Accessory Design
This specialty studio course introduces students to the materials and techniques used to develop accessories in various categories. Students develop a small collection of accessories designed around a single concept.
Bridalwear
This specialty studio course introduces students to the design challenges associated with designing garments for members of a bridal party. Projects emphasize the principles and methods of drafting and draping patterns and professional construction, with a special focus on details such as lace, beading, veiling, etc.
Computer Aided Design for Fashion Design: Apparel I
This lab course introduces students to a digital platform for pattern manipulation, grading and marker making. The course is structured to encourage analytical thinking and creative problem solving so that a designer can become acclimated to most digital patternmaking systems used in the industry.
Software: Accumark – Gerber Technology
Prerequisite: Comprehension of patternmaking, grading, marker making and construction; a fundamental understanding of the Windows environment.
Computer Aided Design for Fashion Design: Apparel II
This advanced lab course incorporates and builds upon skills and techniques introduced in Computer Aided Design for Fashion Design: Apparel I. Projects involve more complex pattern manipulation, grading and marker making challenges. The course is structured to encourage analytical thinking and creative problem solving so that a designer can become acclimated to most digital patternmaking systems used in the industry.
Software: Accumark – Gerber Technology
Prerequisite: Command of CAD for Fashion Design – Apparel I
Computer Aided Design for Fashion Design: Art I
This lab course introduces students to virtual platforms that will allow them to translate fundamental sketching techniques into a digital format. These techniques include; croquis (fashion figure development), garment anatomy (silhouette and style lines) and fabric renderings (texture, pattern and embellishment). Students complete a set of digital presentation boards. This course is structured to encourage analytical thinking and creative problem solving.
Software: Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop
Prerequisite: Comprehension of sketching, textiles and portfolio presentation; a fundamental understanding of the Windows environment.
Computer Aided Design for Fashion Design: Art II
This advanced lab course incorporates and builds upon skills and techniques introduced in Computer Aided Design for Fashion Design: Art I. Students develop a set of varied croquis (fashion figures), a range of textile designs, and a comprehensive collection of fashion and accessory designs that will be presented in a digital portfolio. The course is structured to encourage analytical thinking and creative problem solving.
Software: Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop
Prerequisite: Command of CAD for Fashion Design: Art I
Costumes: Creation and Construction
Students will explore costume creation and construction through the manipulation of half scale patterns and construction of various projects.
Childrenswear
This specialty studio course introduces students to the unique demands of designing for children. Projects emphasize the principles and methods of drafting and draping patterns and professional construction, with a special focus on both decorative and functional details.
Construction 1
In this foundation studio course, students will complete practical projects in fabricating garments using principles and techniques of garment construction. They will be instructed in cutting, hand sewing and industrial machine stitching, combined with training in lining, pressing, detailing and finishing a skirt and blouse. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Construct a skirt from a basic pattern.
Construct a blouse from a basic pattern.
Produce samples of different construction techniques.
Operate an industrial sewing machine.
Operate an over-lock machine.
Clothing Construction 2
This foundation studio course builds on Construction 1 -- by demonstrating techniques of garment construction, and at this level, incorporating industry techniques, as well as Couture workmanship and detail. It also will provide students with the opportunity to fabricate garments based on patterns developed in corresponding pattern making courses. Projects emphasize the skilled execution of stylized and fitted muslins, selection and preparation of fabric, cutting, matching, hand sewing and industrial machine stitching, lining, pressing, detailing and finishing.
Clothing Construction III
This advanced studio course provides students with the opportunity to fabricate garments in women’s activewear, beachwear, separates and coordinates, based on patterns developed in corresponding pattern making course. It also introduces students to the methods and techniques involved in working with knits. Projects emphasize the skilled execution of stylized and fitted muslins, selection and preparation of fabric, cutting, matching, hand sewing and industrial machine stitching, lining, pressing, detailing and finishing.
Clothing Construction IV
This advanced studio course provides students with the opportunity to fabricate tailored coat ensembles, based on patterns developed in corresponding pattern making course. It also introduces students to the methods and techniques specific to tailoring. Projects emphasize the use of collars, notched lapels, two-piece sleeves, pockets, under linings and coordinating undergarments such as jackets, vests, bodices, skirts, dresses and trousers.
Cocktail & Eveningwear
This advanced studio course introduces students to the design challenges associated with designing garments and ensembles for evening categories including cocktail, dinner, theatre, hostessing, and formal wear. Projects emphasize the principles and methods of drafting and draping patterns and professional construction, with a special focus on embellishment.
