Apparel, Textiles, & Merchandising
Study Abroad Opportunity
Cooperative Center for Study Abroad
Winter 2008-9 India Study Tour:
The Fashion Professional’s Guide to India:
Applying Ancient Culture & Art
to Contemporary Dress & Retail Environments
Travel Dates: December 26, 2008 - January 9, 2009
Course Description:
In the current, global business environment, designers, merchandisers, and retailers must be aware of the needs and preferences of an increasingly diverse, international consumer base. In addition, the colorways, design and merchandising techniques, and arts of other cultures are infinite sources of inspiration. Being the world’s largest democracy, India is an excellent example of today’s multifaceted markets. Its vibrant textiles and apparel are symbolic of every aspect of Indian life, representing a confluence of tradition, technology, diversity, and religion.
This course explores the culture of India through an examination of its arts, symbolism, religion, social systems, monuments, and economy as they relate to textiles and dress (anything that is worn on the body, attached to it, or carried) and to the manufacturing, merchandising, and retail environments. Participants will learn about Indian textiles and dress through visits to landmarks, museums, design studios, manufacturers, and a variety of retail venues; through lectures and demonstrations from artisans and other experts; and through hands-on experience with various decorative techniques. They can then apply the same discovery techniques to any culture. Projects will relate to the participant’s specific interests: textile, apparel, or accessory design; visual merchandising; retailing; buying; or other.
Sites: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Haridwar
Credit Hours: 3
Cost: $4995, including round-trip transportation from designated departure cities
Assignments:
- Fashion Resource Notebook/Journal: Create a resource notebook of photographs that illustrate the use of influences from Indian art, history, architecture, religion, current events, entertainment, etc. Also include various garment types, different sari-wrapping methods, decorative techniques, and anything else that interests and inspires you (carvings at the Taj Mahal or temples, etc.). If desired, include scanned visuals from books, magazines, or other printed sources. Include a caption with each picture that identifies its source and why it is important to you. Also include observations and sketches of apparel designed as you travel. This book is meant to serve as a reference for the project and your future design work.
- Visual Merchandising Resource Notebook/Journal: Assemble a resource notebook of photographs that illustrate various retailing venues; innovative visual merchandising and display techniques; and effective and ineffective display and sales techniques. Also include anything that interests and inspires you (carvings at the Taj Mahal or temples, etc.). If desired, include scanned visuals from books, magazines, or other printed sources. Include a caption with each picture that identifies its source and why it is important to you. Also include observations and sketches created as you travel. This book is meant to serve as a reference for the project and your future design work.
- Fashion Resource Notebook/Journal: Combine the above projects.
- Hands-On Projects: Create samples using the techniques taught during the trip. Place labeled photographs of the samples in your resource notebook.
Projects (Select One):
- Garment and/or Accessory Design: Design a line of at least three contemporary garments and/or accessories using Indian colors, styles, and/or symbolism. Create the rendered (colored) sketches by hand or computer. For garments, show front and back views on either flat or posed croquis figures. If the design warrants, also include a side view. For accessories, show sufficient views to display all details. E.g.: For shoes, show a profile, an aerial view of the toe, and/or a back view of the heel. For handbags, show front, side, and back views. Include a bibliography containing all written and electronic sources. Also include photographs of your inspirations. Describe the meaning, origin, and source of all symbols, colors, and design features or styles used. Also explain the message that each design conveys and the customer for whom it was created. Include a fashion-show description of each item as well, which includes the style and construction features, colors, and symbolism.
- Visual Merchandising: Design at least three displays and/or store/department layouts based on Indian inspirations, such as stores, markets, museums, historic landmarks, etc. Create floor plans and/or rendered (colored) sketches by hand or computer. Include a bibliography containing all written and electronic sources. Also include photographs of your inspirations. Describe the meaning, origin, and source of all symbols, colors, props, and fixtures used. Also explain the atmosphere that each display/layout conveys and the type of store and merchandise for which it was created.
- Buying/Merchandising: Select two specific Indian consumer groups, such as teens, middle-aged men or women, career women, older men or women, children, etc. Create a list of guidelines for selecting and/or designing merchandise for each group. Include colors to use and avoid; size and fit standards and considerations; styles to use and avoid; surface designs, motifs, and patterns to use and avoid; and decorative elements. Include a rationale for using and avoiding the specified elements and features. Include photographs and other graphics to illustrate your recommendations. Also include a bibliography.
- Customized Projects: Participants may propose projects that relate specifically to their interests. The professor must approve all such projects before the student begins working on them.
Passport & Visa Information:
The Indian government requires that U.S. citizens acquire visitor visas for travel to India. Visa processing will be coordinated through the CCSA central office. A current passport is required to apply for a visitor visa; therefore, it is crucial that participants apply for passports as early as possible. It is imperative that the central CCSA office has a copy of your passport on file so that the visa can be issued. If we do not receive your passport in time to process the visa, your entry into India will be prohibited. More information will be shared in correspondence to program participants.
Payment Schedule & Deadlines:
A $200 deposit is due at the time of application. A first payment of $2300 (in addition to the $200 deposit) to cover costs of the airline ticket and deposits on arrangements in India is due by the application deadline date, October 1, 2008. The final payment of $2495, plus single room costs (if applicable), is due by November 7, 2008. Please familiarize yourself with the Cancellation Policy on page 16.
Students are encouraged to apply well in advance of the October 1, 2008 application deadline, as priority is given to early applicants. Applicants will receive course confirmation approximately two weeks after the application deadline.
Checks should be made payable to “CCSA.” Please consider your cancelled check as receipt for payment. Returned checks will incur a $20 penalty fee.
For More Information, Contact:
Phyllis Bell Miller, Ph.D., Associate Professor
School of Human Sciences, Mississippi State University
P.O. Box 9745
Mississippi State, MS 39762-9745
Office: 662-325-8783
Mobile: 662-312-2938
Fax: 662-325-8188
Email: pbmiller@humansci.msstate.edu