ObjectivesFashion Design is a three year co-operative Ontario College Advanced Diploma program providing professional career-directed training in the development, production management and marketing of apparel design. Skills such as fashion illustration, computer-aided design, pattern-making and draping, and garment construction techniques are taught, and supported by studies of textile technology, historical research, manufacturing processes, and applied computerized technology in the fashion industry. The program fosters creative and independent problem solving in students, preparing them for a future in the various sectors of the rapidly changing fashion industry.
Practical experienceThis three year program has three co-op work terms.
Academic titleFashion Design Ontario College Advanced Diploma
Course descriptionLevel 1 Credits
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
WRIT-1036 Reason & Writing 1-Art & Design 3.00
DRAF-1057 Pattern Making 1 3.00
ARTS-1024 Fashion Drawing and Theory 2.00
DESG-1062 Sample Room Production 1 3.00
DESG-1024 Drape 1 2.50
FASH-1003 Design Studio 1 2.00
FASH-1001 Textile Science 1 2.00
FASH-1005 Fashion Industry Analysis 2.00
Level 2 Credits
Gen Ed - See requirement below
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
COMP-3005 Computer for Apparel Manufacturing 1 3.00
DRAF-3027 Pattern Making 3 3.00
FASH-3013 Design Studio 3 4.00
HIST-1027 Style Influences & Attitudes 1 3.00
Level 4 Credits
Gen Ed - Take a 3 credit General Education elective course
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
BUSI-1078 The Business of Fashion 4.00
DESG-3039 Sample Room Production 4 2.00
COMP-3011 Comp for Apparel Manuf 2 3.00
FASH-3021 Studio Design 4 3.00
DRAF-3028 Pattern Making 4 3.00
HIST-3014 Style Influences & Attitudes 2 3.00
Level 5 Credits
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
BUSI-3020 Fashion Sourcing 4.00
DESG-5020 Sample Room Production 5 2.00
COMP-5003 Computers for Apparel Manufacturing 3 3.00
FASH-5011 Studio Design 5 3.00
DRAF-5014 Pattern Making 5 3.00
METH-5009 Industrial Pattern Grading 2.00
COMP-3017 Portfolio Development 1.50
Level 6 Credits
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:
DESG-5021 Sample Room Production 6 5.00
FASH-5013 Line Development 8.00
FASH-5012 Fashion Show Production 5.00
Gen Ed - Electives
Take 6 General Education Credits -
Normally taken in Levels 2 or 3 and Level 4
ARTS-1024 - Fashion Drawing and Theory
This course introduces the student to the fundamental skills of fashion drawing for the fashion designer. These include the use of line, space shape, texture and colour. Further studies include the application of proportions, balance and movement to the fashion figure. Students will be introduced to a variety of medium to encourage their drawing skills. The students will become acquainted with the use of a designer croquis as a fashion drawing tool. Students will complete final fashion composition presented and mounted in a professional manner.
BUSI-1078 - The Business of Fashion
This course is intended to foster the spirit of entrepreneurship in the development of all aspects of the development and marketing of a new product and business. Focus will be in three areas; aspects of a successful product launch, accurate product costing and the development of a summary business plan.
BUSI-3020 - Fashion Sourcing
This course introduces apparel sourcing in the domestic and import/international markets, including sourcing for both manufacturing and raw materials. Students acquire an understanding of importing, exporting, tariffs, quotas, and government regulations in the context of fashion apparel. Students will work on projects such as a profile of an existing company to learn about their sourcing strategies; and a profile on a specific country for procurement of product.
COMM-3023 - Comm. for Designers, Planners, Techs
Professional communication is designed to improve students’ writing, reading, and speaking skills for work-related purposes. Emphasis is placed on process writing, composing, researching, documenting, evaluating, and editing program-related materials. Students also prepare a résumé/cover letter package and deliver an oral presentation based on research.
COMP-1353 - Computerized Fashion Illustration 1
This course provides the student with an opportunity to build upon, and advance fashion illustration skills developed in ARTS1024 and ARTS1039. Students will examine fashion illustration, art and design styles of the 19th and 20th century; study the fashion design process; and further develop manual illustration skills. The course will introduce and educate the student to computer fashion illustration techniques utilizing Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.
COMP-1386 - Computerized Fashion Illustr. & Spec.
This course provides the student with an opportunity to build upon, and advance fashion illustration skills developed in ARTS1024 and ARTS1039. Students will examine fashion illustration, art and design styles of the 19th and 20th century; study the fashion design process; and further develop manual illustration skills. The course will introduce and educate the student to computer fashion illustration techniques utilizing Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.
COMP-3005 - Computer for Apparel Manufacturing 1
Students will learn the introductory level of computers used in the apparel industry, specifically the Gerber Garment Technology program, Accumark/PDS Software. Students will create storage areas and parameter tables, digitize patterns, create models and orders, and make cost-effective production markers.
