Fashion Design

In this beginning fashion sketching class, students learn the proportions and techniques for sketching the nine-head figure. Studio.

This course introduces students to sewing techniques, with emphasis on operating the power sewing machine. Students produce a sewing notebook and a complete garment.

This course uses historical references from History of Costume (GNST 1170) as a foundation to teach basic draping, incorporating the connection between textiles and garment construction techniques. Prerequisites: DESN 1250, GNST 1170, GNST 1230

This advanced fashion sketching class stresses the perfection of fashion figure poses, the accurate illustration of garments, and the development of the students’ own sketching style. Students learn to render, using colored pencil, markers, and pen. Prerequisite: DESN 1150

This course explores how culture, society, and trends in technology and textiles influence the creative process. Students engage in reading articles, writing journals, drawing, and discussion groups. Prerequisites: DESN 1150, DESN 1850, GNST 1170, GNST 1230

This technical course introduces the theory and application of flat pattern drafting. Students learn to draft the various components of garments and to construct muslin samples from drafted patterns. Includes a three (3) hour lab. Prerequisites: DESN 1250, DESN 1450

This course incorporates flat sketching, garment construction, and the development of specification sheets. Terminology of design language, garment details, and the continuation of fashion illustration are covered. Prerequisites: DESN 1150, DESN 1850, GNST 1170, GNST 1230

In surveying the major business components of the textile and fashion apparel industries, this course defines the role of materials, designers, producers, and retailers in the creative and business cycles. Prerequisites: DESN 1150, DESN 1250, GNST 1170, GNST 1230

In this intermediate course in flat pattern drafting, students interpret sketches in order to design clothing accurately. They produce complete garments, with emphasis on fit, as well as pattern charts and cost sheets. Includes a three (3) hour studio. Prerequisites: DESN 1250, 1450, DESN 1700, GNST 1240 or GNST 1440

Students apply basic elements of design and expand their creativity by examining social, artistic, and historical influences as they relate to the development of a group and/or collection. Prerequisites: DESN 1550, DESN 1650, DESN 1750, GNST 1170, GNST 1440

This course merges contemporary influences with advanced draping techniques to teach the visual language of fit, proportion, construction, and textiles. Prerequisites: DESN 1250, DESN 1450, GNST 1440

Development of technical sketches utilizing Adobe Illustrator. Hands-on experience in drawing of flat technical sketch and creating accurate garment detail. Prerequisite: DESN 1550

In this introduction to the fundamentals of pattern drafting techniques using Gerber Technology, students reinforce skills developed in previous manual pattern drafting classes and apply their knowledge to producing patterns using the computer. Additional pattern drafting techniques are explored. Students also produce markers. Lab. Prerequisites: DESN 2260, MFTG 2330

After analyzing and researching the components necessary to create a fashion collection, students in this course engage in the challenge of designing and developing collections for specific customers, including major manufacturers. Prerequisites: DESN 2280, DESN 2530

Students develop a collection in partnership with graphic designers. Through a collaborative process students combine research, creative, and technical skills to focus a total brand statement. They acquire a professional understanding of the decision making process behind creating, merchandising, and marketing a new concept. Prerequisites: DESN 2280, DESN 2530; Department Chairperson approval required.

This class emphasizes the comprehensive use of acquired pattern making and design skills. A complete design look is selected from each student collection. Patterns and garments are developed according to industry requirements. Cohesive design development includes; pattern drafting, garment construction, pattern cards, cost sheets, and style books. Includes a three (3) hour lab. Prerequisites: DESN 2260, DESN 2460

In this final pattern drafting class, students use their acquired knowledge to master industry standards in the development of original designs. Including: pattern drafting, garment construction, pattern cards, cost sheets, and style books. Prerequisites: DESN 2260

A special project course conducted in conjunction with Collection Brand Identity, this final pattern drafting class requires students to draft and complete patterns according to industry requirements. Fashion Design and Graphic Design students collaborate on the development of a body of work. Includes three (3) hour studio. Prerequisites: DESN 2700; Department Chairperson approval required

A special project course conducted in conjunction with community service, industry critic, or another FIDM program. This final pattern drafting class requires students to draft patterns and sew complete looks according to industry requirements. Includes a three (3) hour lab. Prerequisites: DESN 2260, DESN 2460; Department Chairperson approval required (replaces DESN 2700 or DESN 2780 or DESN 2840).

