FASHION DESIGN

This course is part of Track D in the Foundation year, intended to offer students a basic introduction to the world of fashion design for those interested in pursuing studies in this field or in related ones such as architecture, art and product design.

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

Identify some of the key historical figures, moments and narratives in fashion history.
Identify some of the principal actors and sectors within the fashion ecosystem.
Describe some of the key trends in contemporary culture through the lens of fashion.
Identify some of the fundamentals of storytelling and how these apply to the world of fashion.
Identify some of the key figures, moments and aspects of the Italian fashion system.
Identify some of the key storytellers from across the spectrum of the fashion system.
Describe the basic creative process for designing a fashion collection.
Be familiar with key online and offline resources about fashion design and the fashion world.
Be familiar with how to organize and present one's work in the form of a personal portfolio.

There are no prerequisites for attending this course.

This course is an introduction to the world of fashion design through the lens of storytelling. The intention is to create a space in which to begin exploring fashion design practice, and offer contextual perspective and tools for participating with sensibility and discernment in this crucial cultural conversation. The purpose is to assist students in orienting and preparing themselves for further studies in fashion design or in related disciplines such as architecture, art and product design.

We will approach this field from different narrative perspectives such as the history of fashion and clothing; the Italian fashion system; story techniques used in the design, communication and circulation of fashion; the fashion education panorama and storytelling in portfolio development. Visual expression will be explored through practical exercises during the course, giving students first hand experience with this foundational language of fashion design. Time wise the course will be touching principally on the period from the end of the 19th century to the present day, and also taking a look at what is emerging on the horizon.

The course will primarily reference articles, videos and websites online. Bibliographic references for further study will be provided during the semester.

Student learning will be verified through in class and at home exercises, in class and online discussions, quizzes conducted at regular intervals during the course and the project to be presented for the final exam.

During the course there will be lessons, exercises, moments for sharing, discussion and review, and a final project in the form of a sample personal portfolio. Attending lessons and participating in class are key to a quality course experience. There will be in class exercises combined with weekly assignments and readings. The course can be followed in person at the university or online.

English

oral