Fashion Design
Do you have a unique sense of style? Are you passionate about fabrics and colors? Do you express yourself through your clothing? Then turn your passion into a chic career! In the Fashion Design diploma program at VCAD, you'll develop the skills to transform your creative ideas into beautiful garments and accessories so you can change the world through fashion.
This program will nurture your creativity while providing hands-on training about the tools and equipment used in the industry. You'll develop a solid foundation in the fundamentals of garment and apparel design, fashion merchandising, visual display techniques and fashion show. By the end of the program, your portfolio will showcase your skill set, creative flare and unique fashion sense.
Career opportunities exist in several areas of the fashion industry as junior designers, stylists, pattern makers and wardrobe consultants. Fashion retailers may also require skilled professionals for positions such as marketing representatives, visual display coordinators and purchasers.
Upon successful completion of this six term program you will be able to:
- Apply fundamental design theory to fashion design problems.
- Apply knowledge and skills resulting from the study of modern fashion illustration, fashion design, design concepts and techniques in the creation of original garments that exceed industry design and quality standards.
- Understand the relationship between fashion illustration, apparel design and product development and be able to communicate effectively design ideas between various manufacturing, marketing and merchandising components of the industry.
- Make persuasive arguments that speak to how significant fashion trends and periods derive their origins from the past and subsequently influence the future.
- Describe the role fashion history plays in fashion styling, design and display.
- Construct and analyze garments so as to comment on the quality of construction, efficacy of the design, finishing techniques, and price point.
- Analyze different classifications of apparel: men’s, women’s and children’s and discount in regard to price points, fit, construction and the market.
- Understand the product development, apparel production, and textile life cycles in the context of their impact on design, merchandising and marketing.
- Describe the importance of fashion forecasting, on the design, marketing and merchandising of apparel.
- Development a portfolio containing original design work, flats and specifications, photographs, a promotional kit and a final themed collection consisting of at least four original garments.
Program Courses
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- This course is an introductory level drawing course designed to have the students apply the fundamental concepts of drawing. Students will experiment with the use of basic shapes and techniques in drawing simple objects comprised of lines, shapes, forms and shading patterns. This course will also continue the coverage of the notions of perspective, scale, and proportions and their role in the production of realistic looking drawings. Students will also gain an understanding of light source placement and shadow casting and how these translate into a final drawing. Students will be able to practice the various techniques learned throughout the course by developing drawings in a progressive manner.
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- This course introduces the students to the popular image-editing software Adobe Photoshop. The main objective of this course is to teach the student graphical image production using Adobe Photoshop. Through this ‘hands-on’ course, the student will learn the fundamentals of design, as well as advanced features and tips, to prepare images for the Web and for print. By the end of this course, the student will be able to create and enhance sophisticated images using Adobe Photoshop’s tools and features. They will learn how to correct and modify print as well as Web images using various techniques and organizational tools. They will also learn how to apply special effects to original and composite images.
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- The purpose of this course is to introduce the students to the fundamental principles of design and color theory. Students will be introduced to the principle concepts of design such as layout, composition, and balance as well as the theories of color and how to use color creatively. These concepts will be presented in theory as well as reinforced through specific practical exercises and activities that will serve to demonstrate how each of the concepts is integrated into good design.
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- This course presents Illustrator as an industry standard tool for the production of professional quality illustrations such as technical illustrations, mapping, illustrating from photographic reference, and colorizing bitmapped images. Students will not only learn how to create precise, organized and professional illustrations that will meet the demands and standards of art directors and advertising agencies, but they will also learn to express their creativity in design by using the advanced distortion, blends, fills masks and effects tools offered by the software. Students will understand how the production of graphics ties in within the overall design process.
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| FD10E |
Garment Construction I |
48
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- This is an introductory course designed to introduce students to basic garment construction concepts and techniques by completing garment projects. Students will learn how to use and care for the fundamental tools of the garment production industry. Basic construction techniques, pattern layout, marking and material economizing will be taught. Sewing precision will be emphasized throughout. Students will be able to practice the various techniques learned throughout the course by working on mini-projects, while developing and completing their first simple garment.
