• MISSION STATEMENT

    "The mission of the Fashion Design Department is to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and technical expertise. Through a rigorous curriculum and hands-on experiences, we empower students to develop innovative, sustainable, and culturally relevant designs. Our department is committed to shaping the future of fashion by equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and ethical practices necessary for success in an ever-evolving global industry.""

    VISION STATEMENT

    "Our vision is to be a leading institution in fashion education, known for producing visionary designers who push the boundaries of creativity, innovation, and sustainability. We strive to create a global community of designers who influence the fashion industry with a commitment to positive social and environmental change, and who embrace diversity and inclusion at every stage of the design process. Through our work, we aim to shape the future of fashion by fostering a culture of collaboration, ethical design, and responsible entrepreneurship.

    Trainer: Ngeno "(You can edit or remove this text)

Available courses

Fashion Design

Fashion design is a creative and dynamic field that involves the conception, creation, and development of clothing and accessories. It blends art, culture, and functionality to produce designs that reflect personal style, societal trends, and technological advancements. Fashion designers work with various fabrics, colors, patterns, and shapes to create collections that appeal to specific audiences or cater to certain markets.

Key Aspects of Fashion Design:

  1. Concept and Inspiration:
    • Fashion design starts with a concept, often inspired by a particular theme, season, historical era, culture, or even a personal experience. Designers frequently draw inspiration from art, nature, architecture, music, or current events.
  2. Sketching and Illustration:
    • Designers sketch their ideas to visualize how the designs will look. These sketches are often enhanced with color palettes, fabric swatches, and detailed notes. This process helps in experimenting with proportions and silhouettes.
  3. Fabric Selection:
    • Choosing the right fabric is crucial for achieving the desired look and function. Fabrics vary in texture, weight, and composition, and designers must decide which materials best suit their design, whether for haute couture or ready-to-wear collections.
  4. Pattern Making and Draping:
    • Pattern making involves creating templates for each garment part (sleeves, bodice, etc.). Draping, on the other hand, involves manipulating fabric on a mannequin to achieve the desired fit and design.
  5. Sewing and Construction:
    • Once the design and patterns are ready, the garment is constructed by sewing pieces together. Designers work closely with pattern makers, seamstresses, and tailors to ensure the fit and finishing details.
  6. Fit and Refinement:
    • Prototypes or sample garments are created, often referred to as "muslins" in the fashion industry. These samples are tested for fit and style, and adjustments are made to perfect the design.
  7. Fashion Show or Presentation:
    • A final design collection is often showcased in fashion shows or presentations. These events allow designers to present their creations to a broader audience, including buyers, critics, and the media.

Types of Fashion Design:

  1. Haute Couture:

    • High-end, custom-made garments crafted for individual clients, often showcasing intricate craftsmanship and unique design elements. These pieces are typically expensive and luxurious.

  2. Ready-to-Wear (Pret-a-Porter):

    • Clothing produced in standard sizes and sold in retail stores. Ready-to-wear collections are often seen on fashion runways and are more accessible than haute couture.

  3. Streetwear:

    • A casual, urban style often influenced by skateboarding, hip hop, and youth culture. Designers in this category often mix high fashion with street style elements.

  4. Sustainable Fashion:

    • Fashion that prioritizes environmental and ethical considerations, focusing on eco-friendly materials, ethical labor practices, and sustainable production methods.

  5. Accessory Design:

    • Designing bags, shoes, jewelry, hats, scarves, and other fashion accessories. Accessories often complement garments and are crucial for completing a look.

Key Skills for Fashion Designers:

  • Creativity: The ability to innovate and create unique designs.
  • Technical Skills: Knowledge of garment construction, pattern making, and fabric properties.
  • Drawing and Illustration: Strong skills in sketching and visual communication.
  • Trend Awareness: Understanding current fashion trends, market demands, and consumer behavior.
  • Attention to Detail: Ensuring every aspect of the design is perfected, from stitching to finishing touches.
  • Business Acumen: Running a fashion line or brand requires understanding marketing, pricing, and distribution.

Famous Fashion Designers:

  • Coco Chanel: Revolutionized women's fashion by introducing comfortable, stylish, and practical designs like the Chanel suit and the little black dress.
  • Christian Dior: Famous for creating the "New Look" in the 1940s, emphasizing femininity and the silhouette with a focus on full skirts and cinched waists.
  • Alexander McQueen: Known for his bold, often controversial designs that mix gothic elements with avant-garde styles.
  • Vivienne Westwood: A pioneer of punk fashion and British style, blending rebellious themes with high fashion.
  • Virgil Abloh: Founder of Off-White and former artistic director for Louis Vuitton's men's wear, known for blending street culture with luxury fashion.