Courses
Fashion Design-2026/2027
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| WRIT-1036 | Reason & Writing 1-Art & Design | 3 | ||
| This course introduces 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. | ||||
| DRAF-1057 | Pattern Making 1 | 3 | ||
| Students will be introduced to the fundamental skills of patternmaking for apparel. Drafting basic blocks for pants and skirts will be followed by the main principles of flat patterning; dart manipulation, contouring and adding fullness. Concepts of ease, silhouette and body dimensions will be introduced to provide a solid base for further learning in flat pattern development. Students will work to develop blocks to standard sizes, interpret designs into flat patterns and create cohesive pattern sets that function as a complete garment through a variety of in-class exercises/drafts and practical assignments. Exercises and assignments will explore pant and skirt silhouettes, pockets, closures, waistband and finishes specific to skirt/pant garments. | ||||
| ARTS-1024 | Fashion Drawing & Theory | 2 | ||
| 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. | ||||
| DESG-1062 | Sample Room Production 1 | 3 | ||
| In this course student will build basic sewing and construction techniques used in the fashion industry. During the semester they will gain practical experience using industry standard industrial machines and equipment. Students develop familiarity with assembly methods through the construction of samples and sample garments, culminating with work on a final project. | ||||
| FASH-1003 | Design Studio 1 | 2 | ||
| This studio-based course introduces students to the foundational principles of fashion design through the lens of creativity, sustainability, and personal expression. Using "Creativity in Fashion Design: An Inspiration Workbook " as a guide, students explore the design process through hands-on exercises, reflective sketchbook work, and collaborative critiques. Emphasis is placed on upcycling, inclusive inspiration sourcing, and developing an authentic visual voice. Digital tools and free AI platforms support idea generation and portfolio development. | ||||
| FASH-1005 | Fashion Industry Analysis | 2 | ||
| 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. | ||||
| Level 2 | ||||
| Gen Ed - See requirement below | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| COMP-1353 | Computerized Fashion Illustration 1 | 3 | ||
| This course provides the student with an opportunity to build upon, and advance fashion illustration skills developed in ARTS1024. The course will introduce and educate the student to computer fashion illustration techniques utilizing Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. | ||||
| FASH-1054 | Textile 1: Fibre & Fabric | 3 | ||
| This course provides foundational knowledge of textiles with a focus on fabric construction, fibre types and identification. Through a combination of lecture and lab work, students will learn to identify the properties and performance qualities of natural and synthetic fibre types, and their appropriate uses in garment construction, function and design. | ||||
| DRAF-1058 | Pattern Making 2 | 3 | ||
| Building on fundamental principles introduced in DRAF 1057 Patternmaking 1, students will apply foundational patternmaking skills in the development of patterns for tops and dresses. Block drafts to standardized measurements will be developed for bodice and torso blocks. Dart manipulation and contouring for tops, ease and adding fullness will be explored through in-class patternmaking exercises and drafts. Cohesive finalized pattern sets for tops and dresses will be created and checked to ensure they create a functioning garment. Exercises and theory will explore sleeve types, collars, closures and finishes for tops and dresses. | ||||
| FASH-1009 | Design Studio 2 | 2 | ||
| In this course, students expand on skills from Design Studio 1 by developing a three-look streetwear capsule with a strong focus on adaptive design and sustainability. Through end-user profiling, brand analysis, and lifecycle thinking, students design inclusive, mix-and-match garments for diverse bodies and lived experiences. AI tools and 3D visualization software support digital concept development, while a series of innovation workshops guide students in sustainable design thinking and the creation of a detailed "Design Process" sketchbook. Moving from 2D concept to 3D technical prototyping, students balance aesthetics and function to deliver a cohesive, ready-to-wear capsule collection for the moderate market. | ||||
| DESG-1063 | Sample Room Production 2 | 3 | ||
| In this course, students will build upon the foundational skills learned in DESG 1062. Deach student will develop skills to complete several tops based on industry standards and assembly instructions. They will continue to form their terminology and skill base. All students will follow health and safety guidelines. | ||||
| COMM-3074 | Communications for Design | 3 | ||
| This course, designed for students who plan to work in the field of art and design, focuses on professional written and verbal communication skills. Students learn to prepare a variety of work-related documents. In addition, students learn about research methods and documentation formats. The principles of effective writing - organization, grammar, style, clarity, and tone - are reinforced throughout the course. The goal of the course is to prepare students for the communication tasks and considerations they will encounter in the workplace in order to meet the needs of employers and/or the communities they will serve. | ||||
| COOP-1020 | Co-operative Education Employment Prep | 1 | ||
| This workshop will provide an overview of the Co-operative Education consultants and students' roles and responsibilities as well as the Co-operative Education Policy. It will provide students with employment preparatory skills specifically related to co-operative education work assignments and will prepare students for their work term. | ||||
| FASH-1041 | Technical Drawings & Specifications | 2.5 | ||
