Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design

Fashion Design is a three year co-operative Advanced Diploma program providing professional career-directed training in the development, production management and marketing of apparel design. Through classroom theory, lecture, lab work, field trips and work term experience, skills are applied and networking with industry professionals promotes future employment opportunities. Emphasis is placed on design analysis, apparel manufacturing and technology, and design communications and marketing. 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

Study Plan 

                    Level 1

Course Number

Course Name Credit Hours

COMM-1030

Professional Communication

3.00

DRAF-1006

Basic Patternmaking I

2.50

ARTS-1024

Fashion Drawing and Theory

2.00

DESG-1023

Apparel Construction I

2.50

DESG-1024

Drape I

2.50

FASH-1003

Design Studio I

2.00

FASH-1004

Technical Drawings & Specifications

1.50

FASH-1005

Fashion Industry Analysis

2.00

                    Level 2

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours

COMP-1325

Computers-Intro

2.00

DRAF-1011

Basic Pattern Making II

2.50

DESG-1025

Apparel Construction II

2.50

DESG-1026

Drape II

2.50

FASH-1001

Textile Science

2.00

FASH-1009

Studio Design II

2.00

ARTS-1039

Fashion Drawing

1.50

                     Level 3

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours

COMP-3005

Computer for Apparel Manufacturing 1

3.00

DRAF-3018

Basic Pattern Making 3

4.00

COMP-3014

Computerized Fashion Illustration

2.00

DESG-3022

Apparel Construction III

2.00

DESG-3025

Fitting Alterations

3.00

HIST-3011

Style Influences & Attitudes I

2.00

FASH-1007

Textile Science

2.00

FASH-3013

Design Studio 3

4.00

                    Level 4

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours

COMP-3011

Comp for Apparel Manuf 2

3.00

COMP-3017

Portfolio Development

1.50

DESG-3024

Apparel Construction IV

2.00

FASH-3008

Studio Design IV

2.00

HIST-3012

Style Influences & Attitudes II

2.00

DRAF-1034

Basic Pattern Making IV

5.00

METH-3007

Mass Production

2.00

                    Level 5

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours

COMP-5003

Computers for Apparel Manufacturing

3.00

FASH-5001

Studio Design V

2.00

COMP-5005

Excel for Product Costing

2.00

DRAF-5004

Pattern Making & Processes III

4.00

DESG-5013

Apparel Construction V

2.00

FASH-5002

Fashion Business Plan

2.00

FASH-5004

Business & Promotion for Fashion

2.00

METH-5005

Mass Productions 11

1.50

METH-5009

Industrial Pattern Grading

2.00

                    Level 6

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours

COMP-5008

Computers for Apparel Manufacturing

3.00

COMP-5009

Computers for Design

3.00

DRAF-5010

Pattern Making & Processes IV

4.00

DESG-5014

Apparel Construction VI

2.00

FASH-5006

Studio Design VI

2.00

FASH-5007

Apparel Sourcing

2.00

FASH-5008

Fashion Show Production

2.00

COMM-1030 - Professional Communication
Course Description:

Professional Communication is designed to improve students' writing and reading skills for work-related purposes. Emphasis will be placed upon composing, researching, documenting, evaluating and editing program-related materials. 

DRAF-1006 - Basic Patternmaking I
Course Description:

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. 

ARTS-1024 - Fashion Drawing and Theory
Course Description:

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 drawing presented and mounted in a professional manner. 

DESG-1023 - Apparel Construction I
Course Description:

The purpose of this course is to provide the students with the fundamental sewing skills necessary to construct a garment. There will be an introduction to the industrial sewing machine. Students will apply industrial sewing techniques to produce several skirt designs. 

DESG-1024 - Drape I
Course Description:

An introductory level of a three dimensional form of apparel designing. Students will learn fundamental draping skills in the areas of bodice and skirt. This is a hands-on class using the dress form, taking measurements and working with muslin to develop patterns for apparel production. 

FASH-1003 - Design Studio I
Course Description:

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 and Specifications
Course Description:

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
Course Description:

This course provides the students with an introduction to the principles in which fashion revolves and the role that economic, sociological and psychological elements play in the cyclical nature of fashion. Students will research contemporary fashion designer to examine their role and influences on current fashion trends. Product development and current marketing strategies of apparel markets to home fashions will be examined. 

