Program Overview

The Fashion Techniques and Design program prepares you for careers in garment-manufacturing design rooms. This is a women's wear program that focuses on pattern drafting and sewing skills. You will use industrial machines and learn the essentials of technical illustration, pattern making, pattern grading and clothing construction. Additional core subjects include textiles, technical specifications and history of costume.

FULL DESCRIPTION

The Fashion Techniques and Design program prepares you for careers in garment-manufacturing design rooms. This is a women's wear program that simulates, as closely as possible, the industry's standards, practices and facilities. You will use industrial machines and learn the essentials of technical illustration, pattern making, pattern grading and clothing construction. Additional core subjects include textiles, technical specifications and the history of costume. Program electives allow you to select specific related subject areas, such as fashion show development, portfolio development, draping, lingerie, men's pattern drafting, leather apparel, knitwear and bridal and evening wear. Computer skills in Adobe Illustrator, pattern drafting and pattern grading are included as core and elective courses and are continually upgraded to meet industry needs. This program covers introductory methods to more advanced concepts in the second year.

An annual fashion show and portfolio event highlight successful student projects. You have the opportunity to network with industry, participate in numerous competitions, work on applied research projects, volunteer and attend industry events.

Note: This program requires extensive sewing; manual dexterity and good vision are assets. Both sewing experience and access to a sewing machine outside of the campus facilities are expected.  Students who begin the program in January will study through the spring/summer semester and continue into the September academic year.  For January students, the program is condensed to 1.5 years by studying through the spring/summer period.

At the School of Fashion and Jewellery, the learning environment is as diverse as our students and there are many extracurricular activities to take advantage of.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The Fashion Techniques and Design program requires students to have access to a personal laptop or desktop computer, printer and reliable Internet for classes.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Draft and grade flat patterns for mass garment production.
2. Select and use production methods and techniques that best suit the fabric, pattern and design of the garments.
3. Select garment materials that are compatible with the overall apparel design and meet the user's needs.
4. Operate industrial sewing, pressing, grading and other technical equipment safely to professional standards.
5. Apply technical and computing skills to fashion design and production.
6. Research and analyze factors, trends, stylistic features and art principles that influence current fashions.
7. Prepare visual and portfolio materials, product specifications and cost analysis for a product, project and/or market.
8. Design, prototype and produce original patterns and garments using mass production industrial methods and equipment.