Department of Fashion Design: Course Overview

Program Mission

The Fashion Design Department is dedicated to fostering the next generation of creative leaders in the global fashion industry. Our curriculum balances artistic expression with technical proficiency, equipping students with the tools to conceptualize, design, and construct innovative apparel while considering sustainability, ethics, and market trends.

Core Curriculum & Course Descriptions

Level 1: Foundational Design & Visualization

  • Fashion Illustration & Figure Drawing: An introduction to drawing the "fashion croquis." Students learn anatomical proportions, garment rendering, and the use of various media (watercolor, marker, digital) to communicate design ideas.

  • Visual Design Foundations: A study of the elements and principles of design—line, color theory, texture, balance, and rhythm—as they apply specifically to wearable art.

  • Introduction to Textiles: An exploration of fiber science, fabric construction (weaving, knitting), and finishes. Students learn to identify materials and understand how their properties affect garment drape and durability.

Level 2: Technical Execution & Drafting

  • Garment Construction I & II: Hands-on training in professional sewing techniques, industrial machinery operation, and finishing details.

  • Flat Patternmaking: The technical process of translating 2D sketches into 3D patterns through drafting, dart manipulation, and contouring.

  • Draping: A three-dimensional approach to design where students manipulate fabric directly on a dress form to create organic and complex silhouettes.

Level 3: Industry Context & Advanced Digital Tools

  • History of Fashion & Costume: A survey of global dress from ancient civilizations to contemporary high fashion, analyzing how social, political, and economic shifts influence style.

  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for Fashion: Training in industry-standard software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and 3D modeling tools) for creating technical flats, textile prints, and digital portfolios.

  • Fashion Marketing & Merchandising: An introduction to the business side of fashion, including branding, trend forecasting, supply chain management, and consumer behavior.

Level 4: Professional Practice & Senior Collection

  • Sustainable & Ethical Design: A critical look at the environmental impact of the fashion industry, focusing on zero-waste patterns, upcycling, and circular economy principles.

  • Portfolio Development: Guidance on curate a professional design identity, combining technical drawings and creative projects to secure industry placement.

  • Senior Capstone: Collection Design: The culminating experience where students research, design, and produce a fully realized collection of original garments for a runway presentation or gallery exhibition.

Key Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  1. Conceptualize & Innovate: Translate abstract concepts into cohesive fashion collections.

  2. Master Craftsmanship: Demonstrate expert-level proficiency in patternmaking, draping, and garment construction.

  3. Utilize Technology: Leverage digital tools for efficient design production and professional presentation.

  4. Analyze Trends: Apply research and historical context to predict and respond to evolving market demands.

  5. Practice Responsibility: Implement sustainable practices and ethical considerations within the design and manufacturing process.

Potential Career Paths

  • Creative Director / Lead Designer

  • Technical Designer

  • Patternmaker

  • Fashion Stylist

  • Trend Forecaster

  • Textile Designer

  • Fashion Entrepreneur

    Department of Fashion Design: Course Overview

    Program Mission

    The Fashion Design Department is dedicated to fostering the next generation of creative leaders in the global fashion industry. Our curriculum balances artistic expression with technical proficiency, equipping students with the tools to conceptualize, design, and construct innovative apparel while considering sustainability, ethics, and market trends.

    Core Curriculum & Course Descriptions

    Level 1: Foundational Design & Visualization

    • Fashion Illustration & Figure Drawing: An introduction to drawing the "fashion croquis." Students learn anatomical proportions, garment rendering, and the use of various media (watercolor, marker, digital) to communicate design ideas.

    • Visual Design Foundations: A study of the elements and principles of design—line, color theory, texture, balance, and rhythm—as they apply specifically to wearable art.

    • Introduction to Textiles: An exploration of fiber science, fabric construction (weaving, knitting), and finishes. Students learn to identify materials and understand how their properties affect garment drape and durability.

    Level 2: Technical Execution & Drafting

    • Garment Construction I & II: Hands-on training in professional sewing techniques, industrial machinery operation, and finishing details.

    • Flat Patternmaking: The technical process of translating 2D sketches into 3D patterns through drafting, dart manipulation, and contouring.

    • Draping: A three-dimensional approach to design where students manipulate fabric directly on a dress form to create organic and complex silhouettes.

    Level 3: Industry Context & Advanced Digital Tools

    • History of Fashion & Costume: A survey of global dress from ancient civilizations to contemporary high fashion, analyzing how social, political, and economic shifts influence style.

    • Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for Fashion: Training in industry-standard software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and 3D modeling tools) for creating technical flats, textile prints, and digital portfolios.

