FASHION DESIGN: Course Descriptions
ART & TECHNOLOGY
ARTT 410
Computer Technology becomes increasingly important in the Fashion Industry. In this Introduction to PhotoShop and Adobe Illustrator, students will be able to work with previously completed projects and concepts learned in other subjects OR will be able to work on projects assigned in this semester. Create layouts for your own portfolio. Design promotional material, ads and layouts for newspapers, magazines, brochures. Learn about E-tailing and how to post and maintain a web site.
CAREER PREPARATION
RES 240
Enrich your professional image by upgrading your skills in business communications, career awareness, job search, assertiveness and public speaking. Identify your marketable employment skills; design and present a resume, cover letter, thank-you letter, interview script. This specially designed course also includes techniques to build self-esteem and self-confidence as well as a Loss Prevention certification workshop.
DESIGN COLLECTIONS I
FDES 110
In this course, students are offered the opportunity to solve design problems with both creativity and functionality. Students are introduced to the fundamental concepts of apparel design. Elements and principles of design are fully explored through lecture, discussion and presentation. Participation in weekly critiques will allow the student to analyze and assess their work. Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate design direction individually and in teams. This course prepares the student to move forward with a personal approach to designing their own collections.
DESIGN COLLECTIONS II
FDES 210
This course concentrates on the student’s development as a designer. Students will explore, research and fully develop a seasonal collection. The focus is on the balance between the creative and practical aspects of the design process. Students will create an original portfolio or catalogue-style presentation format will be created for the collection. Designs from the collection will be fully realized for further presentation.
FASHION AWARENESS I
FASA 150
This survey course explores the history and development of 20th century fashion. Become aware of the major fashion changes that occurred, as well as the social, political, economic situations and events that set the scene for these changes - from the Edwardian Period through the 1920’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. The contributions of century-shaping designers such as Poiret, Vionnet, Chanel, McCardell, Dior, Yves St. Laurent and Courreges will be studied as well as their influence on current fashion. Lectures are enhanced by extensive use of visuals including period film and video clips.
FASHION AWARENESS II
FASA 250
In this study of current fashion and designers you will learn what is happening in fashion from the 80’s to NOW in the major fashion centres: Paris, New York, Milan, Tokyo and London. What is couture? What is pret-a-porter? What are the lasting influences and contributions of the “big name” des igners? Who are the hot new designers to watch? You will be able to recognize their work, their individual “touches”, recurring themes, special construction techniques. Instruction is supplemented by extensive use of fashion publications and videos.
Note: Fashion Awareness I is not a prerequisite for Fashion Awareness II.
FASHION ELEMENTS
FELM 350
The language of fashion is invaluable in all areas of design and merchandising from writing fashion copy and commentary, portfolio preparation, retail sales and buying to pattern making. Learn fashion terminology and be able to recognize and identify elements of garments: basic silhouettes, necklines and collars, sleeve styles, pants & skirts, outerwear, prints and patterns, garment details and more. Ethnic origins of fashion are included. Learn to draw clear illustrations using a croquis figure. Current videos and publications are used for garment analysis.
FASHION HISTORY
FASA 100
This course is designed to provide an historical survey of fashion. It provides information to aid in the understanding of the major factors which promote change in the fashions people wear. A look at western history and geography gives an understanding of the eras and cultures which had major influences on fashion – from Europe in the Middle Ages, to the Renaissance and Tudor/Elizabethan eras –through the Baroque, Rococo and Empire periods to the first half of the 19th century. Lectures and discussions are enhanced by the use of period film, slides and visuals.
FASHION ILLUSTRATION I
FILL 110
Learn the differences between real body proportions and the fashion figure. Study classic proportions and develop the fashion figure in your own style. Explore specific drawing concepts and how to incorporate these into illustrations. Various media are used including gouache, pen, ink, pencil and charcoal. Collect photographic and illustrative material for a personal reference source. Classes include live model drawing. The course includes technical drawing in the form of flats and industry spec sheets.
FASHION ILLUSTRATION II
FILL 210
PRE-REQUISITE: FASHION ILLUSTRATION I
Explore colour through subtractive colour theory with the use of gouache. Develop your own colour file book for future reference purposes. Learn how to render specific fabrics and garment styles using a wide range of media and techniques. Begin to develop a polished and professional portfolio. Textile and print design is included. Further personal development is encouraged through a series of explorations.
FASHION ILLUSTRATION III
FILL 310
PRE-REQUISITE: FASHION ILLUSTRATION I AND II
This course focuses on the development of polished, professional fashion imagery for presentation. Students will illustrate an entire line from Designer Collections II. Story boards related to fashion drawings are created. Students expand their personal styles through the extensive study of professional illustrators and their work.
