What is it like to study a Fashion Marketing course

Meet Gabriella Gigante - a third-year student in Brisbane studying a Bachelor of Fashion Marketing and Enterprise. An organised type with a flair for creative business, Gabriella enjoyed learning about the behind-the-scenes aspects of operating a successful fashion enterprise.

Embarking on a daring career change from one creative industry to another, the Bachelor of Fashion Marketing and Enterprise has been the perfect platform to help her launch her new dream career. We spoke to Gabriella about her time at Billy Blue. Now approaching the end of her course, these are her insights on her favourite study experiences and subjects throughout the course.

Tell us about the Bachelor of Fashion Marketing and Enterprise degree?

The Bachelor of Fashion Marketing and Enterprise is a unique combination of subjects from many fields, including fashion, marketing, design, business, and entrepreneurship. Every trimester is different, which keeps it interesting and engaging. This new and exciting course launched in 2022, meaning I am amongst the first cohort of students to journey through the three-year bachelor's degree. This course was designed with employment outcomes in mind – I have seen many of the exact skills I have developed throughout the degree mentioned in the descriptions of current job listings.

What inspired you to start studying Fashion and why did you choose Billy Blue?

Stuck at home during the pandemic, I started an online business selling hand-sewn accessories. Despite the small scale of my first enterprise, this was a catalyst for a big change in my life. I fell in love with the entire process: designing and manufacturing products; promoting my business on social media; and managing my online shop and customer service. The pandemic was a time of massive change and transition, with many re-evaluating their career and purpose during this period. I felt an undeniable sense of ambition to further develop these skills and potentially turn them into a new career in fashion.

I was incredibly lucky to have discovered the Bachelor of Fashion Marketing and Enterprise at Billy Blue. It sounded like the perfect blend of creativity and business – exactly what I was looking for. Having previously completed a four-year degree in classical music, I was initially hesitant to return to university and study while working. I was juggling two part-time jobs in music with my online store and other projects, so having the flexibility with Torrens to study a blend of in-person and online classes made this decision a lot easier. Attending Virtual Open Day and discussing the course with my future lecturers helped me make up my mind, and I enrolled to begin studying in 2022!

Can you tell us about some standout subjects you’ve completed?

One of my first subjects, Digital Design Foundations, served as a hands-on introduction to the Adobe suite, which remained relevant throughout my entire degree. Core subjects like Design Studio 1 explored the concept of storytelling through design, while Design Studio 2 encouraged students to develop and reflect on their own personal brand journey. My favourite subject in my first year was Customer Experience Management, a business course that explored strategies to grow and retain a loyal customer base through delivering CX excellence. Subjects like Marketing Fundamentals, Fashion Concepts, and Introduction to Entrepreneurship gave me an overview of these areas, which would be explored further throughout the degree.

The second year ramped up the detail, with subjects taking an in-depth look into focused topics. As someone obsessed with organisation, Enterprise Management Systems was a fantastic subject. It covered concepts like cost and workflow. I learnt how to create project management timelines and a comprehensive bill of materials. My favourite subject was undoubtedly Future Fashion Retail, which involved investigating contemporary fashion retail models, completing a case study of a brand using this model, and even launching a brand of our own. Fashion and Social Media was an enjoyable subject, wherein student groups worked together to bring an entirely new brand to life by harnessing the power of social media. These brand launches were exciting, and my entrepreneurial spirit was delighted.

Can you tell our future students what they can expect from their final year?

In the last trimester of my third year, I only have three more subjects to complete before graduation. In trimester one, Fashion Buying and Merchandise Planning explored inventory management, profit margins, range plans and open-to-buy budgets. As someone with an appreciation for numbers, I really enjoyed learning about the financial aspects of the fashion business. It is currently trimester two and I’m studying two subjects, Fashion Marketing and Brand Development and Outsourcing Practice. I’m currently researching integrated approaches to marketing strategy, as well as modern production models that champion sustainability and ethics at their core. These subjects have allowed me to think critically about current fashion industry practices and identify enterprises that are leading the way for future innovations in these areas.

Reflecting on my journey so far, I am incredibly grateful for the guidance and expertise of the lecturers who have supported me throughout my studies. Their industry experience and passion for their areas of expertise have made classes enjoyable and memorable for me as a student.