Development of creative design ideas utilizing a multimedia computer as a tool. Hands-on experience in digitally manipulating fabric prints and scanned artwork. Prerequisite: DESN 2530

In this advanced course in developing patterns using Gerber Technology, students further develop their skills in creating patterns from sketches as well as from finished garments. Students also produce markers on the computer. Prerequisites: DESN 2540

Students explore the relationship between fashion design and furniture design by designing and producing a garment that complements an original furniture piece constructed by an Interior Design student. Prerequisites: DESN 2260, DESN 2460; Department Chairperson approval required (replaces DESN 2700 or DESN 2780 or DESN 2840)

Students prepare, develop, and expand a professional portfolio of work while exploring creative and practical techniques to enhance the marketability and appeal of their portfolio. They also analyze and practice interviewing skills to communicate with prospective employers. Prerequisites: DESN 2680, DESN 2830

In this process-oriented course, students combine deep, disciplined research with careful writing and revision to produce a thoughtful, creative, and personally meaningful research essay. They learn to formulate focused research questions, identify and investigate credible sources, and synthesize expert opinion with their own insight in support of a clearly defined, complex thesis. The emphasis is on curiosity, exploration, and discovery. As part of the process, students also gain confidence and competency in two primary areas of written expression: organization and mechanics.

This course provides an overview of costume history in Western culture from ancient civilizations to the present. Students examine cultural, social, and historical events and analyze their effect on the history of costume and apparel, including the influence of historical costume on fashion today. Students develop a broad fashion vocabulary and become familiar with period costume terminology.

An introductory study of the principles and elements of color and design theory. Students critique aspects of a visual representation by analyzing the components of design and the use of color by the artist.

A practical analysis of the basic components of textiles and their relationship to performance. Students examine the characteristics of fibers, yarns, methods of fabric construction, such as weaving and knitting, and survey dyes, prints, and finishes. Emphasis is placed on performance and the determination of fabric suitability in the apparel design industry.

A course in oral communication designed to give students poise, speaking confidence, and the ability to develop and produce a focused, well-organized speech that holds the audience’s attention through effective delivery methods. Presentational skills and audience-centered communication are emphasized.

Designed to foster independent thinking, this course strengthens students’ capacity to reason clearly, critically, and creatively, including the ability (1) to analyze the arguments of others, (2) to synthesize effective arguments of their own, and (3) to solve problems skillfully. Students also gain experience in reading closely and conducting purposeful, imaginative research—skills essential to the examination of demanding social, moral, political, and personal issues. Prerequisite: GNST 1040

A survey of art, architecture, and design from the Prehistoric Period through the Middle Ages. Included are the social, economic, cultural, political, and religious influences which have prompted or affected the art of each period. Students examine works of art and their iconography, stylistic techniques, and different media, with the goal of being able to recognize, understand, and discuss various art forms in their broader contexts.

A survey of art, architecture, and design from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Art movements such as Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, Cubism, Abstraction, and Surrealism are studied. Particular emphasis is placed on the artists’ role in society and the effect of society on art.

A survey of American history from 1930-2000. Emphasis is on the political and economic features, both domestic and foreign, that contributed to the emergence of the welfare state and the nation’s rise to global leadership after World War II. The course provides an understanding of the Great Depression, the Second World War, the Cold War, America’s eventual emergence as the world’s only superpower, and the interrelation of all these factors.

To become more self-reliant and enterprising in the job search, students investigate career opportunities and the career path, personal traits, job responsibilities, and qualifications necessary to be competitive and promotable. Students build research tools that enable them to develop a plan of action, conduct informational interviews, practice interviewing skills, and produce a digitized professional resume, biographical statement, and cover letter for immediate submission to prospective employers.

This course introduces students to the principles of pattern grading, including manual techniques of chart and stack grading. The course uses Gerber Technology’s computerized digitizing, grading, and marker-making system. Industry spreading and cutting techniques are demonstrated. Prerequisites: MFTG 1700 (For Fashion Design Majors), DESN 1450, DESN 1700