Work by Kaiyuan Xu
Graduate Overview
Fashion, Body and Garment Overview
Reduced Application Fee Deadline: December 1
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 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
-
First Year Fall 15 - FASH 5310 Fashion Design Studio I (6)
Studio class (5 hours, two days per week) - FASH 5313 Advanced Fabrication & Material (3)
Studio class (5 hours) - FASH 5315 Seminar: Professional Practice (3)
Seminar class (2 hours, 45 minutes) - ARTHI 5002 Grad Survey of Modern and Contemporary Art (3)
Seminar class (2 hours, 45 minutes)
First 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 classElective 2, 3000 level and above (3)
Seminar or Studio class
First Year Additional Requirements
Participation in Fall & Spring Graduate CritiquesSecond Year Fall 15 - FASH 6310 Fashion Design Studio III (6)
Studio class (5 hours, two days per week) - 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
Second Year Spring 15 - 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) - Art History: must be 4000, 5000, or 6000 level (3)
Seminar class (2 hours, 45 minutes) - Elective, 3000 level and above (3)
Seminar or Studio class
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
- FASH 5310 Fashion Design Studio I (6)
Course Listing
| Title | Catalog | Instructor | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Fashion, Body, and Garment | 1010 (001) | Kylee Marisa Alexander | Mon/Wed
6:45 PM - 9:15 PM In Person |
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 |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Introduction to Fashion, Body, and Garment | 1010 (002) | Anna L Brown | Tues
3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person |
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 |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Introduction to Fashion, Body, and Garment | 1010 (003) | Anna L Brown | Wed
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
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 |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Introduction to Fashion, Body, and Garment | 1010 (004) | Kylee Marisa Alexander | Thurs
3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person |
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 |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Introduction to Fashion, Body, and Garment | 1010 (005) | Kristin Mariani | Thurs
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
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 |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Introduction to Fashion, Body, and Garment | 1010 (006) | Caroline Marie Bellios | Fri
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
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 |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Fashion Construction I | 2001 (001) | Isaac Couch | Thurs
3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person |
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.
PrerequisitesPrereq: Student must be a freshman/sophomore and have previously taken Intro to Fashion, Body & Garment or be a transfer student. Coreq: Student must also enroll in a section of FASH 2002 simultaneously. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Fashion Construction I | 2001 (002) | Compton Quashie | Tues
3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person |
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.
PrerequisitesPrereq: Student must be a freshman/sophomore and have previously taken Intro to Fashion, Body & Garment or be a transfer student. Coreq: Student must also enroll in a section of FASH 2002 simultaneously. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Fashion Construction I | 2001 (004) | Janet Kang | Wed
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
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.
PrerequisitesPrereq: Student must be a freshman/sophomore and have previously taken Intro to Fashion, Body & Garment or be a transfer student. Coreq: Student must also enroll in a section of FASH 2002 simultaneously. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Fashion Construction I | 2001 (006) | Pamela Vanderlinde | Mon
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
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.
PrerequisitesPrereq: Student must be a freshman/sophomore and have previously taken Intro to Fashion, Body & Garment or be a transfer student. Coreq: Student must also enroll in a section of FASH 2002 simultaneously. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Fashion Design I | 2002 (001) | Edgar X. Aguilera | Mon
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
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.
PrerequisitesPrereq: Student must be a freshman/sophomore and have previously taken Intro to Fashion, Body & Garment or be a transfer student. Coreq: Student must also enroll in a section of FASH 2001 simultaneously. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Fashion Design I | 2002 (002) | Kristin Mariani | Wed
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
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.
PrerequisitesPrereq: Student must be a freshman/sophomore and have previously taken Intro to Fashion, Body & Garment or be a transfer student. Coreq: Student must also enroll in a section of FASH 2001 simultaneously. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Fashion Design I | 2002 (004) | Kristin Mariani | Fri
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
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.
