Hear ye, hear ye, fashionistas
THE fashion industry is constantly evolving and looking towards modern technology for design inspirations. There is much more to fashion than just beautiful collections.
Today, most people tend to miss the important relationship between marketing and the fashion industry. Designers need to have an understanding of the business aspects of the fashion industry to strategise a fashion marketing campaign. This is essential for fashion market development and sustainability.
“Fashion is not art, it is industry,” said Jean Muir, an iconic British minimalist fashion designer in the 60s.
In The Malaysian Times, founder of GM Ideology – a business training centre, Major (Rtd) Mohd Ameir Rydhuan stated that 90% of the local modest clothing industry brand owners started their operations on the wrong foot and ended up going out of business.
“Unfortunately, the knowledge these brand owners have is not in line with the speed at which the industry is developing,” he was quoted as saying.
Seeing such apparent job opportunities in the fashion industry, First City UC has broadened its variety of fashion courses and is now offering the BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing. Fully approved by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and Ministry of Higher Education, this programme is designed for fashion enthusiasts who aspire to take their passions to greater heights. It enables graduates to market and create their own brand of fashion products.
To stay ahead in the fast-paced industry, a fashion marketer needs to be able to incorporate a wide range of practical business and creative skills in fashion.
Through the BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing programme, students will be taught to explore the breadth and depth of fashion marketing and branding practice through the application of their ideas across a range of marketing and branding contexts and disciplines.
Providing a challenging mix of theoretical and business-related studies, the modules enable learners to recognise individual skills and interests in fashion marketing to prepare them for a range of careers in the fashion business.
The course will also cover the international aspects of fashion marketing and fashion business relating to consumers, branding and products supply chain.
At the Faculty of Design and Built Environment, teaching and learning are delivered by a highly qualified team of dedicated lecturers equipped with teaching and commercial industry experience.
Fashion industry experts are also invited as guest speakers to share their knowledge on fashion marketing.
Fashion marketing students can experiment and develop their practical skills in a well-equipped Fashion Studio while being guided by attentive lecturers and tutors.
At the end of the programme, students have an opportunity to display their clothing designs during the Degree Graduation Show.
There will also be opportunities to exhibit their work to prospective employers and the public.
Students may commence with the Foundation in Art and Design and continue to undergraduate studies in fashion marketing, graphic design, interior architecture, design and furniture, and product design. After completing the one-year intensive Foundation programme, students can proceed to Year 1 of a bachelor’s degree programme of their choice in the same discipline. Fashion lovers and designers or any other fashion diploma graduates can also apply to enhance their knowledge of the fashion marketing industry.
Apart from the academic modules, students are encouraged to take part in extracurricular activities, which provide opportunities to experience holistic education and acquire lifelong skills such as communication, organisation and problem-solving – crucial skills that employers look for in employees.
The Faculty of Design and Built Environment learning and teaching facilities support students with advanced technology including the Laser Cutter, 3D Printing Studio Electronic Vacuum Forming Machine, Wood Workshop, Macintosh and PC Lab, White Canvass gallery, and Photography Studio.
Affordable quality education
First City UC provides quality and affordable education as well as state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities. Besides offering programmes at affordable fees, the university college also provides financial assistance in the form of scholarships, incentives and attractive discounts.
Various types of scholarships are offered to those in need and academically exceptional students, including the Founder's Scholarship – Teo Soo Cheng Foundation, Merit Scholarship, Sports Scholarship, UEC Scholarship, Student Leader & Top Office Bearer Scholarship and Sibling Incentive.
Students can apply for these scholarships based on their SPM/ O-Levels, STPM/ A-Levels, or UEC results. Alumni incentives are available for current students who intend to study new programmes.
■ For details, contact First City University College, Bandar Utama at 03-77273200, e-mail enquiry@ firstcity.edu.my or log on to www. firstcity.edu.my. You can also connect via Facebook and Instagram accounts @firstcityUC.