Accessory Design, Development and Merchandising

From beyond the walls of the classroom and into a real-life creative studio, this hands-on experiential course will walk students through the steps of designing a jewelry collection through the Kendra Scott lens. The project-based course will encourage collaboration by building team-centered student groups from various disciplines.

Students will gain experience by working directly in designated groups and with faculty from the Division of Textiles and Apparel and leaders from the Kendra Scott team. A series of student projects will focus on research, design, product development, product launch and merchandising for a jewelry collection suitable for the Kendra Scott target market. 

The semester-long course will provide insight into designing a jewelry collection while working with development and merchandising to create a line plan. Courses will take place at both the UT campus and Kendra Scott design studio or online as students work through the various stages of design to 3D prototype development.

The semester will end with a virtual student exhibition in partnership with the Kendra Scott team where one piece may be chosen for distribution in selected Kendra Scott stores. This experiential course is open to all majors at the junior and senior level and will meet once a week for three hours. 

The intent of featuring student designs is solely for the purpose of showcasing student work and celebrating Kendra Scott’s partnership with UT.  20% of the proceeds from this product are donated back into the WEL Institute. Kendra Scott does not make a profit from this product.