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| FM20A |
Fashion Illustration |
48
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- Fashion illustration is vital in the product development and marketing of apparel and accessories. Illustration represents the product visually: it is a form of stylized drawing that communicates not only an artistic representation but also a sense of style. In this course, students will learn the basics of this fashion art form.
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| FM20C |
Fashion Marketing & Promotion |
48
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- Fashion Marketing is defined as more than just “selling”: it is creating in the consumer the need and want, to purchase fashion goods, using a strategy of correct pricing and placement of goods, product offerings and promotional techniques targeted to the correct marketing segment. In this course, students are introduced to basic fashion marketing principles.
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- Costume history is the history of fashion – trends, design influences, fabrications, style changes and developments, evolving technical elements and terminology of fashion. An overview understanding of fashion history and the place it holds in modern times is vital in the marketing and merchandising of current fashion apparel and accessories.
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| FM10E |
The Fashion Industry |
48
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- In this course, students will be learning the fundamental and basic principles governing the world of fashion with emphasis on the merchandising and marketing aspects of the apparel industry. Major designers of the 20th century and their influence on trends in apparel will be examined.
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| FD20E |
Garment Construction II |
48
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- This course continues to develop both theoretical and practical construction techniques. This course is designed to further students basic garment construction proficiency and techniques by completing garment projects. Basic construction techniques, pattern layout, marking and material economizing will continue to be reinforced. Sewing precision will be emphasized throughout. Students will be able to practice various techniques learned throughout the course by working on the construction of blouse/shirt and light weight pants.
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| FD30A |
Collection Design & Development |
48
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- This course introduces the fundamentals of fashion research, trend analysis and forecasting. Established fashion art techniques are used to conceptualize, develop, design, merchandise and market product for a clearly defined audience. An apparel line will be designed to meet the need of a specific market. Focus is on creating original, marketable design concepts translated through illustrations and construction of designs. This course includes the preparation of concept boards, illustrations, and technical drawings which will form the conceptual nucleus of the Final Collection Capstone and Promotional Portfolio courses.
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- Students will explore both natural and synthetic fibers, their primary and secondary characteristics and properties, how fibers become fabrics, fabric names and usages, care, labeling, life and hand. Yarn production, weaves, knits, printing, dyes, and the new technologies in fiber production are examined. Trends in fabrication in the 21st Century emphasized.
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| FM40C |
Product Development |
48
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- Product development is a process that begins with a design concept and follows through to production. In this course, students are introduced to technical packages, production boards, garment design elements and product organizational flows, all of which are integral to the manufacturing, marketing and merchandising of apparel.
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| FD30D |
Pattern Drafting I |
48
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- This is an introduction to industrial garment assembly practices and pattern drafting. Studio time will be devoted to sewing a variety of samples and drafting basic projects using standard accepted industry practices. Basic principles of flat pattern drafting, development of the master pant and skirt block, and its use in drafting patterns according to professional standards are addressed. Students will learn to develop basic pattern blocks and manipulate these drafts to create various design styles. Standard and personal measurements will be used and the importance of proper garment fit will be emphasized.
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| FD30E |
Garment Construction III |
48
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- This course continues to develop both theoretical and practical construction techniques. This course is designed to further advance students garment construction proficiency and techniques by completing garment projects. Further efficiencies in construction technique es, pattern layout, marking and material economizing will continue to be reinforced. Sewing precision will be emphasized throughout. Students will be able to practice various techniques learned throughout the course by working on the construction of day and evening dress. This course emphasizes couture techniques.
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- The methods of three dimensional draping techniques are studied. These methods are employed to enhance the visual articulation of design concepts and to create a pattern. Fabric is draped on the dress form to create prototypical garments, allowing for the study of fashion silhouetting, proportion, texture, and style.
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| FD40B |
Digital Pattern Making I |
48
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- This course introduces students to computer aided design for pattern making. Students will learn how to transfer pattern drafts to a computer with industry standard software. This course introduces the digital equivalents of pattern creation, alterations on existing product patterns, grade rule tables and marker making. Through hands-on experience students will gain knowledge of the system’s capabilities to digitize and modify designs, manage files, plot patterns, and apply grade rules. Students will learn how to create a model, enter specs on a technical design sheet, and create a production-ready garment.
