Fashion Design Courses

FAS331 Fashion Design I

[2–6, 5 cr.]

This studio incorporates design research and concept development in the production of garments and accessories for casual wear. Drawing methods and design techniques are introduced within the studio along with the fundamentals of apparel construction. Students are expected to develop a wide knowledge base while working with different classifications of casual wear clothing. The studio also introduces sketching, flat patternmaking, experimentation with a select range of protein, cellulose and synthetic textiles and materials, in addition to specking and trend reporting in the process of developing a series of casual garments.

Prerequisite: FND236 Design Studio II – Co-requisite: FAS341 Construction I and FAS351 Digital Studio I

FAS332 Fashion Design II

[2–6, 5 cr.]

This studio is a twofold design studio that introduces the art of fashion tailoring and knitwear. Tailoring is a craft that requires sensitivity and perfectionism. Knits, on the other hand, are components that complement couture fashion trends. Art, design and craft are brought together in this studio to develop personal concepts and to produce finely tailored garments along with fitting knits. The quality of design and patternmaking are addressed in detail, in addition to understanding the fitting process, selection of textiles and weaves, color scheming, sewing, and selection of accessories. This studio culminates in a fashion show organized at the end of the term.

Prerequisite: FAS331 Fashion Design I – Co-requisite: FAS342 Construction I and FAS352 Digital Studio II

FAS341 Construction I

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This studio introduces the hands-on craft and skill of basic patternmaking and the methods of measuring and sizing in translating design concepts into 3D form. Topics covered include: textile technology, layout drafting and cutting, draping using forms to achieve basic garment components—bodices (tops and jackets), dresses, skirts, trousers, seams, lining and hems, lace-up, zippers and buttons, darts and pleats, sleeves and cuffs, collars—as well as hand and machine sewing and finishing. Visits will be made to local factories to observe the commercial process of producing garments on a mass quantity scale.

Co-requisite: FAS331 Fashion Design I and FAS351 Digital Studio I

FAS342 Construction II

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This is an advanced course in the technical construction of garments and accessories. Advanced pattern drafting, sewing techniques, challenging fabric choices that elaborate on knitwear yarns and textures, extensible/stretch fabrics and micro fabrics, hybridization of textiles in structure, texture and connections, knitwear hand and machine techniques (yarn technology, card punching for flat and circular machines), crocheting, embroidery and embellishment of fabrics such as quilting, cartridge pleating and trapunto are all explored in this course, which will give students a thorough knowledge of their craft. The course is also supported by guided tours of couture houses to observe how sophisticated garments are produced.

Prerequisites: FAS341 Construction I – Co-requisite: FAS332 Fashion Design II and FAS352 Digital Studio II

FAS351 Digital Studio I

[1–2, 2 cr.]

This course in an introduction to the digital tools of design and construction of fashion garments using specialized software such as Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. The course addresses concept development and concept board preparation and covers the technical aspects of flat pattern drafting with specific computer aided software. Students are expected to prepare basic flat patterns for garment construction, to address sizing and fitting issues, to develop digital studies for print and woven textile finishes and to explore textile repeats, color theory and color scheming and fashion illustration within this course. The final requirement should include the preparation of a complete reference document.

Prerequisite: FND251 Digital Media – Co-requisite: FAS331 Fashion Design I and FAS341 Construction I

FAS352 Digital Studio II

[1–2, 2 cr.]

This advanced digital studio course further develops student skills in using advanced fashion design software and 3D modeling and animation programs to enhance the representation and visualization of their design concepts, and to realize complete digital patternmaking and catwalk simulations.

Prerequisite: FAS351 Digital Studio I – Co-requisite: FAS332 Fashion Design II and FAS342 Construction II

FAS371 History of Fashion I

[2–0, 2 cr.]

This course is a survey of the development of apparel and accessory design through different periods, with a particular emphasis on the modern period, beginning with industrialization. Social, cultural, economic and industrial factors are discussed along with major art movements that contributed to the development of fashion, and as precursors of contemporary fashion trends.

