The Fashion Design program is designed to train women’s fashion designers, who are responsible for designing high-quality clothing and creating clothing styles or patterns that reflect current fashion trends and meet the needs of the various target markets according to a determined sequence. The fashion designer must conduct research on materials used, supervise the pattern making and prototyping processes and ensure follow-up.

EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the program, Fashion Design graduates should be able to

  • Provide knowledge of the fashion industry as a means of qualifying and encouraging individuals to enter the job market and practice the tasks and activities required by their profession.
  • Develop professional knowledge of the fashion industry and entrepreneurial skills as a means of improving an individual’s career mobility.
  • Research and analyze the profession, principles, history, styles, terminology, organizations, retailers, markets, and important designers in fashion.
  • Analyze the history of fashion within the context of the cultural, political, economic, and religious climates of each historical era.
  • Examine fashion trends, consumer needs, and preferences that are used to forecast, plan, develop, and promote clothing lines.
  • Recognize how the visual display of goods impacts customer spending habits, and design visually appealing displays based on marketing plans.
  • Analyze the quality of design, materials, and construction techniques that are used in commercially produced textiles, apparel, and accessories.
  • Experiment with lines, colors, patterns, textures, functions, and styles in the design and creation of original fashion designs.
  • Communicate ideas, moods, and details for clothing designs using concept boards, flats, and various illustrative techniques.
  • Create computer-generated sketches, fashion flats, fabric prints, theme boards, specification sheets, and creative graphics for clothing and textiles.
  • Use computer pattern drafting software to design, plan, and create a variety of clothing patterns.
  • Employ advanced fashion sketching principles, including draping effects, specialty fabrics, and textures, used to design patterns, flats, and specs.
  • Demonstrate the appropriate use of measuring, marking, cutting, sewing, and pressing equipment and tools; and thread and use a sewing machine.
  • Prescribe types of fabric, pattern designs, and situations in which garments will be worn.
  • Interpret consumer needs and preferences and apply them to the design of garments.
  • Inspect existing flat patterns for design and fabrication errors.
  • Design original garments with attention to cut, grain, seams, fit, look, and feel.
  • Investigate the use of various colors, fabrics, fits, and styles to show bodies and clothing to their best advantage.
  • Drape a variety of garments, including bodices, skirts, and pants, and construct fitted garments using accurate measuring and proportional grading methods.
  • Discuss and apply processes used in the construction, alteration, and fitting of patterns and clothes, including the modification of garments with collars, sleeves, pockets, pleats, and cuffs.
  • Analyze collections in terms of consumers, sizes, markets, fabrication quality, and retail price categories.
  • Discuss consumer attitudes, beliefs, and buying habits, and how they contribute to the formation of marketing decisions.
  • Create and present a professional fashion portfolio.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Characteristics and sourcing of raw material

571-DMA-DS

The goal of this course is, by leading students to efficiently select and analyze the raw materials used in various textile constructions, taking into account the respective strengths and weaknesses of these materials, to make pertinent use of such materials given for specific applications and for the specific needs of a target clientele. The student will also learn to appreciate the quality of a design and the technical construction characteristics of a textile in order to produce either clothing or commercial accessories. Manufacturing procedures, standards of quality, size specifications, and supply costs will be compared in light of target clientele and market. The student will be introduced to the process of product development, to the preparation of specification sheets, and to the search for sources of supply and of contract sales in the context of an overview of local and oversees manufacturing.

Technical files presentation

571-DMB-DS

This course is an introduction to the important anatomical ideas that underlie the construction of clothing. Given that the perception of the designer is usually associated with the act of drawing, this course is probably identified as the core of the program. The focus of this course will be to develop a good understanding of body forms, and to communicate this understanding in clear, graphic language. Observing and designing simple clothing will complete this understanding, and thus students’ skills will improve during the session. The accent will be placed on imagination and students will be invited to develop their own styles, ideas, and concepts.

Draping: Research and Evaluation

571-DMD-DS

The goal of this course is to initiate the student to the techniques of draping on a standard mannequin, and to make the student understand the mutual interaction of different parts in the construction of a pattern. By means of various procedures and practical exercises focused on sleeves, necks, different bodices, corsages and skirts, the student will gain skill in using the draping method, and will explore the procedures involved in constructing, modifying, and adjusting a pattern or garment.

Manual Pattern l

571-DME-DS

The goal of this course is to introduce to the student the fundamental techniques of pattern drawing, and to make the student understand the mutual interaction of different parts in the construction of a pattern. By means of various procedures and practical exercises, the student will learn to modify basic measurements to produce new models. The student will be introduced to the techniques of dart manipulation, and the development of pleats and gathers and at the end of the course will be able to develop complete models from basic patterns, and to fit and adjust these models on the mannequin.

Fashion Phenomenon

571-DMF-DS

This course introduces the student to the different periods of costume history, the factors marking the beginning of haute-couture and ready-to-wear, and the different industrial-manufacturing periods. At the end of the course, the student will be able to analyze seasonal fashion trends through various proposed methods: precise and detailed garment and accessories description; socio-economic and cultural characteristics, technological development, and the work of couturiers and contemporary designers.

Prototype construction

571-DMR-DS

In this course, students will develop a clothing line in response to current fashion design trends and market needs. Students will review the role of the designer in the apparel industry, and will research various influences and styles in the development of original clothing ideas.

Technical files presentation ll

571-DMH-DS

Represent the appearance of textiles, textures, fabrics, clothing, and other fashion materials through fashion sketches. Produce sketches and illustrations representative of clothing/accessories and their component parts. Discuss advanced fashion sketching principles, including draping effects, specialty fabrics, and textures, used to design of patterns, flats, and specs. Coordinate colors and motifs. Produce front and back planes to present ideas for patterns and flats.

 Draping and apparel assessment

571-DMG-DS

The professional practice of fashion design will be examined with the help of fabric draping on standard mannequins so as to reproduce garments like those produced industrially. The student will continue to develop and improve on draping techniques already learned, and will study the techniques used in industry to construct, modify, correct, and adjust patters and garments. The student will become familiar with the manufacturing processes now used in the industry and will be informed of the specifications and quality standards governing both the adequate use of fabric and the fabrication of garments. Construction standards for a variety of garments will be examined in light of the clientele at which they are targeted.

Manual pattern drafting ll

571-DMI-DS

The goal of this course is to for the student to acquire more technical proficiency in pattern design by executing more complex styles such as jackets with suit collars and shawl collars, a blouse, pants, skirts, and various kinds of sleeves. The student will also study all aspects of linings and interfacings. The student will put into practice the principles and techniques of clothing construction including several types of sewing measures and finishes, and will explore the range of possible darts, their transfer and sloping, pleats, zip fasteners, etc. The student will also look at remodeling styles, investments, cost prices, and various alteration methods.

Computerized technical files

571-DMJ-DS

This course is an introduction to computer applications used in the apparel industry and the principles and tools used to sketch the fashion figure. Topics include basic figure drawing, effective garment sketching, and an introduction to color, texture, and proportion as used in fashion design. Students will also create computer-generated sketches, fabric prints, theme boards, patterns, and specification sheets used in the planning, design, and presentation of a variety of clothing and textiles. Prepare presentation boards to view fashion sketches and illustrations. Utilize computer applications that are used in the apparel industry. Create computer-generated sketches, fabric prints, theme boards, patterns, and specification sheets for clothing and textiles. Plan and design a variety of clothing and textiles using computer software. Critique and revise work following classroom presentations.

Computerized pattern drafting l

571-DMK-DS

The goal of this course is to initiate the student in the basic techniques of computer-assisted pattern drafting, and to show the student the link between manual pattern construction and the Pad System software. By means of various procedures and practical exercises, the student will learn to modify templates using drawings or photos so as to create new models. The student will be initiated into the many techniques of pattern making and, at the end of the course, will be able to use the Pad System software to develop and analyze complete models.

Fashion trends and customer profile

571-DML-DS

Understanding trends, and the ability to translate the trends appropriately to the target market as applied to garments and related fashion items is a skill that is required within the fashion industry more than ever. The ability to accomplish this task will enable a business to be well prepared to compete in the market place. Whether designs are creating for the high-end client or for the mass market, students will learn to research and analyze trends from references including fashion resources, company sales reports, world events, and lifestyle issues. These elements will be considered as they influence the market and how they impact the end product garments. The student will also learn to create trend boards, and to present trends to their audience including buyers, clients, and other fashion colleague

Collection planning and production

571-DMM-DS

This course focuses on the design, development, and management of fashion design projects. Students will work in groups to develop plans for selected fashion projects, and will design clothing and accessories, promotional tactics, and sales strategies based upon market research data and forecasted trends. Consideration will be given to budgets, timelines, specifications, quality, targeted market, and originality in the design and construction of selected clothing lines.

Computerized textile conception

571-DMN-DS

This course presents advanced computer techniques used in the design and drafting of fashion apparel. Students will sketch fashion figures with an emphasis on portraying draping effects, specialty fabrics, and textures; creating patterns, flats, and specs; and developing a personal style and portfolio. Students will also create computer-generated theme boards, sketched illustrations, and specification sheets used to design and plan various garments.

Collection characteristics and presentation

571-DMO-DS

This course offers instruction in the final preparation and presentation of an individual fashion portfolio. Presentation techniques, aesthetic design, and portfolio critique and revision will be emphasized.

Computerized specs and grading

571-DMP-DS

This course examines pattern development through the use of industry-specific computer pattern drafting software. Problem-solving, measuring, and technical skills necessary to draft and plot basic block patterns are expanded through the use of various tools. Students will also examine processes involved in the construction, alteration, and fitting of patterns and clothes. The student will also learn how to utilize principles and techniques of pattern grading. Construct garments using accurate measuring and proportional grading methods. Critique and revise work following classroom presentations.

Computerized pattern drafting ll

571-DMQ-DS

This course focuses on the development of flat patterns using computer-generated pattern drafting software. Students will further their computer aided design proficiency in pattern development, grading, marker making, and digitizing by translating their original sketches into patterns and finished garments. Students will also examine tailoring and fitting techniques for original designs and ready-to-wear clothing, using restyling, marking, costing, and construction methods integral to the alteration process.

Work function analysis and management

571-DMC-DS

The goal of this course is to impart knowledge on the occupation of fashion designer, and on variant forms of this occupation in the world of female fashion. The course will introduce the tasks and the operations to be carried out, the skills and behaviors to be developed, and the various environments in which a fashion designer is asked to work. The presentation of the course will be linked to the training program. As well, students will be initiated to the use of various work tools, such as the computer, needed by the designer. Notions of techniques of creativity and of communication will also be explored.

The end goal of this course is to conform the student’s choice of career.

INTERNSHIP

240 HOURS

This course introduces students to a n 8-week internship, including 16 contact hours, with an Academy faculty member following-up on student progress.