Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of personal creative expression in fashion? Do you hold a Bachelor’s degree in any field, from fine arts to business, and dream of a career at the forefront of the fashion industry? The Drexel Westphal Master of Science in Fashion Design (Ms Fashion) program offers a world-renowned path to achieving your aspirations. Recognized as a top fashion program globally by Fashionista and Business of Fashion, this program is designed to cultivate visionary designers ready to shape the future of fashion.
The MS Fashion Design program at Drexel University provides a unique, trans-disciplinary approach, merging art, design, science, and technology. In a personalized studio environment, you’ll delve into the creative process, industrial production, cutting-edge design technologies, and the crucial aspects of marketing and merchandising in the fashion world. This master’s program builds a strong foundation in traditional apparel and accessory creation while integrating the latest design technologies and exploring the sociological and psychological influences of fashion culture and community. Ethical workplace practices, inclusivity, and sustainability are core philosophies woven throughout the curriculum.
Alt: MS Fashion students utilizing state-of-the-art Shima Seiki knitting machines in Drexel University’s fashion design studio, enhancing their knitwear design skills and exploring advanced textile technologies.
You will have the exceptional opportunity to learn from renowned faculty like Genevieve Dion, Director of the Center for Functional Fabrics and a leading designer in smart textiles for wearable technology, and Kathi Martin, a fashion and textile designer pioneering the integration of virtual and augmented reality into fashion design. MS Fashion Design graduate students benefit from access to cutting-edge facilities, including Shima Seiki knitting machines and SDS-ONE APEX3 workstations.
Why Choose an MS in Fashion Design at Drexel Westphal?
An MS in Fashion Design from Drexel Westphal is an investment in becoming a visionary designer equipped to navigate the complexities of contemporary fashion. Drexel University’s commitment to experiential learning is central to the MS Fashion program. You will engage in a fashion industry internship, participate in prestigious international fashion design competitions, and develop a capstone collection showcased at the annual Drexel Fashion Show. Graduates of the MS Fashion Design program are well-prepared for diverse and impactful careers across the fashion industry and related sectors, including education, retail management, costume design, computer-aided design, and curatorial roles in historic clothing and textiles.
This graduate program welcomes both experienced designers holding bachelor’s degrees in design and emerging talents from other academic backgrounds. Prerequisite courses in fashion design fundamentals – drawing, design principles, production techniques, and patternmaking – ensure all students are ready for advanced graduate coursework. Students with prior degrees in fashion, art, or design may be eligible for waivers from certain prerequisites based on portfolio review, transcript evaluation, and a skills assessment. All students receive personalized guidance from faculty advisors to create curriculum paths aligned with their skill levels and career ambitions within the MS Fashion landscape.
Alt: Collaborative studio environment where MS Fashion students at Drexel University engage in project work, highlighting the program’s emphasis on teamwork and creative development in fashion design.
Drexel Westphal MS Fashion Design alumni are making significant strides in the fashion business and related fields, often leading the way in fashion technology, inclusive design, and sustainable practices. Adriana Galijasevic, a Denim & Sustainability Expert and designer at G-Star RAW, has gained international recognition from Forbes Magazine and Women’s Wear Daily for her groundbreaking work in denim innovation and sustainability, showcasing the program’s impact on shaping future fashion leaders.
Curriculum Highlights of the MS Fashion Program
The MS Fashion Design curriculum is a dynamic fusion of art, design, science, and technology, serving as a launchpad for creating innovative apparel solutions for the 21st century. The program’s emphasis on both the aesthetic and philosophical aspects of fashion ensures that designers are not only technically proficient but also deeply understand the broader cultural and societal context of their work. The curriculum is meticulously designed to equip you with the technical expertise necessary for a thriving and innovative career in the ever-evolving fashion industry.
Within the individualized studio setting of the MS Fashion program, you will gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in:
- Core Design Skills: Construction, patternmaking, and tailoring techniques.
- Specialized Knitwear Design: Advanced techniques in textile manipulation and creation.
- Industrial Clothing Production: Understanding mass manufacturing processes in fashion.
