Pedagogy and Professional Development

Bridging Design and Business: An Interdisciplinary Collaboration Between Fashion Design and Merchandising Courses

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Abstract

This teaching innovation explores a collaboration between a fashion design course and a merchandising course, reflecting the integrated nature of today's fashion industry. Grounded in a Multi-Phase PBL Teaching Fashion Industry Strategy, consisting of five phases: (a) One - Product Foundation (Design Course), Two - Strategic Pairing (Interdisciplinary Matching), Three - Consultative Collaborations (via Zoom Meetings), Four - Strategic Docket Creation (Merchandising Course), and Five - Brand Packaging Design (Final Deliverable). Design students create garment prototype, while merchandising students conduct strategic consultations and develop branding dockets and packging deliverables. Through cross-functional teamwork, students gain practical experience in communcation, negotiation, consumer analysis, and visual stragtey. Outcome demonstrate that the collaboration strengthened creative and analytical competencies, enhanced understanding of market-driven design decisions, and fostered industry-relevant soft skills such as adaptability, teamwork, and strategic thinking. This approach seeks to dismantle disciplinary silos and prepare students for the collaborative demands of fashion practice.

Keywords: merchandising, teaching, fashion, student collaboration project

How to Cite:

REESE-PIERRE, A., (2025) “Bridging Design and Business: An Interdisciplinary Collaboration Between Fashion Design and Merchandising Courses”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21705