| This course introduces students to technical drawing as a vital communication tool in the fashion and apparel industry. Students will learn to create proportionally accurate technical flats and clearly document garment construction and measurements. Emphasis is placed on garment analysis, industry-standard drawing conventions, and the development of specification packages used in production. Technical flats and basic tech packs will be developed for a range of garment types, including tops, bottoms, jackets and dresses. | ||||
| Level 3 | ||||
| Gen Ed - See requirement below | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| COMP-1386 | Computerized Fashion Illustr. & Spec. | 3 | ||
| This course provides the student with an opportunity to build upon, and advance computer illustration skills, and digital communication developed in COMP1353. Advanced Photoshop and Illustrator methods will be introduced with a focus on skills needed in the fashion industry. Students will further practice computerized technical drawing and advancement of communication skills by developing various presentation boards and personal branding packages. | ||||
| DESG-3038 | Sample Room Production 3 | 2 | ||
| The course focuses on the unstructured jacket; students will learn the skills and techniques necessary to construct a variety of jackets. Students will learn to recognize and apply new fashion fabrics and linings and interfacings required for a jacket. | ||||
| COMP-3005 | Computers for Apparel Manufacturing 1 | 3 | ||
| 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, modify patterns and make cost-effective production markers. | ||||
| DRAF-3027 | Pattern Making 3 | 3 | ||
| In this course flat pattern making skills will be developed for industry production patterns for overgarments. Advanced styles of sleeves, collars, pocket and lining applications will be introduced. Students will draft and produce patterns for a jacket. | ||||
| FASH-3032 | Design Studio 3 | 3 | ||
| In this studio, students design a personalized three-look capsule collection rooted in gender-neutral soft tailoring and guided by the values of slow fashion, inclusive self-styling, and emotional durability. The collection is anchored by a signature softly structured blazer. The creative process is documented in a Design Process Sketchbook, which supports ideation, experimentation, and visual communication from initial research through final presentation. Students engage in contemporary market analysis, sustainable material sourcing, and AI-supported ideation to inform their designs. 3D sculpting tools are used to prototype silhouettes, explore fit, and refine styling logic. The final capsule presentation integrates identity storytelling and ethical responsibility to align with the expectations of today's conscious consumer. | ||||
| FASH-3033 | Textile 2: Surface Design | 3 | ||
| This course provides a general study of textile design at various stages of fabric production from fibre to finished garment with an emphasis on dye and surface design. Students will explore textile design in both applied and digital surface designs. Students will study the relationship between textile production processes, performance and selection criteria, cost, end use and customer satisfaction. | ||||
| FASH-1016 | Trends, Styles & Influences | 3 | ||
| An exploration of social, economic, political, historical, and technological factors that affect the development of dress, architecture, art, interior design, tracing the influences through history to modern times. Students will develop a knowledge and vocabulary of fashion styles of periods studied and recognize the influence it has on present day design. | ||||
| Level 4 | ||||
| Gen Ed - Take a 3 credit General Education elective course | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| BUSI-1078 | The Business of Fashion | 4 | ||
| This course is untended to foster the spirit of entrepreneurship in the development of a fashion business. Focus will be in three areas; aspects of successful product launch, accurate product costing and the development of a summary business plan. Emphasis will be put on entrepreneurship from both a social and sustainable perspective. Students will be exposed to and learn from current entrepreneurs and business leaders. | ||||
| DESG-3039 | Sample Room Production 4 | 2 | ||
| In this semester students will learn to operate specific machines and attachments to construct to Athleisure wear through various sampling and a final project. Student will build their knowledge base to extend to knits and wovens. The final project will consist of a 2pc outfit of their design collaborating with Design Studio 2. | ||||
| COMP-3011 | Comp for Apparel Manuf 2 | 3 | ||
| Students will continue their exploration of Gerber Garment Technology, Accumark Professional Edition 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. | ||||
| FASH-3034 | Design Studio 4 | 2 | ||
| In this studio course, students design a 5-look athleisure capsule that integrates performance functionality, sustainable material strategies, and personal design identity. Emphasizing inclusive fit, stretch innovation, and user-centered design, the capsule addresses the needs of contemporary active lifestyles. Through trend research, user profiling, digital sketching, and motion visualization, students explore the intersections of wellness culture, fabric technology, and movement-responsive design. One look is selected and prepared for full-scale prototyping, supported by a complete technical design package. Throughout the term, students document their process in a professional Design Sketchbook and develop key visual communication assets, including mood boards, concept boards, and a final | ||||
| DRAF-3028 | Pattern Making 4 | 3 | ||
| In this course, flat pattern making skills will be developed for athleisure styles, Students will learn how to create blocks and patterns for a variety of styles for stretch and woven fabrics. They will analyze a design and develop patterns for a production in the upper to better market category. | ||||
| DESG-1079 | Drape | 2.5 | ||
| 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 and bodice prototypes. This is a hands-on course using the dress form working with muslin and fashion fabric to develop patterns for apparel production. | ||||
| FASH-5014 | Textile 3: Advanced Textile Techniques | 3 | ||