COMP-3011 - Comp for Apparel Manuf 2
Students will continue their exploration of Gerber Garment Technology, Accumark Professional Edition -V8 Software and its application in the garment industry. Introduction to PDS Software and its application in creating and modifying patterns. Students will further develop their digitizing skills.
COMP-3017 - Portfolio Development
This course is designed to provide the student with the knowledge and background to create a unique and personalized visual fashion portfolio for future employment and interview purposes. The student will use appropriate sketching techniques, presentation techniques, photography and computer skills to enhance the professionalism of the development process.
COMP-5003 - Computers for Apparel Manufacturing 3
Students will continue their exploration of Gerber Garment Technology, Accumark Professional Edition -V8 Software and its application in the garment industry. Students will further develop their pattern making skills on the design system software to create new styles from blocks and develop basic blocks. Focus is on eveningwear drape and outerwear to support DRAF5004- Pattern Making and Processes.
DESG-1024 - Drape 1
This course introduces the student to the process of draping - a three dimensional form of apparel designing. Students will learn fundamental draping skills through the development of various skirt prototypes. This is a hands-on course using the dress form, and working with muslin to develop patterns for apparel production.
DESG-1026 - Drape 2
This hands-on course is a continuation of Drape 1. Students will refine their draping skills through the development of various bodice designs. Techniques for draping a straight sleeve and basic collars will also be taught.
DESG-1062 - Sample Room Production 1
The focus of this course is to teach the students the theory, processes, and quality control behind the construction of designer’s first samples. Students will learn to sew on industrial equipment, various samples that will support the production of the design studio 1 skirt prototype.
DESG-1063 - Sample Room Production 2
Sewing techniques specific to shirts, skirts and dresses will be taught. Applications based on mass production techniques will be covered. Each student will produce a garment using the pattern they created in Basic Pattern Making II.
DESG-3038 - Sample Room Production 3
In this semester specialized techniques required for the manufacturing of knitwear garments and pants will be completed. Students will learn to operate specific machines and attachments for the creation of these garments. Each student will produce a garment using the pattern they created in Basic Pattern Making III.
DESG-3039 - Sample Room Production 4
This course provides the students with the specialized construction techniques required for a soft tailored jacket and outerwear jacket samples. Students will learn to recognize and apply specific fashion fabrics, lining, interfacing, findings, and pressing equipment to manufacture a soft tailored jacket and outerwear jacket samples.
DESG-5020 - Sample Room Production 5
In this course, students will be introduced to the fine sewing skills required in the creation of eveningwear garments. Hand sewing techniques for hems, closures, lace and beading applications will be demonstrated. Students will also learn the specific construction techniques required to complete a boned bodice sample and lingerie samples. Students will execute their eveningwear design
DESG-5021 - Sample Room Production 6
This course provides the student with the specialized construction techniques required to plan and execute the garments for their personal line. Production quality check-ins will be scheduled for student's personal line of garments.
DRAF-1057 - Pattern Making 1
In this course, the student is introduced to the fundamental skills of pattern making. Areas of concentration will be skirt and bodice pattern development. Students will also learn the role of the master pattern (block) in developing design concepts.
DRAF-1058 - Pattern Making 2
This course completes the introduction to basic pattern making. Emphasis on these fundamental pattern making skills will be specific to sleeves, cuffs, plackets, collars and dress foundations. Students will draft and fit an original design within a design team.
DRAF-3027 - Pattern Making 3
In this course, flat pattern making skills will be developed for women’s knitwear and pants. Both stable and spandex-stretchy knits will be studied with specific applications to the categories of swimwear and fitness wear. Pant styling details for casual and business pants witll be introduced. Students will draft and fit an original knitwear design.
DRAF-3028 - Pattern Making 4
In this course flat pattern making skills will be developed in the areas of women's softly tailored jackets and outerwear jackets and coats. Advanced styles of sleeves, collars, pocket and lining applications will be introduced. Each student, working within a design team, will draft and fit an original pant and jacket design as her/his contribution to the team's career wear collection.
DRAF-5014 - Pattern Making 5
Students will study advanced draping techniques that concentrate on bias cut, strapless and cut away styles pertaining to eveningwear. Advanced levels of flat pattern skills will be combined with draping techniques. Students will also study specific techniques required for designing lingerie.
FASH-1001 - Textile Science 1
This course provides a general study of textile materials with an emphasis on factors that affect their handling, appearance, and performance. Through a combination of lecture and lab work, students will learn to appreciate theproperties of natural and man-made fibers as they are processed into yarns.
FASH-1003 - Design Studio 1
This course introduces the students to basic elements and principles of design related to current fashion trends. Design journals will be created and used to conceptualize skirt and bodice designs. Students will design, draft and fit an original skirt design.
