Work by Kaiyuan Xu
Graduate Overview
Fashion, Body and Garment Overview
Accepting Applications
The Department of Fashion Design at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers serious fashion design students a dynamic, intensive Master of Fine Arts in Fashion, Body and Garment program. The acclaimed fashion program is available in both two-year and three-year tracks based on experience. It allows students to produce a distilled collection or body of work and learn how to best show that work off, from presentations to gallery exhibitions.
The program’s main component is the Fashion Design Studio, taken each semester. During this course, students investigate both craft and style to develop a deeper understanding of fashion within the context of community, sustainability, technology, and the industry.
SAIC’s Fashion Design department offers one of the most rigorous interdisciplinary graduate fashion programs in the US. Students are encouraged to explore while also focusing on their individual practice through a combination of:
- Dedicated design studios
- Topical seminars
- Self-directed research
- Technical labs
- Design history and theory courses
Student are also encouraged to explore a range of electives in other disciplines, such as:
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
Fashion Design Graduate Program: Two-Year MFA Track
Our two-year MFA program is designed for students looking to build on their existing foundations and elevate their portfolios to new heights. This program encourages fashion students to push the boundaries of fashion design, work at a large scale, and think expansively about their practices.
Our MFA in Fashion, Body and Garment offers a transformational experience that embraces a pluralistic approach. Throughout the program, students explore fashion as installation, performance, and beyond. With the freedom to experiment and innovate, students will take their work to the next level while redefining the possibilities of their craft. Learn more about the courses and curriculum.
Requirements & Curriculum
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First Year Fall 15 First Year Spring 15 First Year Additional Requirements
Participation in Fall & Spring Graduate CritiquesSecond Year Fall 15 Second Year Spring 15 Second Year Additional Requirements
Participation in Fall & Spring Graduate Critiques
Participation in the Thesis ShowTotal Credit Hours
Fashion, Body & Garment Studios: 27
Interdisciplinary or Fashion Electives:15
Professional Practice: 6
Art History: 1260 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
Fashion Design Graduate Program: Three-Year MFA Track
Our three-year MFA program is designed to provide students with the technical foundations they need, from making patterns to learning essential construction techniques. With incoming students coming from a variety of experience and disciplinary backgrounds, this program offers an additional foundational year. This allows students to develop and refine their fashion-related skill sets without having to start from scratch in an undergraduate program.
As a fast-track option for those with an existing undergraduate degree, this unique program helps students transition into fashion design and related fields. This is unlike any other fashion degree program. Our groundbreaking MFA allows students to spend three intensive years honing their technical skills, developing distinct points of view, and benefiting from tailored advising. That makes this program an ideal choice for anyone looking to pivot their career and enter the world of fashion design. Learn more about the courses and curriculum.
Requirements & Curriculum
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First Year Fall 12 First Year Spring 12 First Year Additional Requirements
Participation in Fall & Spring Graduate CritiquesSecond Year Fall 12 Second Year Spring 15 - FASH 5330 Fashion Design Studio II (6)
Studio class (5 hours, two days per week) - ARTHI 5560 Critical Perspectives in Fashion, Body and Garment (3)
Seminar class (2 hours, 45 minutes) - Elective 1, 3000 level and above (3)
Seminar or Studio class - Elective 2, 3000 level and above (3)
Seminar or Studio class
Second Year Additional Requirements
Participation in Fall & Spring Graduate CritiquesThird Year Fall 15 - FASH 6310 Fashion Design Studio III (6)
Studio class (5 hours, two days per week) - Art History: must be 4000, 5000 or 6000 level (3)
Seminar class (2 hours, 45 minutes) ARTHI 5028 Form and Function in Fashion and Design History (recommended)
Seminar class (2 hours, 45 minutes) - Elective 1, 3000 level and above (3)
Seminar or Studio class - Elective 2, 3000 level and above (3)
Seminar or Studio class
Third Year Spring 12 - FASH 6330 Fashion Design Studio IV (6)
Studio class (5 hours, two days per week) - FASH 6335 Seminar: Professional Practice II (3)
Seminar class (2 hours, 45 minutes) - Elective 1, 3000 level and above (3)
Seminar or Studio class
Third Year Additional Requirements
Participation in Fall & Spring Graduate Critiques
Participation in the Thesis ShowTotal Credit Hours
Fashion, Body & Garment Studios: 39
Interdisciplinary or Fashion Electives: 21
Professional Practice: 6
Art History: 1278 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
- FASH 5330 Fashion Design Studio II (6)
Course Listing
Take the Next Step
Applications must be submitted online and should include two letters of reference, a CV or resume, a portfolio of work, and a 500- to 700-word statement that describes your work.
MFA in Fashion, Body and Garment Admissions Information
Graduate Admissions Events
Learn how to prepare a competitive application, meet with faculty and staff, and explore our programs and facilities. LEARN MORE
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