School of Fashion

Welcome to the School of Fashion, a dynamic home for aspiring fashion designers, visual artists, textile and apparel professionals, fashion marketers, creative entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.

The School of Fashion provides a stimulating and supportive academic environment where creativity, innovation, technical knowledge, research, and entrepreneurship come together. Our programs are designed to prepare students for successful careers in the rapidly evolving fashion, textile, apparel, visual arts, and creative industries.

Through our undergraduate and postgraduate programs, students develop knowledge, practical skills, critical thinking, creativity, and professional competencies needed to respond to the changing demands of the local and global creative economy. Our academic staff bring extensive professional experience, research expertise, and industry knowledge to the classroom, providing students with opportunities to learn through contemporary theories, practical projects, studio work, research, and industry engagement.

A Brief Profile of the School of Fashion

The School of Fashion at the Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology (EiTEX), Bahir Dar University, is an academic unit dedicated to excellence in fashion education, research, innovation, and community service. The school focuses on developing competent and creative fashion professionals equipped with the knowledge, technical skills, and innovative capabilities required by the fashion and apparel industry.

The school provides quality and practical education in fashion design, apparel production, fashion merchandising, and related areas. It promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and undertakes research and innovation activities aimed at addressing industry challenges, supporting technology transfer, and contributing to the development and competitiveness of the Ethiopian fashion and apparel sector.

Through its teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement activities, the School of Fashion strives to connect academic knowledge with industry practice and nurture creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable fashion development.

Aim 

In line with the vision and mission of EiTEX, the School of Fashion aims to provide high-quality, practice-oriented fashion education, promote research and innovation, and produce skilled, creative, and entrepreneurial fashion professionals who can contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the Ethiopian and global fashion industry.

Thematic areas

The major thematic areas of the School of Fashion include:

l  Fashion Design and Product Development

l  Apparel Production and Technology

l  Fashion Merchandising and Marketing

l  Fashion Entrepreneurship and Business

l  Sustainable and Ethical Fashion

l  Fashion Research, Innovation, and Technology Transfer

l  Traditional and Contemporary Ethiopian Fashion 

Academic Programs

The School of Fashion offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to provide students with opportunities to specialize according to their interests and career aspirations.

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design (BSc)

The BSc in Fashion Design prepares students for professional careers in fashion design and related creative industries. Students develop competencies in fashion illustration, design development, garment construction, pattern development, textiles, fashion history, fashion technology, creative research, and collection development.

The program combines creative practice with technical and theoretical knowledge, enabling graduates to develop innovative and commercially viable fashion products while responding to cultural, social, environmental, and market needs.

Bachelor of Science in Visual Art (BSc)

The BSc in Visual Art provides students with a comprehensive foundation in visual arts, creative practice, artistic research, and contemporary art. The program encourages students to explore different artistic approaches and develop their individual creative identities.

Students may pursue specialized study in:

l  Bachelor of Visual Arts Degree in Painting

l  Bachelor of Visual Arts Degree in Sculpture

l  Bachelor of Visual Arts Degree in Graphic Art

l  Bachelor of Visual Arts Degree in Graphic Design

l  Bachelor of Visual Arts Degree in Art Education

These specializations provide students with opportunities to develop advanced practical, conceptual, and professional skills in their chosen area of visual arts.

Bachelor of Science in Textile and Apparel Merchandising (BSc)

The BSc in Textile and Apparel Merchandising prepares students for careers at the intersection of fashion, textiles, business, marketing, retail, and consumer behavior.

Students gain knowledge in merchandising, fashion buying, product development, retail management, textile and apparel markets, consumer analysis, fashion trends, supply chains, promotion, and business management. The program prepares graduates to contribute effectively to the commercial and managerial aspects of the textile and apparel industry.

Postgraduate Programs

Master of Science in Fashion Design (MSc)

The MSc in Fashion Design provides advanced study and research opportunities for graduates and professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in fashion design.

The program emphasizes advanced design practice, innovation, research, sustainability, technology, creative development, and contemporary approaches to fashion. Students are encouraged to undertake independent research and develop innovative solutions to challenges within the fashion industry.

Master of Science in Fashion Marketing (MSc)

The MSc in Fashion Marketing prepares graduates for advanced professional and leadership roles in fashion marketing and related business environments.

The program focuses on contemporary marketing strategies, consumer behavior, fashion branding, digital marketing, retail, market research, communication, fashion trends, and strategic management. Students develop the analytical and strategic skills required to manage and promote fashion brands in increasingly competitive local and international markets.

Teaching, Learning, and Research

The School of Fashion is committed to excellence in teaching, learning, research, innovation, and community engagement.

Our academic programs combine theoretical knowledge with practical and studio-based learning. Students are encouraged to develop their creative abilities while gaining a strong understanding of professional practice, industry requirements, entrepreneurship, sustainability, technology, and research.

Research within the School explores a broad range of themes, including:

l  Fashion design and innovation

l  Textile and apparel development

l  Fashion technology

l  Sustainable fashion

l  Fashion marketing and branding

l  Fashion merchandising and retail

l  Visual arts and contemporary art

l  Painting and sculpture

l  Graphic art and graphic design

l  Art education

l  Cultural heritage and creative industries

l  Fashion entrepreneurship

l  Consumer behavior and fashion trends

Our research and teaching activities are designed to respond to contemporary challenges and opportunities within the fashion, textile, apparel, visual arts, and creative industries.