FASH-1004 - Technical Drawings & Specifications
This course introduces the students to methods of drawing technical blueprints as a tool for communicating the specifications of garments. Students will learn to read and create size specification sheets with technical drawings for various types of garments.
FASH-1005 - Fashion Industry Analysis
This course provides the students with an introduction to the principles in which the fashion world revolves; and the role of economic, sociological and psychological elements in the fashion cycle. The course includes an overview of the fashion industry focusing on design, product development, manufacturing, marketing and retailing. Students will research contemporary fashion designers and examine their roles and influences on current fashion trends.
FASH-1007 - Textile Science 2
This course provides for more advanced studies in the physical, chemical composition and construction of textile materials. Students learn the methods of creating textiles through weaving, knitting, dyeing, printing and finishing processes in lecture and applied lab workshops. Students study the relationship between textile production processes, selection criteria, cost, end use and customer satisfaction.
FASH-1009 - Studio Design 2
This course is a continuation of Design Studio 1. Studies include design principles, silhouette studies, trends, market categories and design analysis for women separates. Students will work in teams to design a collection of women's separates. Design teams will draft, fit and fabricate their designs. These designs will be presented for a professional evaluation.
FASH-3013 - Design Studio 3
In this course students will participate in an analysis of knitwear garments with respect to design, consumer needs, marketability and saleability.Research will be conducted into current and future trends for colours, textiles and styling of women's swimwear or fitness wear. Students will design, draft and fit an original design.
FASH-3021 - Studio Design 4
This course complements Pattern Making IV. Students analyze softly tailored jackets and outerwear coats with respect to design, consumer needs, marketability and saleability, and conduct research into current and future trends. Each student, working within a design team, designs a career wear collection. A final jacket prototype is drafted, fit and presented for professional evaluation. Students will develop a spring and winter collection of outerwear coats within design teams.
FASH-5011 - Studio Design 5
Studio Design V, focuses on the process of apparel design and product development of a F/W evening wear collection. Students work independently to research, design, draft/drape and fit an original eveningwear garment. The Evening wear designs with supporting fashion layouts will be presented for professional presentation and evaluation at the end of the semester. Major emphasis is placed on critical research, idea development and production techniques focused on innovative marketable designs for the Better-Bridge and Contemporary Designer markets. In addition, the students will commence the initial stages of market research and creative concepting of a S/S RTW women's sample line, in preparation for Studio Design VI .
FASH-5012 - Fashion Show Production
Fashion Show Production is designed to lead the student through the process of planning and presenting a fashion show. The main objective of the course is to challenge students to coordinate a professional quality show resulting in the promotion of the 3rd year fashion design portfolio collections. The students are guided through methods of production planning and apply practical decision making skills when considering the type of audience, show, venue, theme, budget, promotion and publicity, music and run-way design. The students are challenged to coordinate materials, equipment and personnel as they work together to produce the year end show. Team management, collaborative planning and creative problem solving are critical skills that are developed during the planning process.
FASH-5013 - Line Development
Advanced Line Development VI, focuses on the process of apparel design and product development of a Spring/Summer 2010 ready to wear women's sample line. Students work independently to explore the elements that form a cohesive collection. Through industry research and a reflective design process, focusing on creativity and innovation, students design a graduate portfolio collection. Students apply advanced pattern making and draping skills to the development of the sample line while adhering to an industry driven production calendar and deadlines. Collections are presented to and judged by a panel of industry representatives at the graduate portfolio year end fashion show
HIST-1027 - Style Influences & Attitudes 1
This course will provide an interdisciplinary analysis of design, in relation to supporting social, political, economical, technological and cultural climates throughout history. The focus is on the relationship between design history and European/Western costume history and the way in which designer's have used clothing as an expression of identity within a socio cultural context.It provides a chronological historical survey of design, beginning with ancient civilizations and ending with the romantic Period 1850.
HIST-3014 - Style Influences & Attitudes 2
This course, which is a continuation of HIST1027, provides an interdisciplinary analysis of design, in relation to supporting social, political, economical, technological and cultural climates. It provides a chronological historical survey of design, beginning with the Crinoline period and ending with the 1990’s, as a means of understanding the evolution and influence of historical period styles on contemporary design production in the 20th century.
METH-5009 - Industrial Pattern Grading
Students will learn the fundamentals of garment sizing by proportionally increasing and decreasing the master pattern. Students will learn how to measure a garment and create a spec sheet complete with grade rules. Students will be introduced to the 2 different types of grading used to grade a standard block: manual, machine methods.
WRIT-1036 - Reason & Writing 1-Art & Design
This course will introduce art and design students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking. This course will also introduce students to selected topics and concepts in art and design.