Exotic Materials and Methods for the Costumer. This course explores creation of non-traditional materials for fantasy and live performance costumes, including; foams, molds, latex, plastics, vacuform, chainmail, aging and distressing, and electronics.

Prerequisites: None

This course provides an introduction to the basic skills needed to design costumes for theater, film, television or videogames.  Students will learn how to analyze and interpret a script to understand a specific character and how to do additional research about the character, story, and specific location and time period.  They will then learn to translate that research into conceiving the perfect costumes.  In addition, students will explore the basic skills needed for drawing and rendering costumes, including depicting specific actors.  Differences in designing for the theater, film, television and for games will be articulated.

Prerequisites: None

This course will offer both exploration and practical experience of the process of breaking down a screenplay, analyzing and researching characters, creating and pulling authentic costumes, and working with a director and film crew.  It will be a collaborative course with the film department, participating in and contributing to senior film projects.  

Costume Collection 4 will complete the patterning and construction phase leading up to the presentation of the Senior Collection, providing the costumes for 2-3 major characters in the selected film script. Collaboration as well as individual growth in design and construction will be emphasized.

Prerequisites: WRIT 112 Academic Writing 2; LSCI 105 Information Theory

This course combines costume field studies and costume portfolio development. Students will explore career opportunities and costume resources in the Southern California area, and prepare a portfolio appropriate for entering the costume field. Studio. Prerequisite: FDES 210 Sketching 2, WRIT 112 Academic Writing II.

Students will be given intensive training in the use and safety issues of all sewing, ironing, and construction equipment in the fashion design department so they can work independently and efficiently in the appropriate studios. They will be responsible for keeping a notebook of instructions, samples, and notes, and be tested on all equipment.  A heavy-duty bag with multiple design features will be the final project/test of their learning process.

Prerequisites: None

A practical and theoretical study of the formal elements and principles of design. Formal and relational properties of line, shape, form, value, and texture are studied. Studio exercises using various media explore concepts of balance, harmony, repetition, rhythm, scale, proportion, time and motion in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional organizations. Studio.

An introduction to the history, perception and application of color. Properties and effects of color relationships are studied with an emphasis on color selection and use, color psychology and the effects of color in space and light conditions. Studio.

This course builds on a basic drawing knowledge that enables students to gain an understanding of the elementary movement and structural knowledge of the human form. Students completing the course will achieve an introductory level in observational visualization skills, and, manipulation of various media. Representation of the human body will be as an animate, three-dimensional form in space in both static and dynamic, rythmic gesture. There is a special emphasis on comprehension of anatomical structure that will allow students the ability to visualize and adapt the human form for use in design and related disciplines Studio.

The computer role in Fashion Design and its’ creative potential is the focus of this course. Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop fundamentals will be studied to learn principles of digital designing while simultaneously developing your own drawing techniques. These programs enable the Fashion Designer to digitally sketch and present fashion collections. The student’s working knowledge of Tools and Palettes is developed, gaining speed and accuracy in creating flats and sketches.

 Studio. Prerequisite: None.

The computer role in Fashion Design and its’ creative potential is the focus of this course. Adobe Illustrator CS2 fundamentals will be studied along with SnapFashun Plug-In to learn principles of digital designing while simultaneously developing your own drawing techniques.  This program enables the Fashion Designer to digitally sketch and present fashion collections. The student’s working knowledge of Illustrator’s Tools is developed, gaining speed and accuracy in creating flats and sketches.

Prerequisites: FDES 105 Digital Design 1

Using the PAD program, students design garments and execute the patterns using computer assisted pattern technology, and construct the garments Studio. Prerequisite: FDES226, Advanced Technical Studio.

The study of creating patterns through draping and drafting techniques. Designs are translated into muslin, directly on the dress form. Complex designs are interpreted through flat pattern techniques, production patterns are developed and graded and markers are made. Studio. Prerequisite: FDES 125, Technical Studio 1.

Students will explore radical free-form draping techniques, repurposing existing garments, and creating pattern blocks from the resulting details and silhouettes.  Sustainability issues will be used to generate projects as will in-depth research of creative influences and historical precedence.  Developing industry-level pattern-making skills will be a priority.

Prerequisites: FDES 111 Design Studio 1: Core Skills, FDES 230 Design Studio 2 Materials; and concurrent with FDES 2xx Design Studio 3: Experimental Design

This course provides an introduction to various traditional and innovative surface and structural treatments used for aesthetic and functional purposes in apparel design.

An introduction to basic flat pattern making, draping, and sewing techniques. Muslin samples are constructed with the use of industry power machines, fitted and completed into finished garments. Studio. Prerequisite: none.

Advanced flat pattern, draping, and construction techniques are reviewed and reinforced. Special attention is given to development and construction of complex facings, lapels, and closures. Pattern marking and labeling is standardized. Studio. Prerequisite: FDES 125, Technical Studio 1; FDES 225, Technical Studio 2 or equivalent transfer credit.

Knitwear and swimwear markets are researched. Garments are designed and constructed through advanced draping and advanced pattern-making methods. Studio. Prerequisite: FDES 226, Advanced Technical Studio.

This advanced construction course is designed to create a support system to guide third level students in building two to three outfits chosen in collaboration with their design mentor from their LA style collections, created in Design Studio 4.  Regular fittings will refine the designs and ensure industry-level standards.  Finished outfits will be juried for the fashion show. Class splits into two days.

 Studio. Prerequisite: FDES 331, Advanced Draping.

A study of handbag design, patternmaking, and methods of construction. The contemporary leather goods market is researched and designs and samples are constructed. Studio. Prerequisites: FDES 125, Technical Studio 1 or department chair permission.

