Look at what you are wearing right now. All apparel must be created by someone who
has knowledge of color, fabric and style and can visualize the design, construct the
finished garment and bring it to the market in order to entice someone like you to
purchase it.
Harper's Fashion Studies Program offers courses in construction, pattern making and
design, textiles, illustration, visual merchandising, and trend forecasting. You will
receive real-world experience through the Annual Student Fashion Show. The event features students’ original work, and Studio V: A professional, student-run boutique offering locally designed work jewelry, fashion
items, accessories, sculpture, art and original pieces.
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Planning for your future begins here.
It only takes 20 seconds to get started!
Earn a Career-Ready Degree
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is designed to prepare you for immediate entry into this career field. This
is one degree with different areas of specialization. Coursework in the AAS may also
prepare you to transfer to a four-year college or university. To learn more, visit
our Transfer Information page or see your advisor.
Jumpstart your career by learning new skills through a certificate program. Many of
Harper's certificates are stackable to a degree program through additional coursework.
Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Fashion Studies degree/certificate programs.
Each career profile offers a complete picture on the local job market, including salaries,
open positions, top local employers and more. To learn more, visit our Fashion Studies Careers page.
Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark
and cut fabrics and apparel.
Core tasks:
Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts,
drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.
Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting.
Draw details on outlined parts to indicate where parts are to be joined, as well as
the positions of pleats, pockets, buttonholes, and other features, using computers
or drafting instruments.
Make adjustments to patterns after fittings.
Quick facts:
Fashion Designers
Fashion Designers
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Fashion Designers career profile for most current data.
$45,320 Median Salary
8.2% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
67 Job Postings
Description:
Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.
Core tasks:
Sketch rough and detailed drawings of apparel or accessories, and write specifications
such as color schemes, construction, material types, and accessory requirements.
Examine sample garments on and off models, modifying designs to achieve desired effects.
Confer with sales and management executives or with clients to discuss design ideas.
Select materials and production techniques to be used for products.
Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers
at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze
past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine
value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to
contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new
products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers
of nonfarm products.
Core tasks:
Buy merchandise or commodities for resale to wholesale or retail consumers.
Negotiate prices, discount terms, or transportation arrangements with suppliers.
Examine, select, order, or purchase merchandise consistent with quality, quantity,
specification requirements, or other factors, such as environmental soundness.
Recommend mark-up rates, mark-down rates, or merchandise selling prices.
For more information about starting your fashion studies at Harper, please contact
Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.
Fashion Studies News
Get the latest news and updates from the Harper College Fashion Studies department.
Fashion Studies graduate Kristen Nicole Reaves wins prestigious Gilman Scholarship
Harper graduate Kristen Nicole Reaves shares her success and her story, the valuable lessons she's learned, and what is coming in her future in fashion.
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