Marymount University

Fashion Design and Merchandising Department

Marymount’s fashion programs are the only four-year degree programs in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. We have two-degree programs, Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising & Marketing, and both are highly recognized in the area. The world of fashion envelops a student at Marymount—whether they are studying illustration, product development, or pattern making in the Fashion Design program; or visual merchandising, fashion show production, or buying in the Fashion Merchandising program.

At Marymount, students are encouraged to “get involved” in real-world projects, which includes participating in fashion club events, the National Retail Federation Foundation (NRF) conference, and the production of the annual fashion show, Portfolio in Motion (PIM). Through these experiences, Marymount’s fashion students are better prepared for a career in the fashion industry.

The program allows students to gain diverse and mindful experiences through their internships in the fashion industry, global perspectives in various study abroad opportunities, quality guidance supported by professional critiques that include senior line reviews by the university’s Designer of the Year, and instruction from expert faculty.

Portfolio in Motion (PIM)

Portfolio in Motion is Marymount’s largest student-led event and one of three signature events throughout the academic school year. Each spring, students in Marymount’s fashion programs produce all aspects of the Portfolio in Motion fashion show. This includes designing and constructing the garments, selecting and choreographing student models, designing and lighting the set, writing scripts, selecting music, and much more. The program’s development can be observed on social media all spring semester @marymountpim.

Each year, the PIM committee selects a distinguished design professional from the international fashion industry to be honored with the Designer of the Year Award and provide critique to the graduating seniors presenting their portfolio work. Past design honorees include: Oscar de la Renta, Tommy Hilfiger, Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors, Naeem Khan, Lazaro Perez, Eileen Fisher, Tadashi Shoji, Diane von Furstenberg, Geoffrey Beene, Reem Acra, and Ralph Rucci.

How Can You Support?

Become a Donor:

100% of donations will help cover expenses related to the Portfolio in Motion fashion show, as well as technology and equipment upkeep in the classroom, and other miscellaneous costs determined by the program director.

A message from two of our Marymount students

Hello,

Our names are Isabella Angello and Thomas Le, a fashion merchandising and marketing as well as a fashion design student from Marymount University. As students and as Executive Directors for PIM this year we’re more than excited to share our passion project with our school and the DMV community. Being both fashion majors in different fields, we’ve united and are closely collaborating to produce the most memorable and unforgettable experience imaginable and to provide Marymount’s Fashion Department and fashion students with real-world experience.

Being one of Marymount’s signature events, we value and pride ourselves in the effort and the countless hours it takes to put on this fashion show. The Portfolio in Motion fashion show provides a spotlight on student’s work and grants them exposure. It allows design students to showcase their pieces while giving marketing and business students an inside look of a fashion show experience to apply their skills and knowledge in a real-life format.

We know our student body is eager to see what we have planned for this year, and we are confident that the 2025 Portfolio in Motion will not disappoint. Our show allows students campus-wide to collaborate with one another, discover new opportunities, and transform aspirations into achievements. With your generosity, you’re empowering us to become leaders in fashion and set an example for the next generation of Saints.

Sincerely,

Isabella Angello, Executive Director of PIM 2025 (class of 2025)

Thomas Le, Executive Director of PIM 2025 (class of 2026)