| This course provides advanced studies in textile design with a focus on innovation and sustainability . Students will apply design principals to produced textiles created with digital software and technology such as laser cutting, 3d printing and sustainable dye techniques and bio materials. Students will experiment with various techniques to create a sample portfolio of techniques that can be used as reference for future projects. | ||||
| Level 5 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| BUSI-3034 | Global Apparel Sourcing & Mass Product | 3 | ||
| 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. Through case studies students will complete a garment sourcing simulation. | ||||
| DESG-5020 | Sample Room Production 5 | 2 | ||
| In this course, students will continue to learn advanced sewing techniques by applying them to a variety of fabrics and garments. Students begin the research and communication process of defining the designs for their capstone collection. Through this process they will create sampling for the prototypes while also working towards their initial fittings. | ||||
| COMP-5003 | Computers for Apparel Manufacturing 3 | 3 | ||
| Students will continue their exploration of Gerber Garment Technology, Accumark Professional Edition 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 and outerwear. Students will apply their knowledge of manual grading through practice using Accumark PDS functions. | ||||
| FASH-5011 | Design Studio 5 | 3 | ||
| Students will explore critical issues in design and identify a personal design thesis to explore their vision for their Unbound capstone capsule collection. Students will reflect upon accumulated design studio experience and skills to identify an area of interest and define themselves within the designer level luxury market. Students will develop a proposal brief, identifying their design philosophy, ideas & concepts through self-initiated research & practical design practice. Emphasis is placed on analysis of research, innovation in 2D to 3D modeling and sustainable design solutions. Students will self- manage and communicate the design process through discussion boards, design process sketchbook, critiques and formal design board presentations. | ||||
| DRAF-5014 | Pattern Making 5 | 3 | ||
| Advanced patternmaking techniques will be explored through workshops in drafting blocks to individual measurements, sustainable pattern cutting methods, modular and genderless patterning. Torso blocks will be drafted along with boned bodice patterns to individual, non-standardized measurements. Students will have the opportunity to fit on live models/partners and practice pattern corrections based off fittings. Patterns for students' individual capstone collection project will be developed, prototyped and documented as a portfolio of work to showcase their proficiency in advanced patternmaking. | ||||
| METH-5009 | Industrial Pattern Grading | 2 | ||
| Students will learn the fundamentals of garment sizing by proportionally increasing and decreasing the master pattern. Students will learn how to create a grade chart complete with grade rules. Students will be introduced to the 2 different types of grading used to grade a standard block: manual, machine methods. | ||||
| COMP-3097 | Portfolio & Career Development | 3 | ||
| 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 to prepare for the interview process. The student will use appropriate sketching techniques, presentation techniques, photography and computer skills to enhance the professionalism of the development process. | ||||
| Level 6 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| DESG-5021 | Sample Room Production 6 | 5 | ||
| Student will select appropriate construction techniques for their collection based on previous research on the competition, target market expectations and quality level for designer level apparel. Students will analyze their collection materials and construction techniques for suitability and test collection construction to ensure their appropriateness for materials and designs selected. Students will document successful techniques through detailed construction drawings to aid in successful production prototypes. Students will set up a production schedule to effectively manage internal and external deadlines to ensure timely delivery of prototype sample collection to meet external presentation deadlines. Students will consult with faculty on a weekly basis to receive feedback and evaluation of collection analysis, prototype pre-sampling, and technical packages as they work towards the successful completion of their final line to be delivered for presentation in week 13. Students will submit a final document that documents their collection. | ||||
| FASH-5013 | Line Development | 8 | ||
| Line Development focuses on the production phase of the Unbound capstone capsule collection. Students work independently, to create patterns, technical specification packages and a presentation sketchbook using online design platforms, software and digital tools. Students will transition Design Studio 5, design thesis concept proposals, into actualized 3D prototyping and sample development, incorporating couture techniques, innovative technologies and sustainable design approaches. Students will submit work in progress reports and adhere to production schedule with non-negotiable delivery deadlines. The students will present their capsule collections and sketchbooks to a guest industry panel for critique at Unbound line review. | ||||
| FASH-5015 | The Grad Collective: Capstone | 5 | ||
| This course explores planning, organizing, and executing a capstone fashion event. Students learn event production, marketing, fittings, styling, staging, budgeting, and collaboration. Weekly committee work builds teamwork and problem-solving. Students gain hands-on experience through a capstone collective and complete a portfolio that showcases their work from across the program. | ||||
| Gen Ed - Electives | ||||
| Take 6 General Education Credits - Normally taken in Levels 2 or 3 and Level 4 | ||||
| Program Residency | ||||
| Students Must Complete a Minimum of 30 credits in this program at Fanshawe College to meet the Program Residency requirement and graduate from this program | ||||