Browse our comprehensive catalog of courses across various disciplines and programs.
Students in this course develop skills necessary to create advanced sample garments. The emphasis is on the production of the first sample muslin or prototype through the application of advanced draping and pattern drafting techniques. Students work with fit models to learn the various fitting procedures used in the industry. Pattern alterations and manipulations are demonstrated in class to show how alterations are processed and corrected on the paper pattern. Presentation of final muslins is critiqued prior to the development of final garments.
World-class designers rely on the trained eye and vivid imagination of fashion photographers to captivate audiences with the drama and details of their couture. Students investigate the history of fashion photography while learning the tools of the trade, from casting and directing talent to scouting locations and coordinating stylists. Students showcase these skills, along with innovative techniques for lighting and digital retouching, in the creation of a professional portfolio.
In this course we will focus on the practical and necessary tools used in the design process to ensure clear and effective communication for product development and manufacturing. Working from existing garments, students will be introduced to creating technical packages that contain detailed flat sketches, instructions, garment measurements, construction details, technical notes, and more, while learning how to communicate design ideas clearly and effectively through digital means. Students will also be introduced to the product development process and lifecycle. Students complete the course with examples of technical packages and an understanding of their role in streamlining the manufacturing process.
This survey covers the history, characteristics, and global interrelationships of all segments of the fashion industry. The course explores how fiber, textile, and apparel producers, retailers, and home furnishings companies merchandise and market their products within the industry and to the ultimate consumer.
This course provides the opportunity for students to integrate their fashion design development with computer- aided systems. The emphasis is on fashion innovation and concept design exploration enhanced by computer applications.
In this course, we will explore the concepts and practices of visual merchandising. We will consider the methods and techniques used in visual merchandising to strengthen a brandÃâøés image and engage an audience, including store layout, lighting, fixtures, window presentations, graphic design, in-store displays, and overall store environment. We will also learn how retailers apply these methods and techniques to different platforms such as store interiors, 2D print, and internet presence. Other topics include the use of popular culture in visual merchandising, diversity and representation, and market segments. Students will learn to conduct store analyses and generate research methods such as photography, floor plans, flow diagrams, and illustration for reports. Upon successful completion of this course, students will possess an understanding of the methods used in visual merchandising and how they can be applied.
This course gives students the opportunity to develop a personal portfolio of creative work. Students identify their specified career goals andprepare their portfolios accordingly
This course explores many aspects of fashion illustration, from drawing basic fashion figures to producing finished professional illustrations in color. The course addresses fashion illustration from the perspectives of both fashion designers and fashion illustrators and examines the role of fashion illustration in different areas of the fashion industry.
This course explores many aspects of fashion illustration, from drawing basic fashion figures to producing finished professional illustrations in color. The course addresses fashion illustration from the perspectives of both fashion designers and fashion illustrators and examines the role of fashion illustration in different areas of the fashion industry.
Analysis and comparison of mass media and the communication arts as they are used in advertising, marketing, promotion, and the dissemination of public information. Includes an overview of careers available in communications. Students learn communications theory, new electronic media, and their potential applications.
This course explores many aspects of fashion illustration, from drawing basic fashion figures to producing finished professional illustrations in color. The course addresses fashion illustration from the perspectives of both fashion designers and fashion illustrators and examines the role of fashion illustration in different areas of the fashion industry.
This studio course addresses the basic elements of fashion design. Assignments introduce the design processes of trend and fabric research, storyboarding compiling, color story, design innovation and the 2D to 3D development of creative ideas.
Presents a comprehensive overview of the direct marketing industry, including its various components and career opportunities. Through the use of case studies and/or assignments, students learn strategic planning: how to choose and merchandise a product, pinpoint a target audience, develop marketing tests, and analyze results. Students are also introduced to the various electronic vehicles currently used in this ever-changing industry.
In this course, students will learn the fundamental technical skills to create garments, starting with the introductory and progressing into more complex and dynamic applications. Students will learn skills such as pattern making, draping, sewing and other means of garment construction in a critical and explorative manner while addressing cultural, social, and environmental contexts. Class time will comprise of learning the technical fundamentals of garment construction; applying research outcomes to manipulate, build, and construct 2D/3D products; exploring, analyzing, and deconstructing fashion products to understand construction methods; and navigating the design process as it moves from 2D to 3D.
