Program Description To many, it's a piece of fabric. To you, it's a blank canvas just waiting to be brought to life. Make your mark in the world of fashion with the only four-year degree program of its kind in Western Canada. KPU's Bachelor of Design, Fashion and Technology program has an international reputation for building tomorrow's fashion leaders. Our unique, industry-focused curriculum gives students the design skills, business acumen and marketing savvy they need to compete in the global fashion marketplace. Upon graduation from the four year degree program, our alumni have been placed in innovative and leading positions in the local apparel and design industry, often beginning their post-graduate careers as soon as a week after completion of the year end event. What makes our program so special? Our teachers are industry leaders who are plugged into the global fashion scene Our program simulates a professional working environment and constantly adapts to reflect the changing marketplace Our classrooms are equipped with cutting-edge technology used by industry Our workplace practicum program opens the doors to top local companies such as Lululemon, Arc'teryx, Oak + Fort, and Manuel Mendoza Our international exchange program prepares students to become global fashion leaders Our students study at fashion schools in London, Melbourne, Berlin, Helsinki, Monterrey, Horsens and Taipei Our many inspiring guest speakers and presentations invite students to take their learning outside of the classroom and participate in the vibrant local design community Our students launch their careers by showcasing their final collections in our renowned fashion show, which is attended by over 2,000 people, including industry leaders and the media With over 300 apparel companies in the Lower Mainland, the well-established B.C. fashion industry offers many career choices. Graduates work in the design, marketing and production departments for vibrant Lower Mainland companies such as Arc'teryx, Aritzia, International Fashions, ivivva, Karma, Kensie, Kit and Ace, lululemon, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Mustang Survival, Oak and Fort, Peekaboo Beans, Plenty and Sugoi Performance Apparel. Similar opportunities are available worldwide with graduates currently at Nike, Abercrombie & Fitch, Nordstrom, and Volcom in the U.S. and Chloe in Paris, France.
Depending upon capabilities and interests, students work for large companies as members of design, production or marketing teams, for smaller design houses, working in all aspects of the business, engage in entrepreneurial (examples include Allison Wonderland, TrunkShow, Flaming Angels, Osei-Duro, Jolie Couture and Taylor Hart Designs) or freelance endeavors. In all instances, graduates need to be well versed in all three aspects of the business (design, production and marketing) to fully contribute as a team player. Emerging designers prosper best if they have a solid background and experience in production and marketing.
Fashion students interested in a career as a high school teacher of clothing and textiles may be eligible for entry to UBC's Bachelor of Education program in Home Economics upon completion of KPU's fashion degree, including a combination 18 credits of English, Sociology, Psychology and Family Studies courses. Family Studies courses may be taken at UBC as either a visiting student at UBC while completing KPU's fashion program (using these courses as electives towards the completion of the fashion degree) or as a UBC student following graduation from KPU's fashion program.