    • Fashion Marketing & Merchandising: An introduction to the business side of fashion, including branding, trend forecasting, supply chain management, and consumer behavior.

    Level 4: Professional Practice & Senior Collection

    • Sustainable & Ethical Design: A critical look at the environmental impact of the fashion industry, focusing on zero-waste patterns, upcycling, and circular economy principles.

    • Portfolio Development: Guidance on curate a professional design identity, combining technical drawings and creative projects to secure industry placement.

    • Senior Capstone: Collection Design: The culminating experience where students research, design, and produce a fully realized collection of original garments for a runway presentation or gallery exhibition.

    Key Learning Outcomes

    Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

    1. Conceptualize & Innovate: Translate abstract concepts into cohesive fashion collections.

    2. Master Craftsmanship: Demonstrate expert-level proficiency in patternmaking, draping, and garment construction.

    3. Utilize Technology: Leverage digital tools for efficient design production and professional presentation.

    4. Analyze Trends: Apply research and historical context to predict and respond to evolving market demands.

    5. Practice Responsibility: Implement sustainable practices and ethical considerations within the design and manufacturing process.

    Potential Career Paths

    • Creative Director / Lead Designer

    • Technical Designer

    • Patternmaker

    • Fashion Stylist

    • Trend Forecaster

    • Textile Designer

    • Fashion Entrepreneur

      Department of Fashion Design: Course Overview

      Program Mission

      The Fashion Design Department is dedicated to fostering the next generation of creative leaders in the global fashion industry. Our curriculum balances artistic expression with technical proficiency, equipping students with the tools to conceptualize, design, and construct innovative apparel while considering sustainability, ethics, and market trends.

      Core Curriculum & Course Descriptions

      Level 1: Foundational Design & Visualization

      • Fashion Illustration & Figure Drawing: An introduction to drawing the "fashion croquis." Students learn anatomical proportions, garment rendering, and the use of various media (watercolor, marker, digital) to communicate design ideas.

      • Visual Design Foundations: A study of the elements and principles of design—line, color theory, texture, balance, and rhythm—as they apply specifically to wearable art.

      • Introduction to Textiles: An exploration of fiber science, fabric construction (weaving, knitting), and finishes. Students learn to identify materials and understand how their properties affect garment drape and durability.

      Level 2: Technical Execution & Drafting

      • Garment Construction I & II: Hands-on training in professional sewing techniques, industrial machinery operation, and finishing details.

      • Flat Patternmaking: The technical process of translating 2D sketches into 3D patterns through drafting, dart manipulation, and contouring.

      • Draping: A three-dimensional approach to design where students manipulate fabric directly on a dress form to create organic and complex silhouettes.

      Level 3: Industry Context & Advanced Digital Tools

      • History of Fashion & Costume: A survey of global dress from ancient civilizations to contemporary high fashion, analyzing how social, political, and economic shifts influence style.

      • Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for Fashion: Training in industry-standard software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and 3D modeling tools) for creating technical flats, textile prints, and digital portfolios.

      • Fashion Marketing & Merchandising: An introduction to the business side of fashion, including branding, trend forecasting, supply chain management, and consumer behavior.

      Level 4: Professional Practice & Senior Collection

      • Sustainable & Ethical Design: A critical look at the environmental impact of the fashion industry, focusing on zero-waste patterns, upcycling, and circular economy principles.

      • Portfolio Development: Guidance on curate a professional design identity, combining technical drawings and creative projects to secure industry placement.

      • Senior Capstone: Collection Design: The culminating experience where students research, design, and produce a fully realized collection of original garments for a runway presentation or gallery exhibition.

      Key Learning Outcomes

      Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

      1. Conceptualize & Innovate: Translate abstract concepts into cohesive fashion collections.

      2. Master Craftsmanship: Demonstrate expert-level proficiency in patternmaking, draping, and garment construction.

      3. Utilize Technology: Leverage digital tools for efficient design production and professional presentation.

      4. Analyze Trends: Apply research and historical context to predict and respond to evolving market demands.

      5. Practice Responsibility: Implement sustainable practices and ethical considerations within the design and manufacturing process.

      Potential Career Paths

      • Creative Director / Lead Designer

      • Technical Designer

      • Patternmaker

      • Fashion Stylist

      • Trend Forecaster

      • Textile Designer

      • Fashion Entrepreneur

        Department of Fashion Design: Course Overview

        Program Mission

        The Fashion Design Department is dedicated to fostering the next generation of creative leaders in the global fashion industry. Our curriculum balances artistic expression with technical proficiency, equipping students with the tools to conceptualize, design, and construct innovative apparel while considering sustainability, ethics, and market trends.

