Fashion design is a realm where creativity meets commerce, where art merges with business, and where individuals are given the tools to shape culture. At the heart of this dynamic world is education, and for those seeking to carve out a career in fashion, a degree in fashion design is often the first step. Singapore Management University (SMU), renowned for its strong focus on a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to education, offers an intriguing option for those interested in pursuing a career in fashion through its Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Fashion Design.
To gain deeper insight into what it’s like to study fashion design at SMU, I sat down with Emily Chan, a graduate of the program, who has gone on to build an exciting career in the fashion industry. Emily’s journey through SMU’s Fashion Design program provides a glimpse into what prospective students can expect from this unique academic offering.
The Genesis of a Fashion Passion
Emily’s love for fashion started at an early age. “I grew up surrounded by fabrics, colours, and textures,” she says. “I was always fascinated by how clothes could convey a story or evoke an emotion. I wanted to explore that.” This early passion led her to pursue a degree that would not only nurture her creative talents but also equip her with the business acumen needed to thrive in the competitive fashion industry.
When Emily was looking for universities that offered fashion design, she was drawn to SMU because of its distinctive approach. Unlike other schools where fashion is treated as a purely creative discipline, SMU’s BSc in Fashion Design integrates fashion design with business, technology, and the arts, giving students a broader perspective on the industry. This multidisciplinary approach appealed to Emily, as she believed that understanding both the creative and business aspects of fashion would give her an edge in her future career.
A Unique Curriculum for a Changing Industry
The BSc in Fashion Design at SMU is designed to offer students a well-rounded education that balances creative expression with practical skills. The program covers a range of topics such as fashion history, textile science, pattern making, and garment construction. At the same time, students gain exposure to areas such as marketing, branding, entrepreneurship, and sustainability in fashion. This dual focus on creativity and commerce allows students to become not just designers, but well-rounded professionals who can navigate the complexities of the global fashion industry.
For Emily, this holistic curriculum was one of the most valuable aspects of her education. “What sets SMU apart is its emphasis on equipping students with both artistic and business knowledge,” she explains. “We were taught how to create, but also how to sell our creations, how to market ourselves, and how to manage a business in an industry that’s constantly evolving.”
The integration of business and fashion design was especially important as the fashion industry began to undergo significant changes during Emily’s time at SMU. The rise of digital platforms, fast fashion, and sustainability concerns were transforming the way fashion brands operated. SMU’s curriculum adapted to these shifts by introducing courses on digital fashion, sustainable design, and fashion entrepreneurship, which gave students a forward-thinking approach to the industry.
Hands-on Learning and Real-World Experience
One of the key strengths of the SMU fashion design program is its emphasis on hands-on learning. Students are encouraged to put theory into practice through various projects, internships, and collaborations with industry partners. For Emily, these opportunities were pivotal in shaping her understanding of what it means to work in the fashion industry.
“Throughout the program, I was given the chance to work on live projects with fashion brands, which allowed me to understand how the industry works in the real world,” she recalls. “We were not just confined to the classroom; we had the opportunity to go out and apply what we learned in a professional context.”
Emily also highlights the value of SMU’s strong ties to the fashion industry. The university regularly hosts guest lectures from fashion professionals, and students have the chance to attend fashion shows, industry panels, and networking events. This exposure to industry leaders helps students stay connected to the latest trends and developments.
For those who are eager to gain practical experience, SMU offers internship opportunities with leading fashion houses, retailers, and startups in Singapore and abroad. Emily, for instance, interned with a local fashion brand during her time at university, which gave her invaluable insights into the day-to-day operations of a fashion business. “The internship helped me to apply my skills in a real-world setting, and it gave me a clear idea of the direction I wanted to take in my career,” she says.
Creativity and Innovation
At the heart of SMU’s BSc Fashion Design program is its commitment to fostering creativity and innovation. The program encourages students to experiment with different materials, techniques, and technologies, pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion design. For Emily, this focus on innovation was a major highlight of her experience.
“I think the most exciting part of the program was being able to explore new ways of designing,” she says. “We were encouraged to think outside the box, to experiment with unconventional materials, and to question the norms of the fashion industry.” Emily’s final year project, which explored sustainable fashion through the use of recycled materials, exemplifies this spirit of creativity and innovation. Her project was not only an artistic statement but also a reflection of the growing demand for sustainability in fashion.
This emphasis on innovation is particularly important in a time when the fashion industry is grappling with issues like sustainability, fast fashion, and the increasing role of technology. SMU prepares its students to be thought leaders who can drive change within the industry, equipping them with the tools to create fashion that is both aesthetically pleasing and socially responsible.
A Global Perspective on Fashion
As a global city and fashion hub, Singapore provides the perfect backdrop for a fashion education that is both local and international in scope. SMU’s strategic location allows students to tap into Singapore’s growing fashion ecosystem, which includes a diverse range of fashion brands, designers, and retailers. Students are exposed to a global fashion perspective, with opportunities to collaborate with international designers, attend international fashion shows, and explore fashion trends from different cultures.
For Emily, this international exposure was crucial in shaping her understanding of the global fashion landscape. “Singapore is such a melting pot of cultures and ideas, and that has definitely influenced my design philosophy,” she says. “Being part of an international community at SMU, with classmates from different backgrounds, gave me a broader understanding of the global market and the diverse consumer needs.”
Preparing for a Career in Fashion
For anyone considering a career in fashion, Emily offers this advice: “Be persistent and keep pushing yourself creatively. The fashion industry is highly competitive, and success doesn’t come easily, but if you have a clear vision and work hard, you can make it.” She also emphasizes the importance of networking, gaining real-world experience, and staying current with industry trends.
Emily’s journey through the SMU BSc in Fashion Design has been marked by creativity, hard work, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of fashion. Today, she is a successful fashion designer with her own brand, but she attributes much of her success to the foundation she built at SMU.
Conclusion
The BSc Fashion Design program at SMU offers an innovative and comprehensive approach to fashion education, blending creativity with business skills and practical experience. Through its multidisciplinary curriculum, hands-on learning opportunities, and global perspective, the program equips students with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving industry. For students like Emily Chan, SMU provides the perfect platform to explore their passions, push their creative boundaries, and prepare for a successful career in fashion.