FAS372 History of Fashion II

[2–0, 2 cr.]

This course explores in detail the contemporary developments in fashion design around the world, with a focus on major names and brands in fashion design. Students are also required in this course to develop their personal research in a selected area of fashion design, and to make presentations on the concepts, techniques, and particularities of their selected research topic.

Prerequisite: FAS371 History of Fashion I

FAS421 Lingerie and Swimwear

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This studio course hones the skills of design in women’s lingerie, men’s underwear, and swimwear apparel categories examining the fundamental construction methods and industry specific materials related to each specialty. From design research to concept development and fabrication, submissions include a series of projects, each featuring a completed piece in each specialty wear.

Prerequisite: FAS341 Construction I

FAS422 Textile Design

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This twofold studio course combines a comprehensive historical and contemporary survey of woven and knitted fabrics used in apparel with a study of textile science, covering the design and production techniques of protein fibers, cellulose fibers and synthetic fibers and their interaction with finishes such as dyes, pigments, muds and ochre. Students learn to identify fiber and fabric properties and to evaluate their performance. The yarn system, weaving and knitting as well as finishes- printed, painted, felted, dyed or woven patterns are investigated as sources for creative applications in fashion design. Students submit a research paper that analyses the methodology explored and techniques used in their projects, demonstrating the developmental phases of various experimental structural and textural outputs in the design and production of a textile piece.

Prerequisite: FAS341 Construction I

FAS423 Leatherwear Design

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This studio covers the design of leather wear and plastic materials, and identifies accessory categories incorporating advanced levels of design research [markets, suppliers, construction methods, manufacture] and development of various leather products from concept to execution. Submissions expand from original concept to garment/accessory development, patternmaking and fabrication of the finished apparels.

Prerequisite: FAS341 Construction I

FAS424 Sportswear Design

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This studio covers design and construction of sports apparel by addressing ergonomics / biophysics as a science concerned with human morphological factors in design. The studio focuses on the study and conception of sports apparel in tune with human anatomy, and introduces the study of human physiological functions such as thermoregulatory responses, comfort sensation, effects of extreme bodily movements and climate insulation on the design of such apparel. The course also surveys technically-enhanced fabrics used in the production of sportswear. Final requirements of this studio include the design and fabrication of a sports apparel featuring elaborate silhouette study as well as innovative use of performance material to cater for optimal fit, aesthetic need and climate suitability.

Prerequisite: FAS341 Construction I

FAS431 Fashion Design III

[2–6, 5 cr.]

This advanced design studio builds on proficiencies acquired in the previous year, and incorporates design research to further develop the design and manufacture skills in a garment in either casual wear or haute-couture. Students are here given the option to concentrate on one of these two areas of emphasis: Casual Wear or Haute Couture. The studio requires fluency in concept development using fashion design software, and encourages students to develop their personal design philosophy and to broaden their visual vocabulary in order to propose innovative products for various markets. Final submission requirements in this studio include the development of a finished garment with its shopping report and a trend analysis paper. A juried fashion show is organized at the end of the term to evaluate the students work.

Prerequisite: FAS332 Fashion Design II – Co-requisite: FAS441 Fashion Illustration

FAS432 Fashion Design IV

[2–4, 4 cr.]

This studio is an experimental studio in which students are given the opportunity to experiment in the design and production of attires that cross boundaries and re-define contemporary fashion design. Theater and performance costumes may also be used to offer students the opportunity to analyze and interpret fashion in a variety of media including pop culture, film, theater, and performance art. In order to further develop their technical skills in this process of creative design experimentations, students are supported by professional technicians in the production of their experimental garments.

Prerequisite: FAS431 Fashion Design III – Co-requisite: FAS482 Fashion Workshop I

FAS441 Fashion Illustration

[2–2, 3 cr.]

This studio introduces the techniques of fashion illustration and hand-rendering of fabrics and finishes in various media. Working from live models, students are encouraged to develop their own personal style of figure illustration. Lectures and demonstrations are used as supplementary material to help students articulate their ideas visually.

