In partnership with Central Washington University, Seattle Central College, Seattle Pacific University and Washington State University, the New + Next program provides emerging student designers with the tools, mentorship and exposure they need to launch their careers in the fashion industry.

Students were selected to participate in a guided mentorship program designed to serve as a launchpad for aspiring fashion designers. With foundational support from their college programs in concept development and garment construction, students advanced their skills through mentorship from fashion designers Deyonté Weather, Olayinka Ola, show producer Terri Morgan and the dedicated faculty mentors from each college partner.

Central Washington University’s Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising program offers a unique and dynamic blend of fashion, business, and creativity, all in one personalized educational experience. Students can pursue the Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising major on its own or customize their education through the only Fashion Marketing specialization in the Pacific Northwest, as well as an Apparel Design minor that pairs seamlessly with the major, developing both creative and strategic skill sets tailored to their career goals. Hands-on learning is central to the program: students lead fashion shows, manage visual merchandising in real retail spaces, and collaborate with industry professionals across the Pacific Northwest. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty mentors, CWU empowers students to grow as leaders, creatives, and change-makers. Sustainability is woven throughout the curriculum, preparing graduates to drive meaningful change in an industry that needs innovative, ethical solutions. By gaining a broad and versatile skillset, CWU students are equipped to pursue a wide range of opportunities across the ever-evolving world of fashion.

Seattle Central College’s School of Apparel Design & Development is the region’s most technically oriented design school, known for its relevant and innovative curriculum. Our industry-standard training provides students with the professional skills needed to thrive in the fashion industry. Established in 1954, we have given effective design and technical career training to thousands of graduates in the workforce, many of whom have become industry leaders. Located in Seattle’s dynamic Capitol Hill neighborhood, we have significant ties with local, nationwide and international employers who depend on the School of Apparel Design & Development graduates to drive success in their companies.

Seattle Pacific University’s Apparel Design and Merchandising program delivers a strong interdisciplinary education that equips students with a competitive edge in the fashion industry. Integrating consumer research, fashion marketing, textile science, business, the arts, and sustainable design, the program cultivates both students’ creative vision and strategic thinking. Located just minutes from downtown Seattle, where many apparel companies are headquartered and where our alumni have established careers, SPU’s Apparel Design and Merchandising program maintains strong connections with the apparel industry. As the only four-year fashion program in the greater Seattle area, SPU offers a premier launchpad for aspiring designers, merchandisers, and textile professionals ready to shape the future of fashion.

The Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles (AMDT) at Washington State University (WSU) is the premier four-year apparel and textiles program in the Pacific Northwest. AMDT offers Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, and Interdisciplinary Doctoral degrees, with student specialization in either Apparel Design or Merchandising. Students gain the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to thrive in the fashion industry. The program features nationally recognized faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, including design studios, textile labs, CAD and digital printing labs, AR/VR lab, and hybrid classrooms. Experiential learning is a hallmark of the program, featuring opportunities such as the annual student-led fashion show, industry tours to major hubs like New York, Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle, as well as study abroad programs in Asia and Europe. AMDT is supported by an active Industry Advisory Board comprising leaders from 12 top companies, including Nike, Nordstrom, Amazon, UGG, Columbia Sportswear, Cotton Incorporated, and Kurt Geiger, among others. The department is also a proud member of the National Retail Federation.