Artwork by Agnes Hamerlik. Several mannequins clothed in floral garments and surrounded by dried flowers hanging upside down and large sculptural objects suspended from the ceiling.
Fashion Design

Graduate Overview

Fashion, Body and Garment Overview

The Department of Fashion, Body, and Garment at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers serious fashion design students an intensive, two-year Master of Fine Arts in Fashion, Body and Garment program devoted to a final, distilled collection or body of work that is exhibited as appropriate to the form.

The main component of the program, the Fashion Design Studio taken each semester, provides a place for an expansive investigation of fashion, body, and garment and for deeper individual investigation of fashion within the broader context of community, sustainability, technology, and the industry.

You will have the freedom to explore a breadth of possibilities, yet achieve an in-depth focus within your individual practice through a combination of:

  • Dedicated design studios
  • Topical seminars
  • Self-directed research
  • Technical labs
  • Design history and theory courses
     

You are also encouraged to explore a range of electives in other disciplines, such as:

  • Performance
  • Film, Video, New Media, and Animation
  • Writing
  • Sculpture
  • Fiber and Material Studies
     

If you have a bachelor’s degree, but need additional foundation work to prepare a portfolio, or you are an international student in need of a year of intensive studio work typical to the U.S. education system before beginning a master’s program, we recommend our three-year MFA program.

Professor Nick Cave

Letter from Nick Cave

It's been a decade since the School of the Art Institute of Chicago's Fashion Department launched its graduate program called Master of Design, Fashion, Body & Garment.

We are extremely proud of its success, but even more by its growth. The program keeps evolving as the world keeps changing, ensuring its relevance to our creative future. This dynamic quality is what keeps it fresh, exciting, and always BOLD.

As an artist, educator, and activist it has also been an incredible opportunity for me to spearhead this program. It has gifted me with a plethora of amazing young creators who are quickly becoming the next leaders in the field of fashion, art, education, politics, and parenting.

I could not be more proud of each and everyone's success to date and look forward to your future development via whatever road you choose next.
 

– Nick Cave
Stephanie and Bill Sick Professor of Fashion, Body and Garment

Requirements and Curriculum

  • First Year Fall 

    15 

    • FASH 5310 Design Studio: Dress, Un-Dress, Re-Dress (6)
    • FASH 5311 Advanced Fabrication Lab (3)
    • ARTHI 5002 Survey of Modern and Contemporary Art (3) or
      ARTHI 5120 Survey of Modern and Contemporary Architecture and Design (3)
    • FASH 5315 Seminar: Professional Practice (3) required

     

    First Year Spring 

    15  

    • FASH 5330 Design Studio: Interfacing Fashion (6)
    • ARTHI 5560 Critical Perspectives in Fashion, Body and Garment I (3)
    • Electives (6)

     

    Second Year Fall 

    15  

    • FASH 6310 Design Studio: Contextualizing Fashion (6)
    • ARTHI 5561 Critical Perspectives in Fashion, Body and Garment II (3)
    • Elective (6)

     

    Second Year Spring 

    15 

    • FASH 6330 Design Studio: Fashion, Fusion, Vision (6)
    • FASH 6335 Seminar: Professional Practice 2 (3)
    • Elective (3)
    • Art history elective (3)

     

    Participation in four Graduate Critiques

     

    Participation in Graduate Design Exhibition

     

    Total Credit Hours

    60  

    Degree requirements and specifications

    Completion schedule: Students have a maximum of four years to complete the degree. This includes time off for approved leaves of absence.

    Transfer credits: A minimum of 45 credit hours must be completed in residence at SAIC. Up to 15 transfer credits may be requested at the time of application for admission and are subject to approval at that time. No transfer credit will be permitted after a student is admitted.

    Design Studio: Each design studio must be successfully completed prior to participation in the consecutive design studio.

    Advanced Fabrication Lab: FASH 5311 Advanced Fabrication Lab must be taken in the first fall semester.

    Full-Time Status Minimum Requirement: 12 credit hours

  • First Year Fall 

    12

    • FASH 5111 Design Principles (3)
    • FASH 5122 Studio Techniques (3)
    • Fashion elective, 3000 level and above (3)
    • Art History: Survey 5002 (with emphasis on fashion or design history) (3)

     

    First Year Spring

    12  

    • FASH 5130 Design Studio (6 credits)
    • Fashion elective, 3000 level and above (3 credits)
    • Fashion elective, 3000 level and above; or Art History, must be 4000, 5000 or 6000 level (3)

     

    Second Year Fall 

    15  

    • FASH 5310 Design Studio: Dress, Un-Dress, Re-Dress (6)
    • FASH 5311 Advanced Fabrication Lab (3)
    • FASH 5315 Seminar: Professional Practice (3) required
    • Art History, must be 4000, 5000 or 6000 level (3)
       

     

    Second Year Spring 

    12  

    • FASH 5330 Design Studio: Interfacing Fashion (6)
    • ARTHI 5560 Critical Perspectives in Fashion, Body and Garment (3)
    • Fashion elective, 3000 level and above (3) 
       
