2000 Level Fashion Design Course Descriptions

FASH 2001
Fashion Construction I
This first part of a two-semester course offers a solid foundation in the fundamentals of pattern drafting, draping, and construction techniques, stressing the importance of proper fit and craftsmanship. The students learn how to develop a set of slopers, combining both draping and pattern drafting methods. Through these methods, the students develop and construct design concepts, first in muslin, then in fabric. Concurrent enrollment in FASH 2002 required.

FASH 2002
Fashion Design I
This first part of a two-semester course stresses the skills and talents required to achieve creative fashion. The students are taught to develop first a group, then a collection using a wide range of fabrications. Each student works through the process of sketching, selecting fabrics, and draping design concepts. Prerequisite: FIRYR 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004

FASH 2003
Fashion Construction II
This second part of a two-semester course offers a solid foundation in the fundamentals of pattern drafting, draping, and construction techniques, stressing the importance of proper fit and craftsmanship. The students learn how to develop a set of slopers, combining both draping and pattern drafting methods. Through these methods, the students develop and construct design concepts, first in muslin, then in fabric. Concurrent enrollment in FASH 2004 required.

FASH 2004
Fashion Design II
This second part of a two-semester course stresses the skills and talents required to achieve creative fashion. The students are taught to develop first a group, then a collection using a wide range of fabrications. Each student will work through the process of sketching, selecting fabrics, draping design concepts, and fitting models in both muslin and fabric. Prerequisite: FASH 2002

FASH 2005
Shape and Theory in Garments
Explorations in the design of “experimental” garments using the basic elements of mass, volume, form and motion. Rather than concerning themselves with current design trends or regular fashion problems, students emphasize bodies as forms in motion or as moving sculpture.

FASH 2006
Accessory Design
In this workshop, students create various accessories from original ideas. This program is divided into projects such as the design and construction of embellished evening bags, summer totes, gloves, costume jewelry, and millinery. Emphasis is placed on references to history of individual accessories and developing collections of illustrations in color.

FASH 2007
Beginning Fashion Illustration
This course develops drawing skills with an emphasis on figure gesture and proportion along with a wide range of media. Students are taught to sketch from a live model while communicating design concepts in clothing with style and expression.

FASH 2008
Accessory Design: Freedom through Structure
This course investigates rigid form as the base for classically constructed hats, handbags and gloves, and addresses the extremes possible within the realm of practicality. Students sculpt “hat blocks” of their own design and explore form and color while blocking felt, straw, and non-traditional materials. Continuing with structured handbag creation and glove construction, the class experiences challenges in inspirational choices and design focus. All hand stitching is explained and no machine sewing is required. The wide range of possible materials allows students to create accessories that fit their budget.

FASH 2012
Objects/Artifacts and No Nonsense
This course explores the relationship and development of object-making to wearability and adornment in our day-to-day existence. Students will create a wide range of conceptual artifacts using traditional and non-traditional materials and techniques. Emphasis will be placed on function through the exploration of constructive processes and placement to body and space. Slides and video references provide historical and contemporary context for investigation of concepts.

FASH 2016
Step by Step: Design, Investigation, and Construction of Footwear
Various investigations are conducted regarding traditional and alternative shoe design and assembly. Assigned readings and discussions focus on history, materials, the designers, lifestyle, terminology, and processes, and the involvement of feet and shoes in art. Emphasis is placed on interpreting the foot and shoe for visual presentations and experimenting with components for artistic and practical expression. Final critiques include presentations of one of half pairs of shoes and sandals, illustrations, weekly clipping files and a thematic selection of original ideas. Group critiques are scheduled several times during the semester. Weekly slide lectures, field trips, guest lectures, or demonstration enable students to develop their ideas in the studio with a focus on fit and originality.

FASH 2017
Knitwear Design: Manipulated Stitches
This class is an explorative approach into traditional and non-traditional methods of creating and manipulating surface through texture. Techniques such as knitting, crocheting, stitching, and embellishment will provide a language that speaks about shape and form through construction. Demonstrations will encourage students to create concepts that are three-dimensional in form. Using the body as a foundation in a space, garments and objects that are worn or used will be created as individual projects. Offered in the fall semester only.

FASH 2018
Hand Knitwear Design
This course offers a straightforward instruction to the hand-knit process. As an ancient process, the techniques of hand knitting are explored through various methods concentrating on surface, pattern, construction, color, and texture. Emphasis is placed on garment or a wearable knit object. Cultural and historical references are studied along with contemporary application to design. Demonstrations and discussions provide challenges to explore modern interpretation in traditional and non-traditional ways. Offered in the spring semester only.

FASH 2024
The Shaping of The Female Form
This course will trace the use of structured undergarments worn by women from the eighteenth century to the present day as a basis for the design and construction of garments. Both traditional and nontraditional fabrics and materials are explored while conceptual and historic issues are discussed using references within the department’s Fashion Resource Center. All final projects are fitted on a model in both muslin and fabric.

FASH 2035
Masks and Mantles
In this course, students will study and construct theater masks, corresponding headpieces and mantles or capes. Masks and mantles are based on “commedia dell’arte” and baroque silhouettes. Students will also illustrate a fairy tale or morality play, using “commedia dell’arte” and baroque stylistic elements (costume, architectural, and interior backgrounds).