COMP-1325 - Computers-Intro
Course Description:

Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of computer software. Without previous experience, students will learn through hands-on exercises, at individual computer stations, basic computer skills for organizing information and enhancing visual communication. At completion of course, students will have a foundation of computer knowledge regarding the operation of basic computer programs such as Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Windows, Internet Explorer, and Photoshop. 

DRAF-1011 - Basic Pattern Making II
Course Description:

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. An introduction to men's shirt styling will be studied. Students will draft and fit an original design within a design team. 

DESG-1025 - Apparel Construction II
Course Description:

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-1026 - Drape II
Course Description:

A continuation of DSGN 116 where more draping skills are taught. The areas studied will pertain to variations of bodice and skirt designing through drape as well as introduction of the sleeve and collar application. Dress foundations and combining of all components will be practiced to meet industry / professional standards. 

FASH-1001 - Textile Science
Course Description:

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 the properties of natural and man-made fibers as they are processed into yarns. 

FASH-1009 - Studio Design II
Course Description:

This course is a continuation of FASH176. Studies include design principles, silhouette studies, trends, market categories and design analysis for women and men's 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. 

ARTS-1039 - Fashion Drawing
Course Description:

This course is a continuation of DRAW199 Fashion Illustration. Students will further their manual visual communication skills by studying topics such as; the male and child's fashion figure; fabric rendering; and different types of presentation/mood/marketing boards. Students will bring into practice fashion inspiration research methods, and will be encouraged to further develop their illustrative style. 

COMP-3005 - Computer for Apparel Manufacturing 1
Course Description:

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.    

DRAF-3018 - Basic Pattern Making 3
Course Description:

In this course, flat pattern making skills will be developed for knitwear garments. Both stable and spandex-stretchy knits will be studied with specific applications to the categories of swimwear, active wear, intimate apparel and knit separates. Students will draft and fit original knitwear designs. 

COMP-3014 - Computerized Fashion Illustration
Course Description:

Using Adobe Illustrator 10 and Photoshop 7 computer programs, students will translate manual fashion drawing skills into the computer illustration format. Students will study Adobe Illustrator 10, scanning images, digital photography, and Adobe Photoshop 7. The emphasis is on furthering the student's illustrative style and presentation skills for use in the fashion portfolio; developing technical drawing skills as needed today's fashion industry; as well as to expand the student's ability to communicate visually. 

DESG-3022 - Apparel Construction III
Course Description:

In this semester specialized techniques required for the manufacturing of knitwear garments will be completed. Students will learn to operate specialized 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-3025 - Fitting Alterations
Course Description:

This course provides the student with the fundamental skills to analyse a fitting problem, by learning how to pin and mark, and then professionally alter the finished garment. By the end of the semester, the student will have developed better sewing skills, will be able to recognize pattern shapes and will be able to solve major fitting problems. 

HIST-3011 - Style Influences & Attitudes I
Course Description:

This course provides a study of historical costume, architecture, and lifestyle from ancient civilizations (Egypt, Greece and Rome) ending with the Romantic period 1820 - 1850. It includes a comprehensive study of the customs, social and political factors, and religious beliefs that have influenced the progression of styles we see today. 

FASH-1007 - Textile Science
Course Description:

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 the properties of natural and man-made fibers as they are processed into yarns. 

FASH-3013 - Design Studio 3
Course Description:

This course is intended to complement the topic of Knitwear studied in Basic Pattern Making III. 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 knitwear. Students will design, draft and fit original knitwear designs. 

COMP-3011 - Comp for Apparel Manuf 2
Course Description:

Students will continue their exploration of Gerber Garment Technology, Accumark PDS Software and its application in the garment industry. Students will develop skills on the pattern design system software to create new styles from blocks. 

COMP-3017 - Portfolio Development
Course Description:

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. 

DESG-3024 - Apparel Construction IV
Course Description:

This course provides the students with the specialized construction techniques required for tailoring a jacket and pant. Students will learn to recognize and apply specific fashion fabrics, lining, interfacing, findings, and pressing equipment to manufacture a professional tailored jacket. 

FASH-3008 - Studio Design IV
Course Description:

This course complements Pattern Making IV. Students analyze pants and jackets 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, drafts and fits an original pant and jacket design as her/his contribution to the team's mini-collection. 

HIST-3012 - Style Influences & Attitudes II
This course provides a study of historical costume, architecture, and lifestyle from the Crinoline period 1850's ending with the 1970's. It includes a comprehensive study of the customs, social and political factors, and religious beliefs that have influenced the progression of styles we see today. 

