Learning the Business of Fashion

The Denver Campus’ newly remodeled Fashion Lab is a place where students can do more than just dream about a fashion career.

“For the first time, students have a home where they can study and create,” says Shawne Ahlenius, fashion merchandising and retail marketing program chair.

Understanding Consumer Trends
JWU’s newest lab is outfitted with the latest technology, moveable tables to accommodate student projects and a floor-to-ceiling display case to highlight student designs and show off their merchandising skills.

In the space, students study trends and style looks. They also examine how consumer behavior affects the fashion business — trend forecasting and market analysis being an important component of the fashion merchandising program.

Going Behind the Fashion Scenes
Every year, Ahlenius’ students have the opportunity to travel to San Francisco, where they meet with senior executives from Banana Republic, learn how seasonal campaigns are coordinated and meet buyers at the Northern California Fashion Market.

“Seeing what buyers do is an amazing experience for students,” she says.

From the Lab to the Real World
Just ask Juan Jimenez '12, who did his internship with Tom Ford International.

“The fashion world is extremely competitive. No one’s going to pay you to train you,” he says. “But JWU gives you a direct view of what you’ll do in your career.”