Fashion Department Information
The University of the Incarnate Word fashion department has existed since 1939. At that time it was part of the home economics program, along with Nutrition, Interior Design and Child Development. At that time, the program was headed by Sister Mary Elizabeth Joyce who grew up near the garment district in New York City and, at the time of her retirement, had acquired an international reputation. Most recently the program has evolved into what is termed 'Fashion Management,' so named because the degree plan includes a number of business courses.
The degree awarded is a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Management. There are two concentrations under this major, fashion design and fashion merchandising. Both of the concentrations require a fashion 'core' of 40 credit hours and then additional courses specifically for each specialization.
Since 1993 the program has experienced considerable growth. Today the department is the largest and most dynamic in the State of Texas with over 100 fashion management majors.In 1998 the Joyce Building was completely remodeled and re-dedicated. The new building has spacious rooms with adequate natural lighting and electricity to support the equipment. The department has 16 computerized NewHome domestic sewing machines, six sergers, professional pressing equipment, commercial sewing machines and sergers, 18 dress forms, a textile lab for simple fiber testing and fabric design, an illustration room, and a state-of-the-art lecture hall with computer link ups. Most impressive, however, is the high-tech computer lab with software that accommodates the interior design, computer graphic design and fashion design disciplines. The fashion program is fortunate enough to have nine work stations equipped with the prestigious Lectra Systems software, the industry leader in fashion technology.
Every Spring, the fashion students present the annual Fiestaä Fashion Show. This is a very high-profile show which has been sanctioned as an official Fiesta event by the city of San Antonio. The fashion show represents a culmination of all the concepts and skills which the students have been accumulating in the pursuit of their degree. It is a chance for them to apply what they have learned to a 'real-life' situation. The event is entirely student directed, including, design and construction of garments, logo design, music, sound & video, publicity, hospitality, stage design and setup, back stage, choreography, invitations, and programs. The 'cutting edge' show has received much acclaim in recent years and has played to a sell-out crowd for several years.
The fashion department has also instituted a "Distinguished Designer Series." In the past four years, students have been treated to presentations by such notable fashion designers as Oscar de la Renta, Mary McFadden, Badgley -Mishka, Martin Gomez, Carolina Herrera and most recently, Dana Buchman. These events feature question and answer segments and photo and autograph opportunities, a chance for the students to meet the major 'players' in the fashion industry.
For more information, please visit the Fashion Management and Design website