, sociological and historical dynamics in fashion, they understand the influence of trends in different countries and realities and their impact on sales performance.

The course looks at current issues in the industry including sustainability and new media digital marketing (virtual platforms, e-commerce, social media) working to define a commercial proposal that meets the demands of the fashion industry of today. Key focus is also given to competitor evaluation and analysis techniques. Through the principles of economics and finance, participants are able to measure profitability and ensure compliance with budgets and strategies, and implement specific cost control systems.

Taking a fashion collection or luxury product through to wholesale and retail distribution channels needs a mix of both concrete business acumen and creative communication skills in order to successfully complete the process; determining target audience, price brackets, and planning promotion and distribution channels. Participants learn real-world skills working in collaboration with international companies on industry projects and case studies, as well as via guest lectures and talks from visiting professionals and experts in the sector. The overall aim of the programme is to form future business professionals capable of creating a valid business plan, or commercial proposal, either for a start-up, new business ventures, or for existing brand development.

For European schools only, this course forms the base of all three-year fashion design study pathways. With fashion design as the core subject, participants select from different pathways to specialize in a chosen area of interest, responding to individual creative flair and passion.

For Paris and London schools only, this course is also available as a BA (Hons) four-year course (including Sandwich Year Placement).