FASHION PROMOTION & MARKETING
FPRO 350
This course has been created specifically for Fashion Design students. Knowing how to market your product is essential to survival in this competitive business. The focus will be on how to show and market your product
through portfolio development, printed promotional materials including press kits and utilizing the fashion show
as a selling tool.
GARMENT CONSTRUCTION COURSES
Note: Industrial and domestic sewing machines are provided at the college for classroom use. In order to complete assignments, projects and collections, students should have basic sewing skills and must have access to a sewing machine at home.
GARMENT CONSTRUCTION I
CONS 100
This course provides the opportunity to gain practical experience in the use of industrial sewing machines. Students will become familiar with construction methods and techniques - both industrial and couture - and will produce a reference book of samples of sewing techniques.
GARMENT CONSTRUCTION II
CONS 200
PREREQUISITE: GARMENT CONSTRUCTION I
This course provides the opportunity to further develop a familiarity with construction methods and techniques. The sewing sample book will be continued. A fully lined tailored jacket will be constructed.
GARMENT CONSTRUCTION III
CONS 300
PREREQUISITE: GARMENT CONSTRUCTION I AND II
Further develop your knowledge of garment construction techniques. The sewing sample book will be completed including boned bustier with lace onset. A swimsuit will be constructed from a pattern drafted in Pattern Making III. The first of 3 required Grad Show garments will be completed.
GARMENT CONSTRUCTION IV
CONS 400
PREREQUISITE: GARMENT CONSTRUCTION I, II AND III
Students will complete their other 2 required garments for the Graduation Fashion Show using patterns they have drafted in Pattern Making IV from their own design. For each garment, the design and fabric will be analyzed to determine the necessary construction methods, construct a muslin, fit, adjust the pattern and construct the finished garment.
INTRODUCTION TO MANUFACTURING
MANU 305
Gain knowledge and understanding of production and management techniques in the manufacturing industry. Learn the organization of the Production Department and analyze the developmental stages of a specific line of merchandise from design through production to presentation. Create a factory plan and a collection story board. Field trips to local manufacturers are included.
PATTERN MAKING I
PATT 100
Students will draft bodice, skirt, pant, dress and sleeve blocks in standard size 6 for use in subsequent courses. Students will learn how to take accurate body measurement and to use these measurements to draft individual blocks. Manipulation of blocks for a variety of skirts, bodices, sleeves and collars will be included.
PATTERN MAKING II
PATT 200
PREREQUISITE: PATTERN MAKING I
Students will cover jacket linings and interfacings, kick pleats and pockets. Skirt, bodice and pant blocks will be graded. Pattern interpretations will be created from provided sketches. Pattern Making II also includes an introduction to draping.
PATTERN MAKING III
PATT 300
PREREQUISITE: PATTERN MAKING I AND II
Students will draft size 6 patterns of a given design and a pant of their own design and transfer these into muslin form for fittings and pattern adjustments. A size 6 swimsuit will be drafted, then assembled in Garment Construction III. The first “collections” garment will be drafted in size 6.
PATTERN MAKING IV
PATT 400
PREREQUISITE: PATTERN MAKING I, II AND III
Students will complete the process of drafting patterns for their graduation collection that they began in Pattern making III. For each garment, after constructing a prototype, students will perfect the draft and produce a pattern in final form, ready to be used for sewing the graduation collection.
PORTFOLIO PRESENTATION
PORT 405
A strong portfolio will be your most important promotional tool. Design a portfolio considering industry expectations; your personal strengths and abilities; your creative, technical and organizational skills. Evaluation will be based on design for specific target market, garment mix and style variation, flat drawings, layout, fabric rendering, overall look and visual appeal.
LABS
SEW 115
Labs provide a time to work on unfinished Garment Construction projects or Pattern Making projects as well as the opportunity to practice on the machines, finish samples and complete Graduate collections.
TEXTILES
TEXT 120
A study of natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic fabrics; their development, characteristics and application to fabric performance. Fiber processing, fabric construction, finishes, and fabric care are studied. This course is taught from the point of view of the consumer and the retailer (with emphasis on modern fabrics and developments). Completing a fabric swatch book will aid in the identification of fibers, yarn types, fabric construction processes, colour application methods and application of textile finishes.
Note: The college reserves the right to change course offerings, course content, kit contents, facilities, faculty, tuition fees, and course schedules without notice.







