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BS in Fashion Design
At a Glance
Connect with Us
Contact
Name:
Carly Kusy, MS
Position:
Program Director, BS in Fashion Design & MS in Fashion Design Technology
Email:
Carly.Kusy@jefferson.edu
Career Highlights
Employers hire Thomas Jefferson University graduates for their unparalleled skill-set and their ability to hit-the-ground running from day one, including:
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Graduates of the Thomas Jefferson University Fashion Design Program are well-quipped to hold a number of positions within the fashion industry including: Apparel Design, Accessories Design, Technical Design, Patternmaker, CAD/Print Design, Concept Design, Product Development, Fabric Sourcing, 3D Fit and Design, and many more.
The Fashion Design class of 2024 achieved a 93% employment rate six months post graduation.
Selected Alumni Highlights
Thomas Jefferson University alumni are leading in all areas of the fashion industry, check out a couple selected stories to see where you might be in a few years.
Mike Ternosky - Distinguished Alumn
Mike Ternosky ’00, is head designer for the influential OBEY Clothing brand, which specializes in progressive design in apparel and classic streetwear.
Growing up skateboarding and surfing in Avalon, N.J., Ternosky came to Jefferson (Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University) to study fashion design. After graduating, this combination of interests led him to California, where in 2000 he helped establish OBEY Clothing as an offshoot of the work of Shepard Fairey, the famed artist known for his iconic "Hope" poster of President Obama. With Ternosky, he creates designs that represent his influences, ideals and philosophy.
"I had a real passion for the punk-rock, streetwear aesthetic," Ternosky told Jefferson students during a campus visit. He also talked about the importance of having true passion for their work and making sure they have the building blocks to succeed.
"I learned key technical things at this school," Ternosky said of Jefferson. "A strong foundation is essential."
He received the University’s prestigious Spirit of Design Award at the 2016 Fashion Show.
Alicia Pickney - Distinguished alum
Alicia Pickney ’13, is a Jordan Global Men’s Apparel Designer for Nike. She is also the founder of Black Talent in Design & Fashion Fund.
Alicia was born and raised in West Philadelphia. From an early age, she used creativity as an outlet to express herself. In her time at Thomas Jefferson University, she participated in multiple runway competitions and was an active member of the Black Retail Action Group (BRAG) on campus, an organization which connects black students and industry professionals. After graduating and working in New York City for a short time, Alicia was awarded a scholarship through Vogue Italia to study for her Master's degree at the Domus Academy in Italy. From there, Alicia has worked for numerous Italian brands, as well as Timberland's Switzerland division and Adidas in the U.S.
Now based in Portland, after four years in Switzerland, Alicia's career has allowed her to call six cities and three countries home: U.S.-Phila, NYC, Boston, Italy-Milano & Switzerland-Lugano. Alicia is the Founder & President of Black Talent in Design & Fashion Fund, which awards scholarships to black students across the U.S. and in Europe. Since the foundation in 2020, the organization has awarded 49 students in the U.S. and two students in Europe thanks to their corporate sponsors.
As a Global Apparel Designer with demonstrated history of understanding consumers and different cultures, while also working with a team of different nationalities, Alicia has been able to apply this knowledge to her technical & creative skills in delivering on brand product.
"Alicia received the University's prestigious Fashion Design Alumni Award at the 2025 Fashion Show."
Kierra Lee ’24
Kierra Lee is an Assistant Designer for Women's RTW Denim at Macy's. As a student at Thomas Jefferson University, Kierra received a '22-'23 Virgil Abloh Post-Modern Scholarship, as well as the '23 SKIMS X FSF Scholarship at the annual Fashion Scholarship Fund Gala. She took full advantage of the university's reputation for collaboration as a senior, working with a graphic design student and the university's surface imaging department to create custom graphics, prints and embroidered pieces for her capstone collection.
After graduation, Kierra moved to California to work on the 3D apparel and product design team for Levi's. She is now an Assistant Designer for Women’s Denim RTW for I.N.C and On 34th at Macy’s.
Terry Bridges ’23
Terry Bridges grew up in Philadelphia to a family of artists and found an attraction to art at a young age. His exposure to abstract art movements and sneaker culture in high school would be the foundation for his path into fashion design.
While studying Fashion Design at Thomas Jefferson University, Terry had the opportunity to showcase his sustainable clothing designs at Design Philadelphia and Philly Fashion Week. Currently, Terry works with Urban Outfitters as a menswear designer, as well as independently operating all aspects of the Trtl Collective brand. His work has been featured in various fashion shows, pop-up events, and editorials.
Siani Velàzquez ’19
Siani Velàzquez studied Fashion Design at Thomas Jefferson University and graduated in 2019. After graduation, She launched her brand C’est La Si's first capsule Resortwear Collection.
C’est La Si has been an epicenter of creativity since 2019, and Siani redirected her full focus on the business post-COVID in 2021 after continuing her education with her Master's Degree in International Fashion Design Management, also at Thomas Jefferson University. C’est La Si is a Philadelphia based clothing brand for men & women, a place of sewing/design education courses, and hosts annual runway show productions for more than 5 years.
Vanessa Fath - ’19
Vanessa Fath ’19 is an associate designer for womenswear at Jetty, the most notable surf and skate apparel brand on the East Coast.
Growing up with a background in sewing, Vanessa wanted to study fashion at a top school with reputable faculty. As a BS Fashion Design student at Thomas Jefferson University, Vanessa’s senior collection was shown at an Emerging Designer Fashion Show at NYFW. After graduation, she took a job designing for PVH as a knitwear designer before deciding to return to the university for her MS in International Fashion Design Management. As part of her Master's capstone project, Vanessa, under the mentorship of Valentina Rainone, CFO of Marni, developed a sustainable business model with the Italian designer brand, Marni. Her project is valued to offer the brand additional profits of approximately $500,000 during its first year of incorporating the Business Model.
Since graduating with her MS, Vanessa enjoys combining her love of fashion and surf culture by designing womenswear for the New Jersey-based surf and skate company, Jetty.
Madison Chamberlain ’17
Madison Chamberlain '17 is an entrepreneur and the owner & CEO of Madison Chamberlain Non-traditional Bridal.
Taking advantage of her viral videos and social media as a form of advertisement, the brand is now a well-known and successful custom design business. The brand represents the freedom of being who you want to be. They specialize in non-traditional wedding looks for people who do not resonate with what is currently available in the market, and all of their outfits are custom made to ensure the perfect fit for all bodies.
Madison's studio is located in Philadelphia, PA, where she works alongside a team of fellow Thomas Jefferson University Fashion Design alumni.
Dana McNeil ’15
Dana McNeil is a Technical Design Manager for Abercrombie & Fitch. She currently oversees knit tops, knit bodysuits, graphic tees, fleece tops, knit bottoms (pants, shorts, skirts), knit rompers and jumpsuits for the Abercrombie & Fitch Female adult brand.
As a student at Thomas Jefferson University, Dana showed her senior capstone collection as part of an Emerging Designer Showcase at New York Fashion Week (NYFW). She also studied abroad in both Asia and Africa on short-course trips during her time in the program.