    		 
    Third Year Fall

      15

    • FASH 6310 Design Studio: Contextualizing Fashion (6)
    • Elective (6)
    • Art History, must be 4000, 5000 or 6000 level (3)
    		 

    Third Year Spring 

    		12
    • FASH 6330 Design Studio: Fashion, Fusion, Vision (6)
    • FASH 6335 Seminar: Professional Practice 2 (3)
    • Elective (3)
    		 

    Participation in six Graduate Critiques

     

    Participation in Graduate Design Exhibition

     

    Total Credit Hours

    78

    Degree requirements and specifications

    Completion schedule: Students have a maximum of four years to complete the degree. This includes time off for approved leaves of absence.

    Transfer credits: A minimum of 45 credit hours must be completed in residence at SAIC. Up to 15 transfer credits may be requested at the time of application for admission and are subject to approval at that time. No transfer credit will be permitted after a student is admitted.

    Design Studio: Each design studio must be successfully completed prior to participation in the consecutive design studio.

    Advanced Fabrication Lab: FASH 5311 Advanced Fabrication Lab must be taken in the fall semester of the second year of the MFA 3-yr.

    Full-Time Status Minimum Requirement: 12 credit hours

MFA in Fashion, Body, and Garment Courses

Title Catalog Instructor Schedule

Description

This is an introductory look into fashion. Students will explore basic design skills and processes, and work with various materials used in constructing garments. Both traditional and non-traditional materials will be explored through techniques and exercises related to the body. Students will learn how the tools and equipment for hand and machine sewing functions, and its role in constructing garments. A critical overview of fashion introduces students to various practical and theoretical approaches to understand and explore fashion within an art context.

Class Number

1491

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Area of Study

Costume Design

Location

Sullivan Center 702

Description

This is an introductory look into fashion. Students will explore basic design skills and processes, and work with various materials used in constructing garments. Both traditional and non-traditional materials will be explored through techniques and exercises related to the body. Students will learn how the tools and equipment for hand and machine sewing functions, and its role in constructing garments. A critical overview of fashion introduces students to various practical and theoretical approaches to understand and explore fashion within an art context.

Class Number

1492

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Area of Study

Costume Design

Location

Sullivan Center 727

Description

This is an introductory look into fashion. Students will explore basic design skills and processes, and work with various materials used in constructing garments. Both traditional and non-traditional materials will be explored through techniques and exercises related to the body. Students will learn how the tools and equipment for hand and machine sewing functions, and its role in constructing garments. A critical overview of fashion introduces students to various practical and theoretical approaches to understand and explore fashion within an art context.

Class Number

1493

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Area of Study

Costume Design

Location

Sullivan Center 706

Description

This is an introductory look into fashion. Students will explore basic design skills and processes, and work with various materials used in constructing garments. Both traditional and non-traditional materials will be explored through techniques and exercises related to the body. Students will learn how the tools and equipment for hand and machine sewing functions, and its role in constructing garments. A critical overview of fashion introduces students to various practical and theoretical approaches to understand and explore fashion within an art context.

Class Number

1494

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Area of Study

Costume Design

Location

Sullivan Center 727

Description

This is an introductory look into fashion. Students will explore basic design skills and processes, and work with various materials used in constructing garments. Both traditional and non-traditional materials will be explored through techniques and exercises related to the body. Students will learn how the tools and equipment for hand and machine sewing functions, and its role in constructing garments. A critical overview of fashion introduces students to various practical and theoretical approaches to understand and explore fashion within an art context.

Class Number

1495

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Area of Study

Costume Design

Location

Sullivan Center 706

Description

This is an introductory look into fashion. Students will explore basic design skills and processes, and work with various materials used in constructing garments. Both traditional and non-traditional materials will be explored through techniques and exercises related to the body. Students will learn how the tools and equipment for hand and machine sewing functions, and its role in constructing garments. A critical overview of fashion introduces students to various practical and theoretical approaches to understand and explore fashion within an art context.

Class Number

1527

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Area of Study

Costume Design

Location

Sullivan Center 703

Description

This is an introductory look into fashion. Students will explore basic design skills and processes, and work with various materials used in constructing garments. Both traditional and non-traditional materials will be explored through techniques and exercises related to the body. Students will learn how the tools and equipment for hand and machine sewing functions, and its role in constructing garments. A critical overview of fashion introduces students to various practical and theoretical approaches to understand and explore fashion within an art context.

