VF Corp announced that its Jeanswear division is partnering with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) to bring innovative 3D design technology to the school’s Department of Consumer, Apparel and Retail Studies to help prepare students for careers in the apparel and retail industries. VF’s Jeanswear business includes its Wrangler and Lee brands.
The technology provides students with a unique, hands-on opportunity to learn state-of-the-art techniques and processes used in the areas of apparel design, production and merchandising. The software enables patternmakers and designers to mimic the real-life process of designing and developing products, which means garments can be made in a few hours, as opposed to the weeks it takes to make physical samples, helping companies save time, money and resources.
“As an employer of UNCG graduates, we saw the opportunity to help students advance their career opportunities by equipping them with new apparel technology skills to be used from initial design through manufacturing, merchandising, marketing and consumers’ shopping experiences,” said Phil McAdams, president of VF’s Jeanswear coalition. “In turn, VF maintains a pipeline of work-ready, young professionals who are able to make an immediate contribution to our business when hired.”
The UNCG partnership ensures that students entering the workforce are proficient in the use of 3D design technology and possess the skills to work with this advanced software. The use of this technique is increasing across the apparel and retail industries.
“Our partnership with VF gives our students tremendous opportunities to build on the many other technical competencies they learn in their coursework and gain a competitive advantage when they pursue their careers,” said Dr. Nancy Nelson Hodges, head of UNCG’s Department of Consumer, Apparel and Retail Studies. “It’s really going to transform how we educate students. We’re proud to be part of this exciting project.”
UNCG’s Department of Consumer, Apparel and Retail Studies comprises more than 300 undergraduate and graduate students. The school will integrate the 3D software into its curriculum, and students will begin using the technology in the Fall 2017 semester. The 3D software at the center of this partnership is provided by Browzwear, a specialist in 3D simulation for the apparel and fashion industries.
VF Corporation’s largest brands are The North Face, Vans, Timberland, Wrangler and Lee.