PrerequisitesPrereq: Student must be a freshman/sophomore and have previously taken Intro to Fashion, Body & Garment or be a transfer student. Coreq: Student must also enroll in a section of FASH 2001 simultaneously. |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Shape And Theory In Garments | 2005 (001) | Benjamin Larose | Tues
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
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 |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Accessory Design | 2006 (001) | Tommy Walton | Fri
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
In this workshop, students create various accessories from original ideas. This program is divided into projects such as the design and construction of embellished evening bags, summer totes, gloves, costume jewelry, and millinery. Emphasis is placed on references to history of individual accessories and developing collections of illustrations in color.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Beginning Fashion Illustration | 2007 (001) | Dijana Granov | Tues
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This course develops drawing skills with an emphasis on figure gesture and proportion along with a wide range of media. Students are taught to sketch from a live model while communicating design concepts in clothing with style and expression.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Beginning Fashion Illustration | 2007 (002) | Donald Yoshida | Wed
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This course develops drawing skills with an emphasis on figure gesture and proportion along with a wide range of media. Students are taught to sketch from a live model while communicating design concepts in clothing with style and expression.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Beginning Fashion Illustration | 2007 (003) | Dijana Granov | Thurs
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This course develops drawing skills with an emphasis on figure gesture and proportion along with a wide range of media. Students are taught to sketch from a live model while communicating design concepts in clothing with style and expression.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Sculptural Headwear | 2013 (001) | Eia Radosavljevic | Tues
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
The human head, as a moving and turning pedestal, presents continually changing views of headwear. This course covers the classic millinery techniques of hat block carving, straw draping, felt blocking, and couture hand-sewing, in contemporary exploration of 'the hat' as a sculptural form and its relationship to the body.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Form in Fabric | 2014 (001) | Eia Radosavljevic | Wed
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
Giving woven fabrics and alternative flat materials three-dimensional form is key to many sculptural disciplines, most notably headwear design, and garment and fiber works. Beginning with headwear projects as a prime example of self-supported sculptural form, students proceed through a study of methodologies such as pattern drafting, blocking, draping, and carved-form patterning to develop headwear or other objects suiting their individual practice. Assembly is achieved through hand stitching, machine sewing, or innovative techniques appropriate to specific materials. Visual imagery and texts assist in the development of concepts, and the study of interior and exterior space.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| 3D Embellishment | 2015 (001) | Eia Radosavljevic | Mon
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
Embellishment methods such as ribbon manipulation, feather-work, fabric tooling, and embroidery are introduced as a springboard for individual experimentation in 3-dimensional surface manipulation. Techniques like fur/faux fur sewing, leather tooling, macrame, and tatting may also be introduced in support of conceptual and formal design choices. Students are encouraged to explore alternative methods and up-cycled, sustainable materials to transform or redefine their selected garments and accessories, or to create objects from 3-dimensional units.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Footwear Design | 2016 (001) | James Robert Sommerfeldt | Thurs
3:30 PM - 9:15 PM In Person |
Description
Various investigations are conducted regarding traditional and alternative shoe design and assembly. Assigned readings and discussions focus on history, materials, the designers, lifestyle, terminology and processes, and the involvement of feet and shoes in art. Emphasis is placed on interpreting the foot and shoe for visual presentations and experimenting with components for artistic and practical expression. Final critiques include presentations of one of half pairs of shoes and sandals, illustrations, weekly clipping files and a thematic selection of thematic original ideas. Group critiques are scheduled several times during the semester. Weekly slide lectures, field trips, guest lectures or demonstration enable students to develop their ideas in the studio with a focus on fit and originality.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Interfacing with Draping and Pattern Making | 2022 (001) | Tues
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
|
Description
This course is an introduction to draping for fashion design and construction. Our focus is on draping blocks, and the creation of slopers; the master patterns of the bodice, skirt, torso, and sleeve from which most designs are developed in flat pattern making.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| The Shaping Of The Female Form | 2024 (001) | Liat Smestad | Fri
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This course will trace the use of structured undergarments worn by women from the eighteenth century to the present day as a basis for the design and construction of garments. Both traditional and nontraditional fabrics and materials are explored while conceptual and historic issues are discussed using references within the department's Fashion Resource Center. All final projects are fitted on a model in both muslin and fabric.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Costume Design in Film and TV | 2032 (001) | Bambi Deidre Breakstone | Thurs
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
In this workshop students develop a practical understanding of the procedures used by costume designers and their assistants and crew in film and television production. Weekly lectures and hands-on demonstrations focus on projects including breaking down a script based on character and scene, doing research towards developing characters through costume choices, and techniques used to present those choices to the director and producer. Students break down a script from a show in current production. Final critiques include presentation of the breakdown with clip file photos and drawings of their costume choices for the entire script.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Masks and Mantles | 2035 (001) | James Paul | Fri
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
In this course the students will study and construct theater masks, corresponding headpieces and mantles or capes. Masks and mantles are based on Commedia dell'arte and baroque silhouettes. Students will also illustrate a fairy tale or morality play, using Commedia dell'arte and baroque stylistic elements (costume, architectural and interior backgrounds).
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Virtual Flat to Form - Digital Patternmaking | 2060 (001) | Aubrie J. Meyer | Mon, Mon
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This course introduces students to digital pattern-making for fashion. Students learn to use the CAD hardware and software, designing and modifying patterns virtually. This includes digitizing/converting hard patterns to digital files, modifying existing stock patterns, textile printing, 3-D visualization, and plotting sample patterns. Students receive a hands-on approach to developing virtual patterns through fabric testing, using body measurements, and assembling prototypes for final design approval. Other industry skills are developed, such as creating pattern cards, cutter's musts, grading, and marker making.
PrerequisitesFASH 2001/2014/2016/2020/2022/2024/2901 |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Fashion Construction III | 3001 (001) | Aubrie J. Meyer | Fri
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
As a project-based course, Fashion Construction III introduces the intermediate construction principles for pants and jackets. Tailoring, cut-and-sew knitwear, and creative draping techniques used on a variety of body types, and gender expressions are explored. The principles of proportion, balance, and fit as required for the achievement of well-made garments will also be studied. Pre req: minimum two Fashion construction classes: FASH 2001, FASH 2003, FASH 2020, FASH2022 or FASH2024
PrerequisitesPrereq: Fashion Design II and Fashion Construction II |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Fashion Construction III | 3001 (002) | Mon
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
|
Description
As a project-based course, Fashion Construction III introduces the intermediate construction principles for pants and jackets. Tailoring, cut-and-sew knitwear, and creative draping techniques used on a variety of body types, and gender expressions are explored. The principles of proportion, balance, and fit as required for the achievement of well-made garments will also be studied. Pre req: minimum two Fashion construction classes: FASH 2001, FASH 2003, FASH 2020, FASH2022 or FASH2024
PrerequisitesPrereq: Fashion Design II and Fashion Construction II |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Fashion Construction III | 3001 (003) | Abigail Maria Glaum-Lathbury | Mon
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
As a project-based course, Fashion Construction III introduces the intermediate construction principles for pants and jackets. Tailoring, cut-and-sew knitwear, and creative draping techniques used on a variety of body types, and gender expressions are explored. The principles of proportion, balance, and fit as required for the achievement of well-made garments will also be studied. Pre req: minimum two Fashion construction classes: FASH 2001, FASH 2003, FASH 2020, FASH2022 or FASH2024
PrerequisitesPrereq: Fashion Design II and Fashion Construction II |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Fashion Design III | 3002 (001) | Jacques A Agbobly | Tues
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
DescriptionAs a project-based course, Fashion Design III teaches primary and secondary topical research, and in the context of a historical and cultural framework, students establish their personal point-of-view in fashion. Students will create in-depth research journals and develop a personal visualization style. Students will learn expansive fabric manipulations that lead to distinct styling and collection development to support capsule collection (three looks) development in intermediate studio. Particular attention is given to the use of color, texture, patterns, and design refinement. PrerequisitesPrereq: Fashion Design II and Fashion Construction II |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Fashion Design III | 3002 (002) | Jacques A Agbobly | Thurs
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
DescriptionAs a project-based course, Fashion Design III teaches primary and secondary topical research, and in the context of a historical and cultural framework, students establish their personal point-of-view in fashion. Students will create in-depth research journals and develop a personal visualization style. Students will learn expansive fabric manipulations that lead to distinct styling and collection development to support capsule collection (three looks) development in intermediate studio. Particular attention is given to the use of color, texture, patterns, and design refinement. PrerequisitesPrereq: Fashion Design II and Fashion Construction II |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Advanced Shape and Theory in Garments | 3005 (001) | Benjamin Larose | Wed
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This advanced level course examines the transformation of form and identity with the body. Particular emphasis will be placed on challenging the literal definition of garment through various processes such as draping, deconstruction and reuse. Students will explore scale and materials from hard to soft, flexible and rigid. Projects using found objects and alternative resources will also be introduced. Through various assignments, students will be encouraged to expand outside the common solution, using unfamiliar territories, placing them in new context. Several projects are assigned involving individual and group critiques with development of personal direction related to contemporary issues. Parallel development in sculptural practices and design will also be examined to see the emerging context of garment as art.
PrerequisitesStudent must have completed any 2000 Level FASH course |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Multi-Level Illustration | 3010 (001) | Dijana Granov | Fri
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This course is designed for students who have completed beginning fashion illustration. Emphasis is placed on personal style and media development. Students explore a variety of texture rendering and illustration problem solving.
PrerequisitesPrerequisite: FASH 2007 |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Multi-Level Knitwear: Machine Structures | 3018 (001) | Jacques A Agbobly | Fri
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This course enables students who hand knit to pursue the challenge of creating garments and/or objects with knitting machines. Through demonstration and discussion of traditional basic methods and structured exercises will give the students a foundation in various stitch patterns and techniques. Shape and fit along with texture manipulation are explored. Historical reference as well as current contemporary design concepts will be researched enabling students to focus on individual design to produce a garment or an object. Students will design, sample and explore possibilities in a traditional and non-traditional manner using various materials.