DRAF-1034 - Basic Pattern Making IV
In this course, flat pattern making skills will be developed in the areas of women's and men's pants and women's soft-tailored jackets. Advanced styles of sleeves and collars 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 mini-collection. 

METH-3007 - Mass Production
Course Description:

This course provides knowledge of mass production techniques and methods. Merchandising, marketing and producing product lines are presented as a system of interrelating management decisions, with a focus on issues associated with product performance and quality, the functional organization of apparel manufacturing firms, and the world market. 

COMP-5003 - Computers for Apparel Manufacturing 3
Course Description:

Students will continue their exploration of Gerber Garment Technology, Accumark PDS 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. 

FASH-5001 - Studio Design V
Course Description:

This semester concentrates on designing; drafting and fitting of evening wear Silhouette study with respect to trends, colours and fabrics used in evening wear will be analyzed to assess consumer needs, marketability and saleability of line development for eveningwear. Each student will design, drape and fit an original eveningwear garment. These designs will be presented for a professional evaluation. 

COMP-5005 - Excel for Product Costing
Course Description:

Students use costing skills to create spreadsheet templates using Excel. Technical drawings will be created using U4ia's Sketch program. Assignments are co-marked with METH521 & FASH581. In groups, students will create a product, including the development from concept to a small production run, complete with a product costing specification package. 

DRAF-5004 - Pattern Making & Processes III
Course Description:

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. GGT pattern design software will be applied to final pattern production through the use of basic bodies. 

DESG-5013 - Apparel Construction V
Course Description:

In this course, students will be introduced to the fine sewing skills required in the creation of eveningwear and haute couture garments. Hand sewing techniques for hems, closures, lace and beading applications will be demonstrated. Students are expected to execute couture samples and garment. 

FASH-5002 - Fashion Business Plan
Course Description:

This course introduces the business aspects of developing a fashion collection, from start up costs to cash flow statements. Students use established garment costs to establish price points. Target market, distribution, competition and marketing strategies will be examined. Students complete a summary business plan for a fashion line. 

FASH-5004 - Business & Promotion for Fashion
Course Description:

This course is intended to foster the spirit of entrepreneurship in the development of all aspects of the apparel business. Students will utilize planning and computer aspects to develop strategies for competing in today's apparel market. 

METH-5005 - Mass Productions 11
Course Description:

This course is designed to provide the student with further knowledge of mass production techniques and methods covered in Mass Production I. The course is focused on factors that determine the cost, price quality, performance and value of garments. Topics covered are production management; pre production operations; stitches and seams, thread and needles; and equipment for assembly and finishing. 

METH-5009 - Industrial Pattern Grading
Course Description:

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 3 different types of grading used to grade a standard block: manual, machine methods and computers. 

COMP-5008 - Computers for Apparel Manufacturing
Course Description:

Students continue learning Gerber Garment Technology, Accumark PDS Software. Students use the design system software to create new styles from blocks and develop basic blocks, and master grading skills by applying manual grading skills to computerized grading. The option to create patterns for line development is available. 

COMP-5009 - Computers for Design
Course Description:

This course further develops the technology-based skills required in the fashion industry. Students will use Lectra Systems - U4ia and Sketch applications to create, manipulate and re-colour printed textile designs and then apply them for texture mapping. The student's final project will be a computer-generated storyboard. 

DRAF-5010 - Pattern Making & Processes IV
Course Description:

Students will develop flat pattern skills pertaining to specialized categories of women and men's outerwear. Pattern drafting techniques required for suede and leather patterns will be studied. Students will apply drafting and draping principles required in the development of a personal line. 

DESG-5014 - Apparel Construction VI
Course Description:

This course provides the student with the specialized construction techniques required to create a leather vest, through practice of small samples. Students execute the garments for their personal line. Production quality check-ins will be scheduled for student's personal line of garments. 

FASH-5006 - Studio Design VI
Course Description:

This semester concentrates on designing, drafting and fitting, and construction of the student's personal line. Students will conduct a research study to analyze current trends and target markets for their chosen areas. GGT pattern design software will be applied to complete the final line. 

FASH-5007 - Apparel Sourcing
Course Description:
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 profile an existing company to learn about their sourcing strategies 

FASH-5008 - Fashion Show Production
Course Description:

The purpose of this course is to lead the students through the process of planning and presenting a fashion show, and to outline the steps necessary for organizing a successful event. Students will have hands-on experience of planning and executing a final show from the budget planning to the final show. 

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