Fashion Design and Merchandising

The Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising has more than 300 students enrolled in two tracks: Fashion Design (B.F.A.) and Fashion Merchandising (B.A.). The department is unique in that both programs are jointly housed, allowing design and merchandising students to learn about the fashion industry together.

VCUarts Fashion Design and Merchandising creates purposeful and innovative leaders who adapt to change and shape the future of fashion across industry, culture, and society. Students are equipped with the tools to become creative, insightful visionaries through a curriculum that integrates experiential learning, simulation of industry contexts, critical thinking skills, and collaboration. Grounded in equity, sustainability, and community, we empower graduates to achieve professional excellence as they respond to the evolving global fashion landscape.

The Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising is a university member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).

Our design and merchandising students’ exceptional work is showcased each spring during the annual VCUarts Fashion Event.

View the full 2026 runway show below.

models walk the runway at the 2026 fashion show

Degree Programs

The Work

two models walking down the runway. the model on the left is wearing a multicolor patterned dress, while the model on the right is wearing a white and grey dress

Synergy

Fashion Design and Merchandising Students

Crafted in the Storm

Black Art Student Empowerment Juried Exhibition

This exhibit explored themes of creative agency, relief in times of anguish, and radical joy. Art is a powerful tool which builds a shelter of joy and expression in the midst of a storm.

evoke

Fashion Design and Merchandising Students

BTS of girl group boygenius at their photoshoot

Rolling Stone’s boygenius Cover Shoot

Alexandra Mitchell

CONTEXT

VCUarts Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising

access

Fashion Design and Merchandising Students

Shimmer

Fashion Design and Merchandising Students

/ 7

Our Faculty

are Teachers and Doers

Our faculty are awarded artists and experienced teachers. They are authors and studio managers, traveling exhibitors and successful businesspeople. Meet the professors and mentors that you’ll work alongside.

Meet Our Faculty & Staff

Fashion professor teaching in fashion classroom

Our Alumni

Our fashion design alumni currently work for such companies as Ralph Lauren, GAP, Ports 1961, Target, Macy’s, Sears, Victoria’s Secret, Nordstrom, Jonathan Saunders, Under Armour, and Ann Taylor. Merchandising alumni can be found at Louis Vuitton, Vogue.com, Hanesbrands, Fashion Snoops, Haddad Brands, Urban Outfitters, GUESS, Ippolita, One Kings Lane, Nordstrom, MAC Cosmetics, Belk, American Eagle, French Connection, New York and Company, and SAKS 5th Avenue.

Featured alumni