The fashion and textile technology program at Buffalo State is the only baccalaureate program in Western New York that offers a variety of career preparation options for the multifaceted, global fashion industry.
Our affiliations with industry and professional organizations include the American Apparel Footwear Association, which has endorsed the program; National Retail Federation; the American Association of Textiles Chemists and Colorists; the American Collegiate Retailing Association; and the International Textiles Apparel Textile Association. The FTT program received the AAFA Affiliate School recognition by fulfilling the criteria asked by American Apparel and Footwear Association in 2020.
Fashion students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular programmatic activities and regional and national competitions and have achieved top honors in national apparel (Bobbin Show) and textile design (Computer Integrated Textile Design Association) competitions. Internships are available in the Buffalo area and elsewhere in the United States. The Advisory Board (PDF) assists the Fashion and Textile Technology program by providing advice and support for the four concentrations. The Advisory Board connects the program to the fashion industry, its alumni, and the Buffalo-based fashion community.
Faculty expertise, continuous updating of technology-based curriculum, and industry partnerships contribute to the strength of the program. Class sizes are small, allowing individual attention.
“The Fashion & Textile Technology Department mission is to educate emerging professionals to develop creativity, leadership, social responsibility, and global awareness to meet challenges in today’s fashion business through teaching, research and experiential learning programs. FTT graduates’ value sustainable and ethical choices, appreciate cultural diversity and are also well versed in the complexities of the technological environment.”
Examples of available positions include technicians in testing labs to set safety and performance standards, CAD (print, weave, knit, technical, or fashion graphic) apparel designers, trend and design specialists, private label costing and sourcing, CAM production, stylists, colorists, entrepreneurs, fashion/visual merchandisers, merchandiser representatives, fashion journalists, logistics specialists, U.S. customs agents, and theater costuming.
Graduates have been employed by most major apparel and textile companies, including, but not limited to, Abercrombie & Fitch, Calvin Klein, Dior, Ralph Lauren, Macy’s, Fisher-Price, New Era, Tommy Hilfiger, and Victoria’s Secret.
