Production Management: Fashion and Related Industries

Once a designer envisions a product, how does that idea (or sketch or virtual prototype) become a three-dimensional item that consumers can buy? Production managers are the essential link in the fashion chain, turning an idea into a high-quality product that is ready for sale on time and at the right price.

In this program, you’ll work with the advanced technology used in the industry, develop your own business plan, and master skills that apply to a wide range of fields. Our curriculum blends business knowledge with hands-on technical skills, preparing you to work in a competitive industry that offers many career opportunities.

FIT's AAS in Production Management can launch your career in fashion production and global supply chain management. Learn how to turn ideas into finished products that reach customers around the world. The curriculum blends business knowledge with hands-on technical skills. Our faculty are industry experts who will prepare you for all aspects of the complex production process, including technical specification development, global sourcing and logistics, and financial analysis for cost and profitability.

When you graduate, you'll be ready to enter a position in a variety of areas, such as production control, sourcing, costing, product development, and quality assurance. You can also continue your studies with our Production Management BS or another bachelor's degree program in the Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology.

Degree Details

In the BS program, you’ll concentrate on the intricacies of the process: manufacturing, quality control, and supply chain. You will immerse yourself in business administration and production techniques for competitive manufacturing systems in today’s global marketplace. You’ll learn analytical and conceptual problem solving, effective business communication, and industry systems and software, and apply these skills through a required internship.

If you have an AAS in Production Management from FIT, you may apply. Learn more about eligibility for this program.

Degree Details

You will work on cutting-edge equipment in facilities modeled on those in the industry — setting you up for success after graduation.

This sketch by Nicole Martinez, Production Management ’25, illustrates her color-matching process as she carefully selects colored pencils or watercolor paints to replicate each fabric swatch.

As part of a collaborative research and internship experience, a team of five students worked with a multinational software company to adapt its software to a fellow FIT alum and independent shoe designer.

Kimmy Scotti, Production Management ’07, shared sketches with Hue magazine, showcasing designs and notes for the career-as-lifestyle platform, originally named WORKS.

The process makes the product … Every industry needs an efficient way for a design vision to become a reality. That’s production management.

The [process of adaptation and problem-solving] was everything we talk about in class. … It was nice to see those things come to life.

Andrea BillingsProduction Management ’20 and 2020 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence (CASE)

Students have interned at GIII, Oscar de la Renta, Nili Lotan, Proenza Schouler, The Row, Thom Browne, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg, A/X Armani Exchange, Carolina Herrera, Ralph Lauren, and VF Corporation. Graduates have worked at Gap, Coach, Brooks Brothers, Lafayette 148, and more. Their roles include production coordinator, product engineer, logistics and distribution manager, salesperson, director of manufacturing, general operations manager, technical designer, consultant, independent business operator, and product developer.

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production management outside the classroom

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In classes taught by practicing professionals in the field, you will gain valuable hands-on experience, as well as theoretical knowledge that will help you solve real-world problems. Meet more Production Management faculty.

Linda Cohen

Cohen is an assistant professor in the Production Management Department. An expert in production management, with a background in creative/technical design and product development, she holds a BFA (Fashion Design) and AAS (Fashion Design and Management Engineering Technology) from FIT.

Salvatore Giardina

Salvatore Giardina brings more than 30 years of executive experience in the apparel industry to his position as assistant professor. Giardina specializes in menswear, textiles, sales, design, and global supply chain management. His career focuses on the upscale market segment, encompassing garment production, Italian luxury fabrics, and tailoring traditions. He has worked extensively with high-end brands, leveraging deep expertise in how premium textiles—particularly from Italy—are selected and integrated into leading luxury collections and combined with the latest garment technology using sustainable manufacturing processes.

Craig Dana

Craig Dana is an Assistant Professor of Production Management, joining the faculty in 2024 after a 30-year corporate career as an executive with leading global fashion brands, including Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, American Eagle Outfitters and AnnTaylor/LOFT. Earlier he was a management consultant serving retail clients. His expertise lies in global supply chain, inclusive of manufacturing, sourcing, product development and logistics spanning the apparel, footwear, accessories and home categories. Dana lived for nearly 15 years in Asia and has led sourcing and production teams in more than 10 countries.

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