FAS 105
Visual Literacy for Fashion
The focus of this foundation design course is to explore the basic elements and principles of 2D and 3D design and their application in the fashion design process. Visual communication- using messages that combine words and pictures - is an essential skill in the fashion industry. It is the language most often used by designers and merchandisers in communicating with each other and their clients. Line, shape, texture, value, color and their interrelationships are studied and applied to solving design problems. Students learn to use these components to demonstrate thoughts and concepts through visual illustrations and graphic design.
FAS 112
Fashion Fundamentals
This course serves as a general introduction to the fashion industry and to the study of fashion. The course outlines the factors, processes and considerations involved in taking fashion products from concept to the customer. In addition to the lecture students must attend one three-hour lab session, where the students gain hands-on experience in the conception and production of a fashion product.
FAS 200
Textile Fundamentals
A study of fabrics with emphasis on the interrelationships of fibers, yarn structures, fabric construction and finishes. Students examine the physical and chemical structures of natural and man-made fibers. They explore how the different physical characteristics, history and components of different fabrics relate to enduse. Government legislation related to textiles is discussed.
FAS 203
Costume and Fashion History to 1800
A study of costume from primitive to contemporary dress and an analysis of the influence on fashion and costumes from ready-to-wear to haute couture of today.
FAS 204
Costume and Fashion History from 1800
This course focuses on the development of western fashion, from the French Revolution to the present, and to the evolution from custom made clothing to ready-to-wear. It stresses the relationship of historic occurrences with changes in the arts, particularly in the development of American fashion. Specific silhouettes and details of each period of fashion are studied, in addition to fashion designers and theatrical costume interpretation of various periods of history.
FAS 208
Fashion Business
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of the financial aspects of the fashion business. Special emphasis is placed on understanding and making managerial decisions based on review of the income statement focusing on both gross margin and profit before taxes. Pricing and markdown strategies are discussed, and the basic retail math concepts of initial mark-up and maintained mark-up are covered in depth. Students create a six-month merchandising plan which teaches them to forecast sales, inventory levels and reductions enabling them to calculate planned purchases and open to buy. Also discussed are measures of productivity like sales per square foot and GMROI.
FAS 218
Visual Merchandising
This course is a comprehensive introduction to the practices and effective strategies in the field of retail visual merchandising. Students learn to look, compare, and innovate as they implement proven principles used in the presentation of merchandise through free expression utilizing both solo and group activities to develop critical thinking and communications skills.
FAS 230
Fashion Illustration
The focus of this course is to give students a thorough knowledge of fashion of figure proportions, fashion poses and proficiency in illustrating them including: understanding the difference in illustration styles and skills required for marketing and designing; choosing the best media and employing it skillfully; using their fashion illustrations in presentations that effectively communicate their ideas.
Prerequisite: FAS 105
FAS 240
Draping
This course introduces the student to the technique of draping: creating a flowing, three-dimensional garment by manipulating, molding, and shaping flat fabric on a full size three-dimensional dress form or a live model. The course introduces the student to the dress form, draping tools and how to use them, draping terminology, use of body measurements in developing a pattern and the characteristics of fabrics in relationships to the curves of the body.
FAS 242
Patternmaking
Students will learn the skill of patternmaking, which is critical to the study of apparel design and provides a better understanding of the processes involved in producing ready-to wear or custom apparel. Students will learn how to make basic slopers, which can be used to build creative and innovative designs. These slopers include bodice, skirt, sleeves, pants and collars. The students also learn how to manipulate these basic slopers to create new designs. This course teaches students a common language of correct terminology so they will be able to communicate accurately with pattern makers, designers, production managers and quality control people. Prerequisite: FAS 112
FAS 309
Lifestyle Marketing
This course introduces the theories and practices of meeting the consumers' needs by creating and marketing fashion products that appeal to consumer lifestyles. It examines the art of branding as a powerful tool in developing and maintaining customer loyalty.
FAS 315
Fashion Communications
A study of the marketing and promotional strategies used within the fashion communication field. Students study the purposes, procedures, methods and techniques used in various fashion promotional activities. Special attention is given to writing techniques and layouts used in printed fashion communications. Students in this course will research and write a fashion article and create the graphics and layout to support the message.
FAS 325
CAD Concepts I
This course focuses on the impact of CAD technology in the fashion industry from research, sourcing and concept development to design, fabrication and presentation. Additionally, students will consider the impact pf computerized marketing on the human experience. Utilizing Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, emphasis is given to the visualization and exploration of design ideas, along with the acquisition of technical skills and knowledge. Students will create proportional templates for women's, men's, and children's garments, and will assemble a library of flat silhouettes and design details. The final design problem explores the use of color and textures in designing, rendering and presenting a small fashion collection.
FAS 326
CAD Concepts II
This course is a continuation of CAD 1. Utilizing Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, students will further develop their computer aided technical drawing skills. Additionally they will study the basics of creating and utilizing textile patterns and textures and will develop techniques to create professional presentations. Computer skills are employed in the implementation of in depth design projects. Each project is designed to promote individual creativity, thoughtful market and creative research and to develop effective verbal and visual presentation techniques. For each project students are required to present written and visual research and to show their process of exploration and refinement in creating and presenting a collection based on that research.
FAS 372
Concept Development, Fashion Design
The course focuses on the process of forming an idea and bringing that idea from concept to reality, specifically with regard to end products related to the fashion business. Students learn how to research, recognize or create trends, apply aesthetics, taste, design techniques, practical considerations and problem-solving strategies in the implementation of targeted concept development projects.
FAS 383
Concept Development, Costuming
Techniques and principles of fashion design are applied to the special demands of costuming for the theater, emphasizing the need for durability while creating the appropriate visual image. The day-to-day problems of assembling a show are explored. Students work on a current play by the Theatre Department and collaborate to design and also create the costumes for specific themes or time periods.
FAS 482
Internship
Students serve an internship in the fashion industry or a fashion industry-related business under the supervision of a faculty member and on-site personnel. Active participation and a significant level of responsibilities are expected in the internship setting. Reports and projects are required.
FAS 490
Senior Seminar
The senior seminar is a capstone course for all fashion students. Building on previous knowledge from the program, this course prepares students to enter the fashion industry. Special emphasis is placed on discussing issues current to the industry and researching the job market. Industry guest speakers are scheduled throughout the semester to enhance this experience. Working with instructor direction and approval, each student is required to complete a capstone project which requires intense research and a final presentation.