Couture Detail
This studio course explores the principles and techniques in fine hand/machine decoration, trim, and self-trim. Students learn finishes that take inspiration from those used in haute couture; i.e. faggoting, piping, scalloping, beading, embroidery, appliqué, cut-out, hemstitching, buttons, frogs, fringe, lace, hand-rolled edge finishes, etc. Students design and construct a basic kimono that will serve as a canvas for multiple couture detail techniques.
Designers' LinE
This advanced course offers students the opportunity to build a cohesive capsule collection based on a well researched theme. Although students work independently they have access to school facilities and check in with advisors in each department (i.e. art, patternmaking, and construction) on a regular basis. The final project includes a written thesis, a portfolio of fashion drawings, a collection of garments and presentation.
Every WomaN: Pattern Drafting and Fitting for Different Body Types
This specialty studio course introduces students to the principles and methods of drafting flat patterns for the missy and plus size market using standard and individual measurements for foundation garments: dress, bodice, skirt, sleeve and pant. Projects focus on the pattern manipulation and fitting specific to this market.
Expert Fit Patterns: Grading & Specifications
In this studio course, you will learn how to increase your ability to communicate, construct or evaluate garment specifications and manufacturing directions. You will learn to upgrade your understanding and execution of the components that comprise a quality spec pack, whether you design, analyze garment fit, oversee production quality or work in technical design. Start with how superior shape and form is created when flat patterns are done correctly, including how draping is employed for fit analysis. Discover proper grading methods to adjust armholes, sleeves, lengths, seats, torso and waist fit. Increase your ability to communicate clearly with better measurements and written specifications to get garment you need from contractors and factories, no matter where you source. Learn to control final product outcome and avoid costly mistakes.
Fashion Sketching I & II
These foundation studio courses introduce students to the the principles and techniques of presenting designs on paper; croquis (fashion figure development), garment anatomy (silhouette and style lines), media (pencil, watercolor and marker), and fabric renderings (texture, pattern and embellishment). Each exercise provides students with the opportunity to finished plates for their foundation portfolio.
Level I: Introduction to Croquis Figure and Garment Design
Level II: Advanced Croquis Figure and Garment Design
French Draping 1
This studio course introduces students to the Art and Skill of Draping- creating three dimensional patterns with muslin on the Dress Form, draping in the traditional French style. Students use muslin to sculpt patterns on a dress form. The resulting toile is used as the pattern, which requires the basic patternmaking skills to perfect the original drape into a usable pattern. A full compliment of skirts, dresses, bodices and sleeves are demonstrated in this course and the student will design and produce two of their own designs during this semester.
French Draping 2
This studio course builds upon skills that students learned in French Draping I. Students use muslin and knit fabrics to sculpt patterns on a
dress form. Demonstrations of specific Advanced Techniques used in the development of garment production and Couture that can only be produced using three dimensional draping techniques, including tailored garments.
Fundamentals of Textiles
This foundation studio course trains students in the identification, analysis and testing of fibers and fabrics (natural, synthetic and blends), with a focus on their uses, suitability and care in apparel. Students also learn about weaves, knits, dyeing, printing, and finishes. Projects include the design of original textiles. (No prerequisite.)
Handbag Design
This specialty studio course introduces students to the history and development of the handbag. Students become familiar with various types of handbags, the parts of a handbag, and the functions of those parts. They also work with leather and learn about the various tools used in the construction of a handbag. Projects include several structured and soft structured handbags.
History of Costume
History of Costume is a foundation lecture course that serves as introduction to the history of fashion from antiquity through present day, focusing on sources of inspiration for contemporary fashion design as well as theatrical costuming. Special attention is also paid to haute couturiers and contemporary designers, as well as the fabrics, colors, styles, and psychology associated with garments throughout each period.
Illustration
This specialty studio course introduces students to multiple fashion illustration styles, as well as the application of a variety of rendering techniques and mediums, designed to explore the artistic expression of fashion for editorial and advertising.
Internship
Qualified students are placed in internship positions at regional companies for on-the-job observation and practical experience in a professional fashion environment. (A minimum of ninety hours is required).
Introduction to Footwear Design
This specialty studio course introduces students to the development of various types of footwear. Students will learn about foot and shoe anatomy, the materials and processes involved in shoe design, creating patterns, sketching footwear, and footwear branding. Projects will include the development of sneaker and resort wear concepts plus other footwear design.