This course provides an opportunity for the student to continue development of personal research methodologies, design philosophy, processes and innovative approaches to materiality. Students will be guided to further develop a personalized approach to design aesthetic, vocabulary and markets. Students will examine more complex design concepts in order to demonstrate a breadth of understanding of brand identity and user contexts. Consideration will be given to the visual curation of the fashion process in terms of personal identity, communication and brand messaging. In this third course in a four-course core sequence, students will identify and understand the importance of re-contextualizing, defining, and applying personal design aesthetics to a broad range of product and/or related fashion design outcomes.
Students learn the key components necessary for development of fashion apparel products. They gain experience in identifying apparel construction techniques, fabric strategies, product processes, bill of materials (costing), global sourcing, and learn key apparel terminology to develop garment prototypes.
Sustainable fashion is necessary to minimize the environmental impact of the industry. In this course, students expand their sustainable strategies, incorporating their research into environmentally-responsible designs. Considering material sourcing, manufacturing techniques, distribution logistics, longevity of use, and responsible disposal, students develop a portfolio of sustainable construction samples.
This course covers the evolution of fashion, market segmentation, relationships between industry sectors and retailers. Students will explore career paths and emphasize the importance of personal branding. Studies will culminate by exploring the global supply chain from concept to consumer focusing on sustainability and ethics.
This studio course focuses on advanced garment construction. It explores the development of basic level apparel styles through the application of pattern drafting principles. Students draft and execute professional standard patterns through flat pattern methods, measurements and rub-off. Students study the full process of garment construction from initial design through prototyping and finishing.
In this advanced studio course, we will hone hand-drawing techniques, fabric rendering, diverse media, layout and composition, and final presentation. Each week, we will draw from a live model or researched sources to strengthen our visual communication skills and individual aesthetics. Projects allow each student to experiment and take a personal approach to fashion drawing that may then be applied to their portfolio development. Demonstrations, lectures, possible field trip(s), and critique sessions support and strengthen studentsÃâøé learning throughout the semester. Students complete the course with a portfolio of 2-D work that represents an array of fashion drawing methods and approaches. Students are expected to have an understanding of fashion drawing and the figure before entering the course.
In this course, we will study the key aspects of starting a business, with a focus on the fashion industry. Some of the key topics that we will examine include business plan development, securing financing, working with contractors and manufacturers, wholesale and retail pricing, legal issues and copyrights, licensing, permits, and intellectual property matters. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have developed actual business plans as outcomes.
This course explores the application of advanced sewing technology across a range of fashion products. Emphasis is placed on producing a reference sample book by using various fashion materials
This course allows students to further develop 2D and 3D design skills and practices within the context of the discipline, and to build on the skills introduced in previous module. Students will then continue to refine their approaches in regard to primary research and balancing the technical with the aesthetic.
This studio course focuses on advanced garment construction. It explores the development of basic level apparel styles through the application of pattern drafting principles. Students draft and execute professional standard patterns through flat pattern methods, measurements and rub-off. Students study the full process of garment construction from initial design through prototyping and finishing.
This course provides an opportunity for the student to continue development of personal research methodologies, design philosophy, processes and innovative approaches to materiality. Students will be guided to further develop a personalized approach to design aesthetic, vocabulary and markets. Students will examine more complex design concepts in order to demonstrate a breadth of understanding of brand identity and user contexts. Consideration will be given to the visual curation of the fashion process in terms of personal identity, communication and brand messaging. In this third course in a four-course core sequence, students will identify and understand the importance of re-contextualizing, defining, and applying personal design aesthetics to a broad range of product and/or related fashion design outcomes.
Introduces students to the processes of apparel product development, including planning, forecasting, fabric, silhouette, size specifications, pricing, and sourcing. Students examine the best practices and innovative approaches for apparel product development in the apparel fashion industry in order to compete in today's competitive retail environment.
This course is designed to train the respective students the skill in producing 2 dimensional designs by utilizing basic elements and principles of design plus basic creative thinking method.
This course is designed to further train the students in the aspect of design; covering understanding of colors and advance method of creative thinking.
Students further develop students' oral and aural situational fluency and acquire reading and writing skills in this course. Students read level-appropriate authentic texts, and are introduced to text analysis as well as basic sentence and paragraph structure. Students work on grammar and vocabulary development with special attention to verb forms and parts of speech. Students build communication skills in spoken English to maintain a conversation with interlocution and to satisfy uncomplicated social demands and basic living needs. Students build upon phonetic awareness through sound/spelling correspondences and vowel and consonant recognition.