Class Number

1538

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Area of Study

Costume Design

Location

Sullivan Center 704

Description

This course offers foundational methods of draping, pattern drafting, and construction techniques to build garments. The students learn how to develop a set of slopers, consisting of bodice, sleeve and skirt, combining and integrating draping and pattern drafting methods. Through these methods, the students develop and construct design concepts, first in muslin, then in fabric; stressing the importance of proper fit and craftsmanship. No pre-req.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1528

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 702

Description

This course offers foundational methods of draping, pattern drafting, and construction techniques to build garments. The students learn how to develop a set of slopers, consisting of bodice, sleeve and skirt, combining and integrating draping and pattern drafting methods. Through these methods, the students develop and construct design concepts, first in muslin, then in fabric; stressing the importance of proper fit and craftsmanship. No pre-req.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1529

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 703

Description

This course offers foundational methods of draping, pattern drafting, and construction techniques to build garments. The students learn how to develop a set of slopers, consisting of bodice, sleeve and skirt, combining and integrating draping and pattern drafting methods. Through these methods, the students develop and construct design concepts, first in muslin, then in fabric; stressing the importance of proper fit and craftsmanship. No pre-req.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1530

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 706

Description

This course offers foundational methods of draping, pattern drafting, and construction techniques to build garments. The students learn how to develop a set of slopers, consisting of bodice, sleeve and skirt, combining and integrating draping and pattern drafting methods. Through these methods, the students develop and construct design concepts, first in muslin, then in fabric; stressing the importance of proper fit and craftsmanship. No pre-req.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1531

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 704

Description

This course offers foundational methods of draping, pattern drafting, and construction techniques to build garments. The students learn how to develop a set of slopers, consisting of bodice, sleeve and skirt, combining and integrating draping and pattern drafting methods. Through these methods, the students develop and construct design concepts, first in muslin, then in fabric; stressing the importance of proper fit and craftsmanship. No pre-req.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1537

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 702

Description

This course offers foundational methods of draping, pattern drafting, and construction techniques to build garments. The students learn how to develop a set of slopers, consisting of bodice, sleeve and skirt, combining and integrating draping and pattern drafting methods. Through these methods, the students develop and construct design concepts, first in muslin, then in fabric; stressing the importance of proper fit and craftsmanship. No pre-req.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1539

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 702

Description

This course offers foundational methods of draping, pattern drafting, and construction techniques to build garments. The students learn how to develop a set of slopers, consisting of bodice, sleeve and skirt, combining and integrating draping and pattern drafting methods. Through these methods, the students develop and construct design concepts, first in muslin, then in fabric; stressing the importance of proper fit and craftsmanship. No pre-req.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1543

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 702

Description

Fashion Design I builds the skills and talents required to achieve creative fashion. This class teaches the design fundamentals of the integrated core fashion design curriculum. Students will engage multiple skills to create individual, visionary, unconventional garments, and later, collections. Through a series of projects, students explore form, silhouette, volume, and research in design to arrive at a personal point-of-view in fashion. This course will specifically ask students to work conceptually and to develop research methodologies in their design work. Based on this inquiry, students generate sketches and surface treatments to refine their unique silhouettes and material manipulations. No prerequisite.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1532

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 704

Description

Fashion Design I builds the skills and talents required to achieve creative fashion. This class teaches the design fundamentals of the integrated core fashion design curriculum. Students will engage multiple skills to create individual, visionary, unconventional garments, and later, collections. Through a series of projects, students explore form, silhouette, volume, and research in design to arrive at a personal point-of-view in fashion. This course will specifically ask students to work conceptually and to develop research methodologies in their design work. Based on this inquiry, students generate sketches and surface treatments to refine their unique silhouettes and material manipulations. No prerequisite.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1533

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 705

Description

Fashion Design I builds the skills and talents required to achieve creative fashion. This class teaches the design fundamentals of the integrated core fashion design curriculum. Students will engage multiple skills to create individual, visionary, unconventional garments, and later, collections. Through a series of projects, students explore form, silhouette, volume, and research in design to arrive at a personal point-of-view in fashion. This course will specifically ask students to work conceptually and to develop research methodologies in their design work. Based on this inquiry, students generate sketches and surface treatments to refine their unique silhouettes and material manipulations. No prerequisite.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1534

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 703

Description

Fashion Design I builds the skills and talents required to achieve creative fashion. This class teaches the design fundamentals of the integrated core fashion design curriculum. Students will engage multiple skills to create individual, visionary, unconventional garments, and later, collections. Through a series of projects, students explore form, silhouette, volume, and research in design to arrive at a personal point-of-view in fashion. This course will specifically ask students to work conceptually and to develop research methodologies in their design work. Based on this inquiry, students generate sketches and surface treatments to refine their unique silhouettes and material manipulations. No prerequisite.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1535

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 705

Description

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.

Class Number

1515

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Area of Study

Costume Design, Community & Social Engagement

Location

Sullivan Center 723

Description

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.

Class Number

1519

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Area of Study

Costume Design, Community & Social Engagement

Location

Sullivan Center 723

Take the Next Step

Accepting Applications

Apply to SAIC's graduate Fashion Design program for fall 2024 admission. APPLY

MFA in Fashion, Body and Garment Admissions Information

Visit the graduate admissions website or contact the graduate admissions office at 312.629.6100, 800.232.7242 or gradmiss@saic.edu.

Fashion, Body, and Garment program inquiries: FashionGrad@saic.edu