New course gets down to business

 

Billy Blue College Of Design is preparing to shake up the national fashion education sector with a branded course covering management, planning and business skills.

Launching in March, the course was developed by industry veteran Dr Mieke Leppens in consultation with leading design houses across Australia, Europe and the US.

“The fashion industry has moved on from needing good sewers and patternmakers,” he said. “Fashion houses are demanding students come equipped with a cutting-edge eye for contemporary designs and the required industry and business knowledge needed to meet the tough demands of a branded fashion brief.”

Students would graduate from the programme with a Bachelor of Applied Design, majoring in Branded Fashion. Supre former head designer and buyer Marcella Orellana consulted on the course and said it moved away from traditional degrees which emphasied haute couture and patternmaking skills.

Students would also learn practical skills such as dealing with foreign companies and bulk production, planning, branding, costing and communication skills.

“Until now, no one has offered a course that teaches students the business basics and industry nuances alongside the creative elements of design,” Orellana said.

Billy Blue College Of Design is located in North Sydney.