This course addresses business analytics used by merchants, product developers, planners, wholesale sales, and more. Students are prepared to think critically, measure, and analyze the financial elements (key performance indicators) used in the fashion business.
A comprehensive introduction to the modern fashion business environment with insight to the structures, finances, management, leadership, organization and ethical responsibilities of varied global fashion enterprises. Emphasis is placed on careers, job descriptions and the preparation necessary for a successful career in the fashion business.
This is the first in a three-quarter sequence of courses in which the student focuses on conceptualizing an original 2D collection specializing in a major area of design. Students explore identifying customer profiles, researching major areas of specialization, sources of inspiration and fabrication selection. The student develops portfolio-ready technical sketches, illustrations, flats, storyboards, color storyboards and fabric swatches in preparation for the Senior Collection II course.
In this studio course, students are introduced to professional standard sewing techniques and apparel construction. Through assignments, the fundamental techniques are applied and explored to study proper garment construction and execution.
Explores current practices in the retail industry. Topics and disciplines include retail landscape, channel classification, industry segments, retail market strategies, data analytics, customer relationship management, financial strategy, supply chain structures and retail management
Students enhance observational drawing skills and produce work from imagination in linear perspective through research and experimentation with technique and media. Students refine the use of black-and-white media, learn to use color media, and skillfully integrate content, concept and composition.
This course explores many aspects of fashion illustration, from drawing basic fashion figures to producing finished professional illustrations in color. The course addresses fashion illustration from the perspectives of both fashion designers and fashion illustrators and examines the role of fashion illustration in different areas of the fashion industry.
This course presents a visual history of fashion from ancient Egypt to the present, with particular emphasis on recent history from the mid-19th through the early 21st centuries. Students discuss and analyze historical periods and their influence on contemporary fashion.
Strategies of Merchandising I is an elective course for the BFA degree in Fashion Design. Its focus is on developing merchandise strategies to effectively buy, plan and merchandise a retail business in stores and on a website. Students will gain experience by actively developing merchandise plans using industry analytics
Design Studio 1 is both an introduction to the fundamental creative process of Fashion design and a continuation of the Integrative Studios. The course will focus on three fundamental goals: First, to integrate material skills, techniques and concepts from other courses into project work. Second, students will begin to identify and understand collaboration, conceptual development, iteration, and primary research within the context of Fashion design and aesthetics. Third, to engage in critical dialogue with the community and the making process, while building students' capacities for investigation, critical thinking, and working across media.
In this course, we will examine fashion show production through study of traditional and emerging fashion presentation strategies. Topics to be explored include: show creative direction and format options, sourcing of venue, talent and production teams, as well as managing show budgets. We will consider the role of the fashion show within brand public relations and the range of pre- and post-show activities that fashion brands undertake. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have generated projects that include the key elements of fashion show production and public relations materials.
This course provides an opportunity for the student to continue development of personal research methodologies, design philosophy, processes and innovative approaches to materiality. Students will be guided to further develop a personalized approach to design aesthetic, vocabulary and markets. Students will examine more complex design concepts in order to demonstrate a breadth of understanding of brand identity and user contexts. Consideration will be given to the visual curation of the fashion process in terms of personal identity, communication and brand messaging. In this third course in a four-course core sequence, students will identify and understand the importance of re-contextualizing, defining, and applying personal design aesthetics to a broad range of product and/or related fashion design outcomes
Internships offer students valuable opportunities to work in a professional environment and gain firsthand experience to help them prepare for careers. In an approved internship setting, a student typically spends one quarter working with an on-site professional supervisor and a faculty internship supervisor to achieve specific goals and objectives related to the program of study.
In this course, we will examine fashion show production through study of traditional and emerging fashion presentation strategies. Topics to be explored include: show creative direction and format options, sourcing of venue, talent and production teams, as well as managing show budgets. We will consider the role of the fashion show within brand public relations and the range of pre- and post-show activities that fashion brands undertake. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have generated projects that include the key elements of fashion show production and public relations materials.