The School also seeks to strengthen relationships with public and private organizations, creative industries, fashion companies, retailers, cultural institutions, artists, designers, and other professional partners. These partnerships provide opportunities for internships, practical training, research collaboration, consultancy, knowledge transfer, exhibitions, and other forms of industry engagement.

Career Opportunities for Our Graduates

Graduates of the School of Fashion can pursue diverse and rewarding careers across the fashion, textile, apparel, visual arts, marketing, retail, design, education, and creative industries.

Depending on their area of specialization, graduates may work as designers, artists, merchandisers, marketers, buyers, educators, entrepreneurs, creative directors, consultants, researchers, and industry professionals.

Fashion Designer

Fashion designers develop original concepts and designs for clothing, footwear, accessories, costumes, and other fashion products. They may specialize in areas such as womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, sportswear, intimate apparel, bridal wear, evening wear, accessories, footwear, or sustainable fashion.

Graduates can work for fashion houses, apparel manufacturers, design studios, retailers, or establish their own fashion brands.

Fashion Entrepreneur

The school encourages entrepreneurship and innovation, enabling graduates to establish their own fashion brands, design studios, retail businesses, creative enterprises, art studios, consulting services, and other ventures within the creative economy.

Creative Director

With professional experience and advanced qualifications, graduates can progress into senior creative positions. Creative directors provide the overall creative vision for fashion brands, advertising campaigns, media organizations, design companies, and other creative enterprises.

Chief Designer

A chief designer is a senior professional responsible for guiding the creative direction of a fashion company or brand. Responsibilities may include developing collections, maintaining brand identity, managing design teams, establishing design direction, and ensuring that products respond effectively to target markets.

Fashion Consultant

Fashion consultants provide professional advice on fashion products, styling, branding, merchandising, design, consumer trends, and market positioning. They may work independently or with fashion companies, retailers, brands, media organizations, and other clients.

Fashion Educator / Instructor

Teach fashion design, garment construction, pattern making, textiles, fashion illustration, and related subjects in educational and training institutions.

Fashion Researcher

Conduct research in areas such as fashion design, sustainable fashion, cultural fashion, textile innovation, fashion technology, consumer trends, and creative industries.

Costume Designer 

Design costumes for film, television, theatre, cultural performances, advertising, and entertainment productions.

Fashion Illustrator

Produce fashion illustrations and visual concepts for designers, brands, magazines, advertising agencies, and other creative organizations.

Pattern Designer / Pattern Maker

Develop patterns and technical specifications that translate fashion concepts into well-constructed garments.

Fashion Product Developer

Transform design concepts into commercially viable fashion products by working with materials, manufacturers, production teams, and suppliers.

Fashion Stylist

Develop complete visual looks for individuals, fashion brands, photography, advertising campaigns, television, film, and editorial productions.

Textile and Apparel Merchandiser

Textile and apparel merchandisers connect product development, fashion trends, consumer demand, production, marketing, and retail. They may work in merchandising, product planning, sourcing, retail, purchasing, brand management, or supply-chain operations.

Fashion Merchandiser 

Work with design, production, retail, and marketing teams to ensure that fashion products respond effectively to consumer demand and market trends.

Fashion Marketing and Brand Specialist

Support the promotion and positioning of fashion brands through marketing campaigns, digital media, advertising, public relations, and consumer engagement.

Fashion Buyer

Fashion buyers select and purchase products for retailers, brands, and other organizations. They monitor fashion trends, analyze consumer preferences, evaluate products and suppliers, negotiate with vendors, and make purchasing decisions based on market demand.

Fashion Marketing Specialist

Fashion marketing professionals develop and implement strategies for promoting fashion brands and products. They may work in branding, digital marketing, advertising, public relations, social media, market research, communications, and customer engagement.

Fashion Brand Manager

Brand managers are responsible for developing and maintaining the identity and market position of fashion brands. They work with designers, marketers, retailers, and other professionals to ensure that products and communications are aligned with the brand's objectives and target market.

Graphic Designer

Graphic designers create visual communication materials using digital tools and traditional techniques. Graduates may work on fashion campaigns, branding, publications, websites, packaging, advertising, magazines, social media content, and promotional materials.

Industrial and Product Designer

Industrial and product designers develop concepts and designs for manufactured products. Their work combines creativity, aesthetics, functionality, usability, materials, production considerations, and commercial requirements.

Visual Artist

Visual arts graduates can develop professional careers as independent artists or work with galleries, cultural institutions, creative organizations, educational institutions, and other organizations.

Depending on their specialization, they may work as painters, sculptors, graphic artists, illustrators, designers, art educators, curators, or creative practitioners.

Painter

Graduates specializing in painting can pursue careers as professional artists, illustrators, exhibition practitioners, art instructors, studio artists, or independent creative entrepreneurs.

Sculptor

Sculpture graduates can work as professional artists, studio practitioners, public-art creators, exhibition artists, art educators, or creative consultants.

Graphic Artist and Graphic Designer

Graduates specializing in graphic art and graphic design can work in advertising, publishing, branding, digital media, illustration, creative agencies, fashion communication, multimedia, and corporate communications.

Art Educator

Graduates specializing in art education can pursue careers in teaching and arts education, curriculum development, community arts programs, museums, cultural institutions, and other educational environments.

Staff in School of Fashion

Contact Information:

Solomon Tsegaye [Lecturer] 

Dean, Fashion School

MSc. in Fashion Design

phone +251918723025

Email: Solomontsegaye99@gmail.com

P.o.Box 1037 

Fax +251 582 266246

Website: https://www.bdu.edu.et/eitex/

Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology (EiTEX)

 Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia