Fashion education reimagined.
Introducing Philadelphia’s premier, independent, fashion design and sewing program. Earn a designer development diploma your way. In this 12 or18 month (see academic calendars) program students receive a quality education at a cost and pace that works for them. Through small class sizes, hands-on teaching, and one on one mentoring, we help aspiring designers and makers develop and launch beautiful fashion lines of their own.
With start dates in the Fall and Spring, we aim to provide a schedule that works for your life.
Check out the full 17 course program below.
TRIMESTER 1 : START YOUR JOURNEY
MATERIALS STUDIES
Studio Classes
6 Sessions
This course explores the properties and characteristics of all textiles. We will implement proper textile terminology and learn how to apply fabrics to specific silhouettes and designs. Through experimentation, we will learn how to professionally dye, embellish, and customize fabrics.
Students will design and develop a 1-of-a-kind top to submit as a final project.
SEWING 1: Introductory Sewing
Studio Classes
6 Sessions
This course covers everything you need to know to start stitching anything from garments to accessories... and beyond! Students will be given detailed knowledge of sewing machine operation, and will graduate the course with a finished portfolio of seam finishes, hems and zipper installation techniques.
We will also cover hand sewing techniques, and serging techniques to complete a Knit T-Shirt!
SEWING 2: Basic Garment Construction
Studio Classes
6 Sessions
Utilizing the skills gained in introductory sewing, students will move on to basic 3-D garment construction. Through classroom demonstrations, students will learn how to work with real production patterns towards the completion of a unisex button-down shirt. Skills covered include creating collars, sleeve plackets/cuffs, setting in a sleeve and more.
FASHION ILLUSTRATION 1
Online Classes
6 Sessions
Through virtual model demonstrations, students will learn how to draw the stylized fashion figure.
We will cover body proportions, musculature, faces, hair, pencil sketching techniques, shading, laying color with pencil, markers, and ink.
Sketch with different poses and understand different garment features.
FASHION ILLUSTRATION 2
Online Classes
6 Sessions
Through virtual model demonstrations and industry image references, we will render fabrics and garments on the fashion figure. We’ll utilize pencil, colored pencil, markers and pen to maximize exposure to multiple mediums.
Create illustrations with complex surfaces such as fur, sequins, sheer fabrics, directional and animal prints!
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP
Online Classes
8 Sessions
Through virtual demonstrations and industry image references, we will cover the basic tools of Adobe Photoshop and its many uses in graphic design as it relates to the fashion industry.
From retouching photos for marketing purposes to collaging your inspiration into moodboards, you will gain the confidence you need to use this crucial digital design program.
TRIMESTER 2: ADVANCE YOUR SKILLS
SEWING 3: Street Wear-Designer Finishes
Studio Classes
10 Sessions
This class will focus on teaching the finishes used in the industry to make jeans and a bomber jacket. We'll be utilizing industrial machinery and production patterns to complete masterful designer finishes. Skills covered include operating 4 thread overlock, industrial 5-thread safety stitch, industrial single needle straight stitch, cutting and sewing denims, and inserting a lining and ribbing.
SEWING 4: Knit-wear
Studio Classes
8 Sessions
Dive deeply into industry methods used in today's knit wear and ready to wear markets.
Students will learn how to make a T-shirt, tank top, leggings, joggers, and a zip-up hoodie. We'll be using industrial machinery as used in actual manufacturing, leaving students with work that looks professionally sewn and sellable!
DESIGN STUDIO 1
Online Classes
8 Sessions
This course will demystify the path towards having a marketable and beautiful line of clothing. Through class lectures, critiques, and sketching workshops, students will solidify their vision and map out a direction for their line.
We will cover design exploration, art and political movements, cultural references, film inspiration, utilitarianism, customer development and technical flats.
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR
Online Classes
8 Sessions
Through virtual demonstrations we will cover the fundamental tools of Adobe Illustrator.
You will learn how to communicate your designs to buyers, factories and potential employers with accurate technical drawings and professional graphic design.
DRAPING
Studio Classes
8 Sessions
Through three dimensional draping techniques, students will create base patterns that they will utilize in all patternmaking courses and projects.
Guided by demonstrations and lectures, students will complete a skirt, pant, bodice, sleeve and dress pattern.
PATTERNMAKING 1
Online Classes
8 Sessions
Learn the fundamentals of Pattern Making from your home studio. Using Adobe Illustrator you will create your own set of slopers digitally, laying the foundation for all your future designs.
On completion of the course, you will have your very own Bodice, Skirt, Pants and Sleeve slopers.
TRIMESTER 3: LAUNCH YOUR LINE
PATTERN MAKING 2
Online Classes
8 Sessions
Take your digital slopers to the next level!
Using Adobe Illustrator, learn how to convert them into full garment patterns and add design details like darts, seams, gathers, pleats and tucks. Gain the skills to create skirts, pants, jumpsuits, jeans, collars and more!
INDUSTRY SEMINAR
Online Classes
6 Sessions
Everything you've wanted to know about the fashion industry! This class will provide a detailed overview of the fashion industry from concept to consumer. Through insight from industry professionals and specialists, market research exercises, and design projects we will cover wholesale, retail, costing, line sheets, trade shows, fashion shows, manufacturing, product development, sourcing and trend forecasting.
DESIGN STUDIO 2
Studio Classes
8 Sessions
Guided by a professional Fashion Designer, design your graduate collection and create a portfolio of your project.
You will put together a body of work including your Moodboard, sketches, technical drawings and swatches presented to industry level standards - ready to apply to your dream job!
COLLECTION STUDIO
Online + Studio Classes
12 Sessions
A full culmination of everything students have worked towards in our program.
This class will function as an independent study that will allow students full access to our studio and resources to create a fully realized capsule collection for their graduate launch.
BUSINESS OF FASHION
Online Classes
12 Sessions
Work towards production by getting connections to sample makers, pattern makers, and small batch manufacturing
Learn how to navigate the business of fashion through industry guest lecturers from business owners, designers, and mentors. Create your social media platform, website, business cards, etc.
START YOUR PATH TODAY
Spring Start
2021-22
Starting March 1st
Application Deadline January 15th
Fall Start
2021-22
Starting September 9th
Application Deadline June 15th
We accept only 12 students on a rolling admission basis. Accepted students that miss this start will be put on a waiting list for the next session.
Download our Designer Development Program catalog here:
Download our live Academic Calendars here:
Not interested in a diploma?
Pick and choose through our entire curriculum, and take only the classes that appeal to your individual needs.