Melody Acree
Fashion Marketing & Management
Adjunct Faculty
The Art Institute of Tampa, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design
Teaching Approach:
I like to give students a comprehensive overview of the industry. In my courses we cover so many areas of the industry, from marketing and trend forecasting to styling and merchandising, and even the business side of things. I also really prioritize career preparation. Beyond designing, it’s important to teach soft skills, the importance of self-marketing, and encourage robust resume development through volunteer opportunities and more. After years in the industry, fashion still excites me and I believe that this passion allows me to engage and inspire students to excel. I love pushing them and to help them become productive professionals who excel in the industry.
Industry Experience:
I’m lucky to have experienced and have a vast understanding of both the creative and the marketing sides of the fashion business. My experience includes the design and marketing of my own label to stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Henri Bendel. As a fashion stylist, I’ve produced editorials for publications like FLAIR and DuPont Registry magazines. I’ve also worked as a fashion assistant at Vogue magazine. Additionally, from my time as a Fashion Internship Coordinator at the International Academy of Design and Technology, I have experience placing fashion students with impressive organizations such as Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen, Ralph Lauren, and others. It is these combined experiences that allow me to give my students more than just an education in fashion, but a real-world, insider look at how the industry really works.
I like to give students a comprehensive overview of the industry. In my courses we cover so many areas of the industry, from marketing and trend forecasting to styling and merchandising, and even the business side of things. I also really prioritize career preparation. Beyond designing, it’s important to teach soft skills, the importance of self-marketing, and encourage robust resume development through volunteer opportunities and more. After years in the industry, fashion still excites me and I believe that this passion allows me to engage and inspire students to excel. I love pushing them and to help them become productive professionals who excel in the industry.
Industry Experience:
I’m lucky to have experienced and have a vast understanding of both the creative and the marketing sides of the fashion business. My experience includes the design and marketing of my own label to stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Henri Bendel. As a fashion stylist, I’ve produced editorials for publications like FLAIR and DuPont Registry magazines. I’ve also worked as a fashion assistant at Vogue magazine. Additionally, from my time as a Fashion Internship Coordinator at the International Academy of Design and Technology, I have experience placing fashion students with impressive organizations such as Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen, Ralph Lauren, and others. It is these combined experiences that allow me to give my students more than just an education in fashion, but a real-world, insider look at how the industry really works.