Attention shopaholics: Fashionology debuts new merchandise

Seven years ago, the Marist College Fashion Department came up with the idea of creating a class that would incorporate a student-run boutique and the students' knowledge of the fashion industry into a lucrative and productive business. Students from Lydia Biskup's Fashionology class learn the fundamentals of buying and strategizing while simultaneously creating and running their very own boutique. Located in the Fashion Plaza of Donnelly, Fashionology has grown vastly over the past seven years. It has been in business and will continue to thrive because of its dedicated students and faculty.

Ultimately, the students in the class are responsible for researching the 'must have' trends of the season and finding the best deals. Students in the class rave about the shopping trip to New York City.

Senior Dana Grimaldi comments, "My favorite part about this class was the buying trip to New York City. We researched trends and then went into the city and bought whatever accessories we thought would be suitable for our target market."

The hands-on experience that the students receive from taking this class is one of the most important and beneficial aspects of Fashionology.

Lydia Biskup adds that, "As the professor for this class, I would say the most exciting aspect of Fashionology is witnessing students actually applying their course work. This 'hands-on' fashion merchandising experience exposes students to all aspects of retail entrepreneurship."

Educated fashion students go out into the real world and purchase merchandise that they believe students and faculty will buy. Grimaldi also said, "I have learned tremendous amounts about business, communication, and trusting your instincts by taking Fashionology."

Students are broken up into marketing, finance, special events, human resources and visual merchandising groups, which promotes intimate focus and has become beneficial to the overall productiveness of the team. The class itself is more of a business; instead of tests, students are required to meet deadlines and contribute extensive research feedback to the class about trends, styles and prices.

Fashion students agree that this is definitely Fashionology's most exciting semester ever. "Starting this October, the boutique will not only carry accessories, but trendy fashion apparel," said Christina Rosano.

In the past, Fashionology has typically sold just accessories and jewelry. With the introduction of trendy fashion apparel, the boutique itself is growing enormously and incorporating higher levels of business.

Now students will have a convenient, on-campus clothing boutique for shopping. The idea of a shopping outlet for students is fabulous, since the nearest shopping center is in the Poughkeepsie Galleria.

Just the fact that Fashionology has created a new branch demonstrates the students' dedication to creating a successfully run business.

Another great aspect to Fashionology is that it sells student-made jewelry and accessories. This extends Fashionology to the larger student body, not just fashion students, who wish to share their talents and expertise.

Fashionology will be extending its hours to Tuesdays from 2:30-6:30p.m. and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Rosano comments that, "Fashion students volunteer and are required to sign up for one hour shifts to aid the managers when the store is open."

Everyone can contribute toFashionology. With the addition of designer fragrances, sock/leg wear and apparel, Professor Biskup is proud to say, "The success of Fashionology is based on students driving the business!"

Don't miss out on the exciting grand opening on October 29, 2009!