Fashion Merchandising
Archived News
FM Dick's Sporting Goods Field Trip – June 4th
Students gained insight into plan-o-grams on Dicks corporate hdqtrs tour. Corporate retail businesses set up stores using the same layout of merchandise for each retail store. A plan-o-gram is a floor plan or map of this merchandise set up. Fashion merchandising students learned what is considered in the design of a plan-o-gram. Check out the group photo below!
T-Shirt Design Contest for Positively Cleveland
VMCAD student entries due May 19. VMCAD students are invited to develop an original t-shirt design that shows your love for Northeast Ohio. Winning design will be produced at C.L.E. Clothing Company. Tourism organization, Positively Cleveland, requests a full-color draft (a 300dpi jpeg or on 8.5” x 11” paper) that demonstrates why students love Cleveland. You can create a “top ten list” of reasons you like living here, an original illustration of their favorite attraction or a catchy new slogan for Cleveland. The goal is to raise awareness of the world-class travel experiences available here.
The winning t-shirt concept receives:
- Four tickets to the Cleveland Indians game July 4, 18 or 25 at Progressive Field
- Four tickets to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
- Two Positively Cleveland backpacks
- A video announcement of their winning design
- Featured in the Visit Positively Cleveland e-newsletter
Visit www.positivelycleveland.com/tshirtcontest for details on how to enter. Call 216.875.6632 or email drange@positivelycleveland.com
Branding Expert, Hadi Kadri, speaks to FM students, May 22
FM students learn about measurable results from branding. Hadi Kadri specializes in helping clients target their ideal audiences and achieve measurable results through social, print, online and interactive media. He has worked with many reputable organizations, over the last 19 years, including Coldwater Creek, Chrysler, The UPS Store and Auto Week Magazine. Lecture will be in the VMC auditorium.
“Shop Your Closet” owners speak May 12th
Susan Luc and Betsy Tabatcher speak to FM students. Fashion Merchandising students will learn about fashion consulting and the successful fashion business “Shop Your Closet,” from 12-1:40 pm.
FM students visit CMA May 4th
FM students tour the Cleveland Museum of Art for Fashion Writing class. Fashion Merchandising students will tour the museum and work on their art analysis stories, comparing classic art with modern fashion and design, from 12-2:40 pm.
Dr. George Fischer speaks May 3rd
FM students explore entrepreneurial vs corporate management. Dr. George Fischer was a leading scientist with BP responsible for its corporate research facility in Cleveland. He established his own high tech company in Cleveland. Fashion Merchandising students will learn about management structures and styles. Program is from 9-12:40 pm VMC auditorium.
The City Club of Cleveland – April 28th
Panel discussion on Cleveland's Fashion Industry with…
Please join us on April 28th @ 11:30am at the venerable City Club in Downtown Cleveland to listen to and enjoy an open and honest discussion with the city’s most fashion forward thinkers as they discuss their vision for their companies and the region.
Panelists include:
Blake Peebles – Virginia Marti College
Kim Crow – Fashion Writer for the Plain Dealer
Allison Halco – Editor/Blogger of Fashionably Cleveland
Valerie Mayen – Fashion Designer from Yellow Cake Shop
Sean Bilovecky – Fashion Designer from Wrath Arcane
The panel will be moderated by Michael C. DeAloia, former “Tech Czar” of the City of Cleveland and current practice leader of the Local Advocacy Practice at LNE Group
To register for this great event please click here or call 888.223.6786.
Cost of this program is $15 for members of the City Club and $25 for non-members. For more information please connect with Carrie Miller of the City Club at 216.621.0082.
Competitive Shopping Field Trip to Crocker Park Mall April 23rd
FM students analyze product positioning in the marketplace. FM students study competitive advantage in terms of product development (pricing, construction, quality, fabrication) at Crocker Park Mall. The students choose one store, analyze products available in their assortment plans in terms of product differentiation. Then the students choose two competitors to compare and contrast.
FM students visit Sabau Furs April 20
Students explore fabrication techniques for creating the hottest looks for fall 2010 April 20. Fall 2010 fashion trends include fur blocking, fur hoodies, and fur trims. Students explore fabricating and styling techniques. Mrs. Virginia Marti Veith practiced her couture skills in designing fur fashion.
Designer/Couture Model/Author, Lorelei Shellist speaks April 23
Author of Runway Runaway speaks on Strategies for Success at 3 p.m.
Lorelei Shellist, author of Runway Runaway will bring examples of her work and offer solid advice for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs. She will share her remarkable story and Strategies for Success, with special emphasis on building self esteem to go after what you want. Her distinctive voice and image have been seen on Good Morning America, Inside Edition, AM New York, Phil Donahue, Good Morning Los Angeles, CNN, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, BBC and Joan Rivers Show as an expert on fashion, beauty and women’s issues.
Her portfolio includes work in Vogue, Marie Claire, Italian Vogue, WWD, and Italian Bazaar. As a graceful and spirited model, her delightful sense of humor and wit, served as the muse for numerous designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Yves St. Laurent, Christian Lacroix, Bob Mackie, Geoffrey Beene, Ralph Lauren, Gian Franco Ferre, Giorgio Armani, Zandra Rhodes and Vivienne Westwood. Not to be missed! Time subject to change.
“Fashionably Art” Showcases Accessories
On March 5, “Fashionably Art,” produced by the Fashion Merchandising students, showcased this season’s most affordable fashion statement – the accessory. Models, dressed in black, displayed beautiful combinations of shoes, scarves, belts, bags, hats and jewelry, demonstrating the power of interesting accessories. Each model was set against an artistic backdrop, from elegant black and white portraits of Coco Chanel to colorful contemporary graphic designs. Over 120 family and friends attended this final presentation of the FM class.
FM student partners with Lakewood YMCA
FM student, Rachel Jakubiec, participated in community engagement initiative with the YMCA. Rachel was responsible for designing and executing the visual merchandising at the YMCA, based on thematic concepts that will change monthly. Rachel plans on continuing this effort throughout the remaining 6 months of her educational career. The YMCA was gracious enough to give a yearly membership to Rachel for her contributions.
Fashion Writing students attend CMA
FM students gained insight into how art relates to the fashion industry, as they took part in an educational program at the Cleveland Museum of Art. (CMA). On February 15th, the Fashion Writing class spent the day at the CMA to do comparative analysis on its artwork and how it transfers to the fashion industry. FM student, Ashley Gochnauer, commented, “It opened my eyes to see how the fashion industry keeps finding inspiration from famous pieces of artwork throughout history. The fashion and design industries keep art alive.”
Experiential Learning Event at the GE Lighting Institute
The Visual Merchandising class collaborated with The GE Lighting Institute. On February 19th, students took an exclusive tour through GE’s Design and Development facility, previewing both current lighting trends, as well as products currently under development. Students met with engineers and the head of programming to gain greater insight into optimal use of GE products. The program is developed specifically around students interested in retail store planning and design.
Student Spotlight: Laura Sellers

Laura Sellers is finishing up her final quarter as a VMCAD Fashion Merchandising student and she is making the most of every minute! This quarter Laura tackled two internships. Laura will be assisting with event planning for Minshall Development Company, which owns and operates the Galleria at Erieview. She has also been recruited by First Federal of Lakewood to oversee an in-bank merchandising plan that VMCAD students crafted last spring. Laura was the original project manager of that assignment and First Federal of Lakewood asked her to remain involved through the end of the year.
Laura plans to move to New York City when she graduates and has already visited several times to network, job search and look for an apartment.
Branding Expert, Hadi Kadri, spoke February 16
Students learn about measurable results from branding.
FM students attended a lecture from branding expert, Hadi Kadri. Mr. Kadri specializes in helping clients target their ideal audiences and achieve measurable results through social, print, online and interactive media. He has worked with many reputable organizations, over the last 19 years, including Coldwater Creek, Chrysler, The UPS Store and Auto Week Magazine.