In this course, students will learn the fundamental technical skills to create garments, starting with the introductory and progressing into more complex and dynamic applications. Students will learn skills such as pattern making, draping, sewing and other means of garment construction in a critical and explorative manner while addressing cultural, social, and environmental contexts. Class time will comprise of learning the technical fundamentals of garment construction; applying research outcomes to manipulate, build, and construct 2D/3D products; exploring, analyzing, and deconstructing fashion products to understand construction methods; and navigating the design process as it moves from 2D to 3D.
In this course, we will focus on the study of fiber and fabric properties, identification, fabric weaving, yarn systems, knitting construction, finishes, dyeing and printing, as related to fabric aesthetics, quality, performance and product end-use. The course combines the study of textile science, the creative use of fiber and fabric as inspiration in fashion design, as well as applications and practices in the fashion industry. By the successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate a fundamental understanding of textile and yarn terminology, communicate fabric knowledge in relation to design, understand the development of textiles within a historic, ethnic, geographic and cultural context, and showcase the ability to manipulate fabric in innovative ways that impact design silhouette and details.
This course explores the application of advanced sewing technology across a range of fashion products. Emphasis is placed on producing a reference sample book by using various fashion materials
In this course, students explore the role of a fashion stylist as it applies to the field of merchandising. They learn about career opportunities in fashion styling and wardrobe consulting. The business requirements and entrepreneurial opportunities in the field of fashion styling are explored.
Students explore and apply various forecast research methods in preparation for developing, planning, purchasing, or merchandising fashion product lines and collections. Trend research is evaluated through the use of forecast service databases, and relevant fashion related business articles and websites to identify opportunities for growth and profitability in fashion businesses.
In this course, students will learn the fundamental technical skills to create garments, starting with the introductory and progressing into more complex and dynamic applications. Students will learn skills such as pattern making, draping, sewing and other means of garment construction in a critical and explorative manner while addressing cultural, social, and environmental contexts. Class time will comprise of learning the technical fundamentals of garment construction; applying research outcomes to manipulate, build, and construct 2D/3D products; exploring, analyzing, and deconstructing fashion products to understand construction methods; and navigating the design process as it moves from 2D to 3D.
This course introduces students to the multiplicity of theoretical frameworks and methodologies that have defined the history of art as a discipline. The course explores art history's evolution as a field of study, seeking to understand the ways in which art historians have established the autonomy of their subject. The course addresses the manyintersections with other disciplines and bodies of knowledge.
Focuses on marketing in the context of the global fashion industry. Topics include research, analysis, market segmentation, target customer identification, the marketing mix, strategic planning, brand strategy and positioning, customer relationships, social media, and mobile marketing, as well as the use of online analytics and new technologies.
This is the last in a three-course sequence where students produce a final collection in selected fabrics. Industry-standard construction techniques are applied in the execution of the student's final collection. Portfolio-quality presentation boards support the collection.
This course provides the opportunity for students to integrate their fashion design development with computer- aided systems. The emphasis is on fashion innovation and concept design exploration enhanced by computer applications.
Students learn basic skills and techniques for drawing from direct observation using subjects such as still life, landscape, and architecture. The depiction of form, light, and spatial depth is emphasized along with accurate proportion and scale. Research tools such as thumbnail sketches, quick studies, sketchbooks, and digital resources are used to develop ideas. Analysis of drawings, critiques, and classroom discussions build vocabulary and enrich the students' understanding of drawing.
This foundational course introduces students to reading a variety of short texts, learning and practicing explicit reading skills. Students explore a variety of simple writing tasks such as guided writing, retells and dictation. Students are introduced to simple verb forms, basic parts of speech and simple sentence structure. Furthermore students will interact task-based, situational language functions are explored in this course. Students work on developing their oral and aural communication skills through dialogues, discussions, videos, and short lectures. Students build production of segmental sounds and basic stress and intonation patterns in isolation.
This course provides an opportunity for the student to continue development of personal research methodologies, design philosophy, processes and innovative approaches to materiality. Students will be guided to further develop a personalized approach to design aesthetic, vocabulary and markets. Students will examine more complex design concepts in order to demonstrate a breadth of understanding of brand identity and user contexts. Consideration will be given to the visual curation of the fashion process in terms of personal identity, communication and brand messaging. In this third course in a four-course core sequence, students will identify and understand the importance of re-contextualizing, defining, and applying personal design aesthetics to a broad range of product and/or related fashion design outcomes.