Introduction to Jewelry Design
This specialty studio course introduces students to the history and process of jewelry making. Students will learn about the various types of tools, materials and techniques used in the development of different types of jewelry. Students will be exposed to both the business and creative sides of building a jewelry brand. Projects include the development of pieces for a capsule collection.
Lingerie/Loungewear
This specialty studio course introduces students to the principles and methods of drafting and draping patterns for lingerie, loungewear and foundation garments. Students develop original designs using professional construction techniques with a focus on special detail work using lace and trim.
Prerequisite: Construction and Patternmaking I & II
Menswear I & II
This specialty studio course introduces students to the principles and methods of drafting flat paper patterns for men’s wear, according to individual measurements: trousers, shirts, vests, jackets, top coats, casual wear and sportswear. Projects focus on the professional construction of garments with an emphasis on stylizing and custom tailoring.
Millinery
This specialty studio course explores sources of inspiration, design process, construction and detailed finishing of patterned, blocked or framed headwear.
Patternmaking 1
This foundation studio course introduces students to the principles, techniques and practice of drafting flat patterns for women's garments. Students will learn how to create block drafts, slopers, and patterns. They will be instructed in measuring, cutting, perfecting, balancing, grading, and stylizing patterns. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have the foundation needed for basic pattern making and manipulation.
Patternmaking 2
This foundation studio course takes students from where they left off in Level 1 Pattern making and continues to build on their foundation with the Sloper development of the Sleeve, creation of the Torso/Dress foundation and finally the Pant. The assignments demonstrated will also include the grading of these slopers, as well as the stylizing of numerous sleeve designs, blouses, dresses and pants. The skill of being able to produce a 3-D garment from a 2D sketch is also taught and comprehended, as well as producing a technical pack. The student will design and produce two projects as well, a Pant Ensemble and a Dress project, rendering both in Pattern and Muslin.
PatternMaking 3
This advanced studio course introduces students to the advanced principles, techniques and practice in making patterns for women's active, beachwear, women's separates and coordinates via both the flat (drafted) paper method and the form (draped) muslin method. Students develop a set of basic slopers and stylized patterns.
PatternMaking 4
This advanced studio course incorporates and builds upon skills and techniques associated with developing flat paper patterns to create tailored (classic and stylized) dress/coat ensembles.
This course coordinates with Clothing Construction IV course.
Photography for the Fashion Designer
This specialty studio course introduces students to basic skills such as lighting, composition, styling, and posing to successfully execute a fashion photo shoot in our 5-week workshop. Students will need their own digital or 35mm camera.
Portfolio Development
This studio course introduces students to the tools and strategies that will allow them to review and edit their current body of work to build a professional portfolio for the fashion industry. In addition to creating new works to replace or supplement current work, students will learn how to lay out visual narratives for their target audience, and prepare their work for both physical and digital platforms.
Production and Technical Design
This course stresses the relationship between technical design and the apparel production cycles and manufacturing processes. Discussions center on sourcing and logistics, apparel standards, compliance and regulations, current industry issues, and business ethics and conduct.
Professional Development in Fashion Design
This lecture course introduces students to the many areas of the fashion industry that a designer needs to become familiar with in order to build a fashion practice that delivers the most comprehensive interpretation of their vision. Students explore the skills, strategies and mindsets required to manage the making and positioning of their products; cultivate creativity; research and develop cohesive concepts; build support systems; set up and operate a business; negotiate the industry, implement strategic brand and communication plans; creating user experiences, and initiate a culture of innovation.
Specialty Design
This advanced course offers students the opportunity to take on more advanced design challenges balancing creativity with practical solutions in the areas of lingerie, maternity wear, full figure, novelty, etc. Students focus on draping, drafting, grading, and stylizing patterns.
Style and Line
This specialty studio course provides the opportunity for students to develop their professional style as a designer and focus on fabricating a cohesive mini-capsule collection. Students also develop plates for a portfolio presentation.
2-D Color & 3-D Design
This studio course explores the principles of color: color theory, value, and harmony; color in line, form, space and texture; color in balance, proportion, harmony, and emphasis, and; color in textile art and design. Students study the interaction of man and his total environment, exploring this topic through various two-dimensional media projects, and ultimately develop of a portfolio of experimental designs based on imaginative ideas. This course also explores and experiments with body coverings and adornments via non-traditional, 3-dimensional media.