        Core Curriculum & Course Descriptions

        Level 1: Foundational Design & Visualization

        • Fashion Illustration & Figure Drawing: An introduction to drawing the "fashion croquis." Students learn anatomical proportions, garment rendering, and the use of various media (watercolor, marker, digital) to communicate design ideas.

        • Visual Design Foundations: A study of the elements and principles of design—line, color theory, texture, balance, and rhythm—as they apply specifically to wearable art.

        • Introduction to Textiles: An exploration of fiber science, fabric construction (weaving, knitting), and finishes. Students learn to identify materials and understand how their properties affect garment drape and durability.

        Level 2: Technical Execution & Drafting

        • Garment Construction I & II: Hands-on training in professional sewing techniques, industrial machinery operation, and finishing details.

        • Flat Patternmaking: The technical process of translating 2D sketches into 3D patterns through drafting, dart manipulation, and contouring.

        • Draping: A three-dimensional approach to design where students manipulate fabric directly on a dress form to create organic and complex silhouettes.

        Level 3: Industry Context & Advanced Digital Tools

        • History of Fashion & Costume: A survey of global dress from ancient civilizations to contemporary high fashion, analyzing how social, political, and economic shifts influence style.

        • Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for Fashion: Training in industry-standard software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and 3D modeling tools) for creating technical flats, textile prints, and digital portfolios.

        • Fashion Marketing & Merchandising: An introduction to the business side of fashion, including branding, trend forecasting, supply chain management, and consumer behavior.

        Level 4: Professional Practice & Senior Collection

        • Sustainable & Ethical Design: A critical look at the environmental impact of the fashion industry, focusing on zero-waste patterns, upcycling, and circular economy principles.

        • Portfolio Development: Guidance on curate a professional design identity, combining technical drawings and creative projects to secure industry placement.

        • Senior Capstone: Collection Design: The culminating experience where students research, design, and produce a fully realized collection of original garments for a runway presentation or gallery exhibition.

        Key Learning Outcomes

        Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

        1. Conceptualize & Innovate: Translate abstract concepts into cohesive fashion collections.

        2. Master Craftsmanship: Demonstrate expert-level proficiency in patternmaking, draping, and garment construction.

        3. Utilize Technology: Leverage digital tools for efficient design production and professional presentation.

        4. Analyze Trends: Apply research and historical context to predict and respond to evolving market demands.

        5. Practice Responsibility: Implement sustainable practices and ethical considerations within the design and manufacturing process.

        Potential Career Paths

        • Creative Director / Lead Designer

        • Technical Designer

        • Patternmaker

        • Fashion Stylist

        • Trend Forecaster

        • Textile Designer

        • Fashion Entrepreneur

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CLOTHING CONSTRUCTION THEORY

Clothing Construction Theory is a foundational course that combines the technical principles of garment assembly with the aesthetic elements of design. It provides students with the theoretical knowledge needed to transform a 2D fabric or design sketch into a 3D wearable garment.
 
Course Overview
The course focuses on the "how" and "why" of garment making, emphasizing the relationship between fabric properties, body measurements, and construction techniques. It bridges the gap between creative concept development and industrial production.
 
Key Learning Areas
  • Fundamental Principles: Understanding functional (comfort and fit), structural (seams and shaping), and decorative (trims and embellishments) design elements.
  • Tools and Equipment: Study of sewing machine types (manual, electric, industrial), their internal mechanisms (tension discs, take-up levers), and maintenance/troubleshooting.
  • Pattern Science: Theory of pattern making including drafting (measurements), draping (modeling on a form), and the use of commercial patterns.
  • Construction Techniques:
    • Stitches and Seams: Analysis of temporary vs. permanent stitches and various seam types (French, flat-felled, plain) for different fabric weights.
    • Disposal of Fullness: Technical methods for shaping garments to the body using darts, pleats, tucks, and gathers.
    • Garment Components: Construction of necklines, plackets, sleeves, pockets, and fasteners (buttons, zippers).
  • Health and Safety: Risk management in a studio environment, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safe handling of sharp tool
Objectives
  1. Technical Literacy: Gain a deep understanding of textile raw materials and how they react during the sewing process.
  2. Professional Proficiency: Develop the skills to produce high-quality, well-finished garments that meet industry standards.
  3. Problem Solving: Learn to analyze fit issues and apply pattern alterations to achieve a perfect silhouette.