A study of shoe design and methods of construction. The contemporary shoe market is researched and designs and samples are constructed. Studio. Prerequisite: FDES 125, Technical Studio 1 or department chair permission.

Research the elements and principles of design to create a couture level collection.  Work through design process with the design mentor to develop a group related to the fashion show theme.  Design and sew a tailored jacket, and the first outfit of the design group.

Prerequisites: FDES 310 – FD4: LA Fashion; FDES 332 – FD5: Junior Collection WRIT 112 – Academic Writing 2; LSCI 105 Information Theory; Department Chair Permission.

Design and construction of high fashion, evening, and experimental designer garments, with sample and style book production, culminating in Design Review presentation with industry judges. Course includes fabric selection, flats, draping, patternmaking, and professional industry finishes aligned with couture construction methods. 

Corequisite: FDES 411 Portfolio and Presentation

Prerequisite: FDES 431 Senior Collection 1

A ten weeks course that is designed to take students off-campus to explore relevant museum and gallery shows relating to fashion.  It can also act as an inspiration ‘feeder’ course, for Fashion Design 4.  Theoretical readings will enhance discussions of the various shows and exhibits and students will keep a sketchbook of drawings and ideas gleaned from the various activities.  One three-page paper will be included as a final project. (Fashion Theory reading and discussion component.)

Prerequisite: FDES 261 History of Fashion Design 2, or instructor permission.

A survey of prehistoric, ancient, and traditional world costume through the 16th century CE, emphasizing the origins of clothing and stylistic trends in Asia, Africa, and the Near East. Lecture. Prerequisite: WRIT 111, Academic Writing 1.

A survey of Western costume from the 17th century CE to contemporary times with an emphasis on the 20th century. Lecture. Prerequisite: WRIT 111, Academic Writing 1, FDES 260 History of Fashion Design 1.

This course will focus on the business side of the apparel industry, from product development, production, marketing and branding to the end consumer. Research the various markets and the appropriate design approach for each. Investigate the future of the global market place and sustainable practices affecting the world of fashion. Identify current market niches and create a business and marketing plan, which will include a basic financial outline, branding materials, a tech pack, and storyboard for final presentation.  The importance of TEAM WORK will also be emphasized.

Prerequisites: AW112 Academic Writing 2; LSCI 105 Information Theory; FDES 301 Digital Design 2

Progress Portfolio
120 hours of internship/work experience in the fashion design field is required.

The emphasis will be on experimental design process and using alternative and unexpected materials. This studio course builds on Design Studio 1 and 2, taking an experimental approach to all the basic techniques and processes that have been previously introduced and will also relate to and build on the concurrent Experimental Draping/Patternmaking course.

The course is divided into two days:

1. Alternative materials and applications, as well as theoretical research, are emphasized to encourage a purely creative, cutting-edge environment.   The primary goal is to open the students to innovative problem solving through experimentation and the resulting discovery of a more personal aesthetic.
2. A model-drawing component adds visual stimulation and a continued refinement of drawing skills.  Students will be responsible for styling fashion models in unexpected materials and garments.  Developing an individual drawing style will be emphasized and producing design groups that reflect alternative viewpoints and ideas.

Prerequisites: FDES 111 Core Skills, or comparable skills and FDES 230 or Textile Course

This course will be a follow-up for Digital Design 2 and will follow a similar format of model drawing one session and design/illustration the next.  The purpose of this course is to reinforce the skills taught in the first semester to sophomores and transfer students, and to develop designs and illustrations to support their construction courses.  

Prerequisite: FDES 301 Digital Design 2

An introduction to quick sketching techniques for communicating clothing styles, fabrics, colors and construction details. Emphasis will be on developing flats and croquis. Studio. Prerequisite: FOUN 101, Beginning Drawing.

This course replaces Textiles and Sketching 2.  Combined content is similar, with emphasis on studying textiles both concurrently with and through the design process. Class will split into two days:

1. A study of fabrics – their characteristics and ideal use. Students will explore fiber content, construction, behavior, and design potential of various fabrics.  This course will provide a foundation for Textile Arts.  Basic treatments will be created for denim and other casual fabrics, and students will be asked to create simple drapes from a variety of fabrics to learn how they perform.
2. Design Process through the study of illustration, model drawing, and focus on use, drawing and rendering of fabrics.  Design Projects will focus on knitwear/swimwear and casual separates as preparation for second semester classes

Prerequisite: FDES 111 Design Studio 1: Core Skills, WRIT 111 Academic Writing 1.

This is an advanced-level course that explores both figure drawing and design illustration, essential skills for the fashion designer.  The first session of each week will be devoted to drawing fashion models in various outfits.  Structure and anatomy will be studied as students master drawing a variety of garments on the figure and develop a sensitivity for subtle proportion differences.  Various kinds of fabrics and silhouettes will be used to engender versatility and confidence.   The second session of each week will be spent in exploring fashion illustration drawing and rendering techniques.   This class will also be connected to the Young Career design class, and our final illustration projects will be of the groups created in that class.   Regular critiques will encourage peer feedback and weekly assignments will aid in the progress toward the mastery of essential skills.

 Studio. Prerequisite: FDES 111 Design Studio 1: Core Skills, FDES 230 Design Studio 2: Materials, or equivalent courses.

1. Model Drawing:  The model is styled in contemporary clothing.  Students are involved in the process of creating the look. 
2. Design/Illustration of contemporary groups.  Groups will be developed using both digital and hand techniques. 

This course provides a structured approach to the development of an industry-level portfolio intended to enable graduates to get jobs in the targeted areas that they choose to specialize in.  Instructors will take an individual approach to each student, depending on their chosen area of emphasis. Design process, research, illustration techniques, market research, fabric group development, and advanced digital skills will all be addressed and will contribute to the efficacy of the final presentations.