the program
What We Do
FashionMash is an interdisciplinary design program in the UNC School of Media and Journalism focused on branding for the fashion and lifestyle industry. A collection of courses, workshops, and publications allow students to add hands-on creative projects to their studies at UNC. The program partners with top brands to take on a year-long market challenge, building out working prototypes of environments, consumer experiences, and products. This is the place where ideas become reality. Students view the industry through many lenses and build powerful portfolio pieces to showcase their skills.
THE Process
Workroom: Our Creativity Hub
The Workroom Space, located in the heart of UNC campus in the Hussman School’s state-of-the-art Curtis Media Center, provides a dedicated space for experimentation and creative production. Exhibitions, building projects, product prototyping and complex presentations take place here as teams of students investigate our client’s brand challenge. Each year, students use this space to construct physical build-outs: ranging from retail store concepts to interactive installations. Design classes augment the build-outs with graphic elements, video, and product materials. Student fashion designers add collections and experimental garment concepts. The space hosts a year-end Gala Client Showcase bringing all the work together for the client. Afterward, the project is documented and archived. The walls are stripped down as a new year begins—the living definition of a blank canvas.
YOUR FASHION PORTFOLIO
Interested in design or marketing for the fashion industry? Find out how to get involved with Workroom FashionMash while at UNC.
“You can think about working in fashion, or you can do it. Come into FashionMash prepared for the doing. Working with big brands in the classroom keeps you on your toes.”
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working with brands
An essential part of the Workroom FashionMash concept is the relationship the program has with brands. We travel to meet with brand leaders to be inspired by what they do and prepare for the consumer demands they face. To date, the program has worked with global clients such as Burt’s Bees, American Eagle Outfitters, Cartier, Gucci and Puma.
building portfolios
Global View
The lifestyle market is worldwide
Understanding consumer needs on a global scale is key to working in today’s fashion industry. Even the smallest brand has international exposure thanks to social media. Workroom FashionMash has travel opportunities for students, as well as partnerships with global brands to ensure students are prepared for a highly competitive market.