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| FD40C |
Fashion Design I |
48
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- This course introduces the elements and principles of fashion design. The course emphasizes the role of color and texture throughout the apparel design process in the context of fashion design problems. Students will learn how to communicate solutions visually and verbally through team building exercises. This course provides students with the opportunity to clearly articulate a plan for their final collection and begin to develop a look book.
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| FD40D |
Pattern Drafting II |
48
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- This course builds on the concepts and tools introduced in Pattern Drafting I. Student will develop bodice blocks and will further their knowledge of key components of the flat pattern making system to develop, manipulate and modify various garment patterns.
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| FD40E |
Fashion Forecasting |
48
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- Fashion forecasting is a process that includes knowledge of changing colours and styles, lifestyles, consumer buying patterns, and methods of retailing merchandise. Students will learn the science and art of fashion forecasting and how this affects decision making in the apparel industry.
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- Fashion stylists are responsible for organizing and preparing people, and assembling accessories and garments worn by models at a photo shoot. In creating “the look”, stylists must be up-to-date in all aspects of fashion forecasting. In this class, students will learn what is involved in fashion styling, turning theory into practice while working on a real-life photo shoot and magazine spread which will become a portfolio piece.
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| FD60B |
Digital Pattern Making II |
48
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- This course builds on the concepts and tools introduced in Digital Patten Making I. Students will further their knowledge of key components of the ‘pattern design system’ to develop, manipulate and modify digital garment patterns.
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| FD60C |
Fashion Design II |
48
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- This course builds on the skills and concepts learned in Fashion Design I, providing students with the opportunity to complete their fashion collection. The collection will be assessed and three of the four submissions will become part of the final collection and promotional portfolio. Students will also complete a final draft of their look book for final collection.
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| FD60D |
Pattern Drafting III |
48
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- In this advanced course students create patterns for specific design problems integrating the knowledge of flat pattern methods. Course work requires research of historic patterns, pattern development, and modern industrial methods. Studio projects will address specific design problems integrating knowledge of draping methods. This course will refine acquired skills and require efficiency in the application of patternmaking skills, methods, organization, and application.
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| FD60E |
Garment Construction IV |
48
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- This course develops advanced construction detailing and tailoring. The course is designed to further advance students garment construction proficiency and techniques by completing garment projects. Further efficiencies in advanced construction techniques, pattern development, and material economizing will be emphasized. Sewing precision will be the focus of this course. Students will be able to practice advanced techniques learned throughout the course by working on the construction of a tailored jacket and/or outer wear garment. This course emphasizes industry standard and couture techniques.
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| FM50A |
Apparel Production |
48
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- Fashion design students will gain knowledge of ready-to-wear apparel production: critical paths, quality control, mass production techniques, garment sequencing and assembly, and costing. Private label and branding are examined.
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| FM30E |
Visual Display & Merchandising |
48
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- Visual display and merchandising is the artistic staging that makes the shopper stop, look and buy. All promotional marketing ends up with this point of sale display of merchandise, therefore knowledge is vital to any student entering the merchandising or marketing retail environment.
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| FD50C |
Final Collection Capstone |
48
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- During the final term this capstone course provides studio time and individual mentoring, so that advanced sewing techniques can be applied in a measured manner to each garment. This studio time will allow for revisions and a level of detail and sewing accuracy and precision expected in a final collection that is to be presented to industry. Students will be able to perfect advanced techniques learned throughout the program.
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| FD50D |
Digital Pattern Making III |
48
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- Computer pattern drafting techniques are further enhanced in this course. Through hands-on experience students will gain advanced knowledge of the pattern design system and will acquire additional computer-based pattern drafting skills. Students will complete a design and digital draft of an original garment.
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| FD50E |
Promotional Portfolio & PR Kit |
48
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- Graphic design and software skills learned in the first and subsequent terms will be applied in the development and production of a promotional kit containing original design work, flats and specifications, photographs, and available trend resources. Topics include copy writing, planning and organizing a print project, professional layout, and translating fashion ideas into visual design elements. Outcomes include the production of professional portfolio website and print catalogue.
