Teaching Fashion Design Senior Collections: A Three- Part Process from Design to Runway

Abstract

<p>The culmination of most traditional fashion design programs is the development of a collection of garments by the seniors for their thesis project. We have developed a unique three-part process that continues over both semesters of the senior year. The concentration and outcome of this approach has routinely provided the students with the resources to produce quality garments that are featured in the annual fashion show. Senior faculty members act as a design team to provide oversight for the students as well as demonstrating to the seniors how a design team can function in the fashion industry. An industry professional is selected to work throughout the year as a critic for the guidance in the formation of the students' collection from the conception to the final garments. The outside critic meets with the students in the design studio at least three times over the course of the year.</p>