PrerequisitesStudent must have completed any 2000 Level FASH course |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| FABRICATION FOR FASHION - textile and finishing studies for fashion | 3025 (001) | Fri
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
|
Description
In this course students immerse themselves in the language of fabrics to express their design concepts in fashion. Students study the origins of a fiber, its use in a yarn, the types of weave, material blends, and fabric finishing all of which result in the distinct characteristics of a material. Students observe how these material conditions determine shape, volume, drape, and flow, and learn the terminology for the professional application. Students study the handling of the fabrics, and stitch sample finishing studies. These material and finishing samples become a personal sample library. This empowers students to discern how to choose or switch fabric to define and push forward their design.
Textile terminology will frame the weekly discourse, as new materials are introduced, studied, explored and handled. Draping exercises lead to deepened studies of the materials as they lend themselves to certain forms. Mills, showrooms, and trade representatives will be invited to workshop with the students. Books referenced in this course are focused on basics of textiles and applications including how to handle fabrics: Fabric for Fashion: The Complete Guide, Second Edition; Laurence King Publishing Fabric for Fashion The Swatch Book, Second Edition ; Laurence King Publishing Sewing For Fashion Designers ; Laurence King Publishing In addition students will be introduced to trade organizations which provide educational, as well as trend forecast and sustainability information. The Woolmark Company: www.woolmark.com/about/; Cotton Inc.: www.cottoninc.com/about-cotton/; Cotton Works: www.cottonworks.com; NCTO (National Council of Textile Organization): www.ncto.org; Première Vision: www.premierevision.com/en/about Students will create a fashion fabric and finishings sample and research book, along with a fully executed garment utilizing their discerning study. PrerequisitesFASH 2001/2014/2016/2020/2022/2024/2901 |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Computer Imaging for Fashion Design | 3035 (001) | Donald Yoshida | Mon
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
In this class students learn necessary computer tools to enhance their fashion designs. This class gives students an additional medium to push and refine their designs; additionally, it prepares students for industry work. Students learn on an Adobe platform, which offers in-depth tools for 2D design. Knowledge of the basic Adobe tools enables students to transition into other illustrating platforms they may encounter in the future. Projects include translating hand-drawn designs into computer drawings, creating full designs on the computer, scanning and masking prints, creating prints, creating lay-out, presentation, flat drawing, and more.
PrerequisitesStudent must have completed any 2000 Level FASH course |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentArea of StudyLocation |
| Fashion Construction and Design V | 4001 (001) | Edgar X. Aguilera, Pamela Vanderlinde | Tues/Thurs, Tues/Thurs
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
Advanced Fashion Studio 1 This two-day (6 credit hour) course aims to help students achieve a high level of professionalism through the design and development of a body of work through collections that emphasize and generate a personal style and a fashion direction. Students will engage conceptual design and creative pattern cutting to develop their collection through refined and distinct garments, and their manufacture. Workshops in advanced techniques augment and expand the fashion vocabulary and potential for their offerings. Students communicate collection concepts utilizing advanced design and research methodologies to back up their creative visions. Students will develop prototypes for their thesis collection, and complete a minimum of five directional garments in the fall. Pre-req FASH 3900.
PrerequisitesFASH 3900 |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| Fashion Construction and Design V | 4001 (001) | Edgar X. Aguilera, Pamela Vanderlinde | Tues/Thurs, Tues/Thurs
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
Advanced Fashion Studio 1 This two-day (6 credit hour) course aims to help students achieve a high level of professionalism through the design and development of a body of work through collections that emphasize and generate a personal style and a fashion direction. Students will engage conceptual design and creative pattern cutting to develop their collection through refined and distinct garments, and their manufacture. Workshops in advanced techniques augment and expand the fashion vocabulary and potential for their offerings. Students communicate collection concepts utilizing advanced design and research methodologies to back up their creative visions. Students will develop prototypes for their thesis collection, and complete a minimum of five directional garments in the fall. Pre-req FASH 3900.
PrerequisitesFASH 3900 |
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentLocation |
| FASH: Spatial Habitats | 4907 (001) | Gionata Gatto | Mon
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person |
Description
This fashion capstone course explores methods and processes for research, planning, and production leading up to the installation of a body of work. Students will consider the space, duration, audience, and partners as they develop mock-ups and draft proposals and pitches. Students contemplate curation for solo or group exhibits, work in teams, and gain professional practice as they lay the groundwork for development of a fully considered display. The class will have the opportunity to conceive, curate and build out a public facing installation, either in the Fashion Department Exhibition Space, or as part of the annual spring show.
PrerequisitesPrerequisite: Professional practice course |
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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
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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