Fashion is more than just clothing; it’s a powerful form of self-expression and a dynamic industry. For high school students eager to explore the world of fashion design, pre-college programs offer an incredible opportunity to build foundational skills and discover potential career paths. These specialized courses delve into the core elements of fashion design, from sketching and illustration to fashion history and portfolio development.
The journey of a fashion designer begins with a vision, and translating that vision onto paper is a crucial first step. Courses like Introduction to Fashion Design Art (HAR 016) are specifically tailored to equip aspiring designers with the fundamental sketching skills needed to bring their ideas to life. Students learn the art of fashion illustration, starting with the female croquis, and explore basic silhouettes that form the building blocks of garment design. This introductory course is perfect for high schoolers who dream of careers as fashion designers, merchandisers, or stylists and want to lay a solid foundation in visual communication for fashion.
Building upon these foundational skills, Advanced Fashion Design Art Techniques (HAR 087) takes students to the next level. This course refines the understanding of fashion figures, garment details, and construction techniques. High school students will learn valuable industry tips for rendering popular sportswear fabrics and how to create flat sketches – essential for portfolio submissions. The culmination of this course is the development of a sportswear collection, providing practical experience in collection development, a key aspect of fashion design careers.
For high school students serious about pursuing fashion in higher education or professionally, a strong portfolio is indispensable. Fashion Design Portfolio (HAR 089) is designed to guide students in creating a professional-level portfolio. This advanced course focuses on developing a small women’s wear collection and mastering advanced rendering and presentation techniques. Through hands-on projects, students gain practical experience in portfolio creation, receiving feedback and guidance to ensure their work stands out when applying to fashion schools or internships. It is recommended for students in 11th grade and above, making it an ideal course for those preparing for college applications.
Understanding the historical and cultural context of fashion is just as important as technical skills. Icons of Couture Fashion (HAR 091) immerses students in the world of legendary designers like Dior, Balenciaga, McQueen, and Mugler. By researching these influential figures and their contributions, high school students gain insights into conceptual thinking, design development, and the power of a cohesive design vision. Inspired by these icons, students develop their own fashion illustrations, elevating their design ideas to a more sophisticated and conceptual level. This course fosters a deeper understanding of fashion history and its influence on contemporary design.
The fashion landscape is constantly evolving, and the rise of agender fashion is a significant contemporary trend. Agender Sportswear Design (HAR 096) addresses this emerging market, challenging students to design unisex sportswear. High school designers will develop croquis suitable for various body types and create garment shapes that transcend traditional gender boundaries. This course encourages innovation and forward-thinking design, preparing students for the future of fashion.
For students looking to solidify their drawing fundamentals, Drawing for Designers: Basics (HAR 101) provides essential training in croquis drawing and applying garment silhouettes using industry-standard technical drawing techniques. Developing accurate proportions and dimensionality is crucial for portfolio submissions, and this course ensures students master these foundational skills. It’s an excellent option for high schoolers new to fashion drawing or those seeking to strengthen their existing skills.
Taking design skills to an advanced level, Drawing for Designers: Advanced (HAR 102) focuses on creating ready-to-wear collections and mastering color rendering techniques to bring fabric textures to life. High school students will explore detailed approaches to stylizing fashion figures and gain in-depth knowledge of apparel construction. This course builds upon basic drawing skills and prepares students for more complex design challenges.
Finally, Drawing for Designers: Portfolio (HAR 103) is the ultimate portfolio-building course. It provides individualized feedback and guidance on portfolio presentation best practices. Students will create a cohesive women’s wear collection, specifically tailored to elevate their portfolios for college admissions or career entry into the fashion industry. This capstone course ensures high school students are well-prepared to showcase their design abilities and take the next step in their fashion journeys.
These courses offer a comprehensive pathway for high school students to delve into the world of fashion design. Whether you are just beginning to explore your interest or are already developing your portfolio, these programs provide the skills, knowledge, and experience to ignite your passion and pave the way for a future in the exciting and ever-evolving fashion industry.