- Advanced Design Technologies: Integrating digital tools and innovative software in design.
- Strategic Fashion Marketing and Merchandising: Essential business skills for fashion professionals.
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Mastering industry-standard software for design and visualization.
- Textile Design, Research, and Development: Exploring material innovation and textile science.
- Fashion Illustration: Developing visual communication skills for fashion concepts.
- History of Fashion Design: Understanding the evolution of fashion and its cultural influences.
- Sustainable Design Practices: Integrating environmentally responsible approaches to fashion.
- Inclusive and Adaptive Fashion Design: Creating fashion for diverse needs and abilities.
- Professional Portfolio Development and Presentation: Showcasing your work to industry standards.
- Business of Fashion: Gaining entrepreneurial and business acumen for fashion ventures.
Alt: A curated fashion design portfolio created by an MS Fashion student at Drexel University, highlighting the program’s focus on fostering creativity and developing professional presentation skills essential for career advancement.
MS Fashion Design students have the flexibility to choose electives in areas such as accessory design, machine knitting, and technical design, allowing for specialization based on individual interests and career goals. The practical, hands-on curriculum includes regular critiques from esteemed faculty and industry experts. The culmination of the program is the annual Drexel Fashion Show, a highly anticipated event attended by press, regional and national designers, and key figures from across the fashion industry, providing unparalleled exposure for graduating MS Fashion students.
Drexel graduate Fashion Design students and alumni consistently showcase their work in prestigious international runway shows, exhibitions, and media platforms. Nancy Volpe Beringer (’16), a finalist on Season 18 of Bravo’s Project Runway, achieved a significant milestone when Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist Tierra Whack wore her designs to the 61st Annual Grammy Awards in 2019. Xiaohan Zhou (’19) gained recognition on Cool China Fashion Designer, a prominent Chinese television competition, and her work has been featured in exhibitions at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and Shanghai Fashion Week, demonstrating the global reach and impact of the MS Fashion program.
Premier Resources & Facilities for MS Fashion in Philadelphia
The MS Fashion Design degree program is located in the URBN Center, the creative heart of Drexel’s Westphal College. This location fosters interdisciplinary collaboration within the College and across Drexel University, providing rich opportunities for research and innovation.
MS Fashion students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including:
- Dedicated Design Studios: Spacious, well-equipped studios open 24/7 to accommodate diverse project needs and schedules.
- SHIMA SEIKI Technology Laboratory: Featuring advanced 3D computerized knitting machines and SDS-ONE APEX3 workstations, supporting cutting-edge textile research and development.
- The Fox Historic Costume Collection (FHCC): A vast archive of thousands of apparel items, accessories, and sketches from iconic designers like Coco Chanel and Christian Dior, providing invaluable historical context and inspiration.
- Hybrid Making Lab: Equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and advanced fabrication equipment for experimental design and prototyping.
- Advanced Computer Labs: Offering access to Adobe Creative Suite, trend forecasting software, and retail lifecycle management tools essential for contemporary fashion design and business.
- Charles Evans Fashion Library: A specialized library with computers, trend forecasting resources, fabric swatches, periodicals, and extensive resources for studying fashion history, current trends, and future directions.
Alt: Creative workspace of an MS Fashion student at Drexel University, showcasing a well-lit studio environment conducive to sketching and design development, reflecting the program’s commitment to fostering artistic talent.
MS Fashion Design students with a strong interest in multidisciplinary research can pursue a minor in Design Research. Nicole Feller Johnson (’18) exemplifies this interdisciplinary approach, earning a dual master’s degree with Westphal’s MS Design Research program. Her innovative work spans haute couture, digital fabrication, and 3D printing, earning her recognition as a CFDA+ Design Graduate and showcasing her debut collection at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Russia, highlighting the diverse and cutting-edge opportunities within the MS Fashion program at Drexel.
To learn more about the transformative MS Fashion Design program at Drexel Westphal College, please connect with the Graduate Recruitment Team here.
For portfolio inquiries, please contact:
Jackie Kilmartin
Associate Teaching Professor
Director, Graduate Fashion Design
215.895.0359
[email protected]