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Summer Fashion Show Recap
This summer, Fashion Merchandising students led by Leonardo Salerno produced a full fashion show entitled Music, Movies, Models and More!
The show featured traditional fashions with a modern twist and included classic movie clips and edgy music.
The auditorium was standing-room only with more than 100 people attending the show.
In keeping with the movie theme, red velvet ropes dressed the entrance, guests were ushered to their seats and everyone was given popcorn to enjoy the show!
Designs featured ready-to-wear, after five and evening gown fashions.
And the students and graduates pulled the show together in less than nine weeks – Congratulations on a job well done!
"Fashionable Art" show March 5, 7 PM
Mr. Salerno’s Fashion Show Production class will be putting on its show, titled "Fashionable Art."
On Friday, March 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the college auditorium, the Fashion Show Production class presents its show. "Fashionable Art" will feature models dressed in black, wearing a wide variety of accessories, which emulate the digital images on screen.
The background images will include color, pop art, Chanel, and untamed influences. Various local merchants will be donating clothing and salons for make-up and hair, including Dante Lucci & Tomorrows salons.
01.20.2010 – FM Students work with YMCA!
VMCAD FM students are working in conjunction with the YMCA. Student Rachel Jakubiec will help execute new marketing and visual merchandising concepts based on a thematic direction given by the YMCA. The effort is part of an on-going community engagement initiative in the Fashion Merchandising Department.
01.27.10 – Fashion Guild Meeting
The Fashion Guild is holding a meeting at Arabica in Cleveland, next to the Cleveland Shop.
Click for Directions to Arabica! For more information: www.fashionstudents.ning.com, search for VMCAD and join!
Everyone is welcome whether you are a member of the guild or not. Come see what we will be doing this year. Contact the president, Jules Demmit, for more information – JDemmit@VMCAD.edu
02.14.2010 –Visual Merchandisers work with GE Lighting Institute!
This quarter's Visual Merchandising class is collaborating with The GE Lighting Institute. On February 19th, students will take an exclusive tour through GE's Design and Development facility previewing both current lighting trends as well as products currently under development. Students will meet with engineers and the head of programming to gain greater insight into optimal use of GE products. The program is developed specifically around students interested in retail store planning and design.
02.15.2010 – FM Students join with Cleveland Museum of Art!
VMCAD Fashion Merchandising students are taking part in an educational program at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Students in the Fashion Writing class spend time weekly reading book reviews, marketing plans and case studies to improve their critical thinking and presenting skills for the fashion industry. On February 15th, the Fashion Writing class will spend the day at the CMA to do comparative analysis on its artwork and how it transfers to the fashion industry.
02.16.2010 – Branding consultant to speak to FM students!
Hadi Kadri, a branding consultant with more than 19 years of experience, will speak to VMCAD FM students on Tuesday, February 16th, at 9:00 AM. Mr. Kadri specializes in helping clients target their ideal audiences and achieve measurable results through social, print, online and interactive media. He has worked with many reputable organizations including Coldwater Creek, Chrysler, The UPS Store and AutoWeek Magazine. So hurry and reserve your spot today!
11.24.2009 – Our Annual Holiday Window Display is Up!
Come down to the school and check out the festive display in the front window, which was put together by Mr. Malloy and the Fashion Merchandising students. It'll put you in the holiday spirit!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Please join us for our traditional Holiday Window Unveiling! Story time by our friends at the Lakewood Library – VMCAD Rotunda – 7:00 PM. The window unveiling will happen at 7:30 PM. Refreshments will be served.
Click on the image to the left to view the poster!

VMCAD Annual Fashion Show!
This year's annual fashion show was a huge success!
The evening included dinner, dancing, a silent auction and, of course, an unforgettable fashion show!
All proceeds from the event went to fund scholarships for VMCAD students.