Prerequisite: ART221 Drawing I – Co-requisite: FAS431 Fashion Design III

Passing Grade: C

FAS461 Final Project Seminar

[2–0, 2 cr.]

This course is a seminar that focuses on the discussion of various topics of research, leading to the individual selection of particular topics for the final year project. The course will include a number of lectures, as well as theoretical discussions on issues of relevance to contemporary fashion design, which would serve as a basis in the elaboration of the final project.

Co-requisite: FAS431 Fashion Design III

FAS481 Fashion Apprenticeship

[1–2, 2 cr.]

This is an instructor-directed, industry sponsored apprenticeship workshop in which students are asked to broaden their critical skills by deepening their technical knowledge in the production of apparel in one of the following options: Shoe Design, Accessory-Jewelry Design, Millinery Design, Bridal Wear Design, Hair & Make-up Design. This workshop allows students to understand the underlying principles and particular techniques of construction that the production of specialty items requires. A series of focused workshops are offered in this course to initiate students to various construction techniques and methodologies.

Prerequisite: FAS332 Fashion Design II

FAS482 Fashion Workshop I

[1–2, 2 cr.]

This course presents an opportunity to invite well-known, international designers to give an intensive one- or two-week workshop on an area of interest and relevance to contemporary design in this field. Invited tutors would select the theme and project to be developed during this short workshop.

Co-requisite: FAS432 Fashion Design IV

FAS521 Fashion Entrepreneurship I

[2–0, 2 cr.]

The many aspects of successfully running a fashion business are broken down into key areas where students discover that design talent is just a small part of running a successful business. For many graduates, setting up their own business is a dream and this course enables the preparation for that to happen by equipping students with essential entrepreneurial skills. From legal structures through to the day to day running of a business, students learn the organizational skills necessary for success. Students learn through lectures, seminars and group tutorials.

Pre-requisite: FAS421 Fashion Internship 

FAS531 Fashion Design V

[2–4, 4 cr.]

This studio explores the fashion apparel and textile industry from an ecological, social, and economic viewpoint, giving students the opportunity to take the issues of environmental sustainability, human rights, and economic sustainability into consideration in the development of their design work. Students are expected to produce creative designs that use a smaller carbon footprint, and to explore the possibilities of developing nature-friendly, sustainable solutions in fashion design.

Prerequisite: FAS432 Fashion Design IV
Co-requisite: FAS582 Fashion Workshop II

FAS532 Fashion Design VI

[2–4, 4 cr.]

Emphasis Options: Casual Wear or Haute Couture

This studio is the capstone of the fashion design curriculum. The research developed in the Final Project Seminar is carried through design development and production during this final studio, under the direction of one chosen advisor. Students are evaluated on the design and presentation of their full garment line, along with the submission of an individual portfolio that includes their personal design philosophy. The students’ final project is presented as an individual fashion show, organized by the student at the end of the term, and juried by a group of experts.

Prerequisite: FAS531 Fashion Design V

FAS561 Fashion Business

[2–0, 2 cr.]

This course covers a series of lectures on the various aspects of successfully running a fashion business. Students in this course study fashion marketing, merchandising, retailing, import and export, product development, brand and marketing management, trend spotting, media and public relations. Students are expected to research and assess the production costs and sale power of various fashion products in global trade, with a focus on fashion and trend forecasting, competitive retail analysis and offering successful management solutions.

Prerequisite: FAS431 Fashion Design III and MKT201 Introduction to Marketing

Passing Grade: D

FAS581 Internship

[0–2, 2 cr.]

The internship requires students to complete a minimum of 200 hours of work at a fashion design house or fashion related industry, in order to supplement their design knowledge with hands-on practical training covering the full process of garment production.

Prerequisite: FAS432 Fashion Design IV

FAS582 Fashion Workshop II

[1–2, 2 cr.]

This second workshop is also an opportunity to invite well-known, international designers to give an intensive one or two-week workshop on an area of interest and relevance to contemporary design in this field. Invited tutors select the theme and project to be developed during this short workshop.

Co-requisite: FAS531 Fashion Design V