Textile & Fashion Design

Outcomes

• Formal

  Students will receive an in-depth education in the field of textiles, learning the properties and uses of fibers, textile techniques, and structures. This foundation will support the students’ explorations in surface design, mark-making, and repeat pattern through surface embellishment and structural manipulation practices. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of color, pattern development, and the expressive qualities of texture and materials in order to build a working vocabulary in support of the development of personal concepts that drive the creative process.

  Students will explore the human form as a kinetic 3D armature employing the expressive qualities of textiles as a medium in relation to the body, including the placement of pattern on the body, understanding the scale of garments in relation to the body, and exploring the transformation of the silhouette of the human form through clothing.

  Students will learn the evolution of apparel academically and experientially through draping practices by using basic shapes as they relate to the body, supported by the consideration of textile techniques and material choices. Flat pattern drafting and garment construction paired with appropriate choices of textile and textile techniques will serve as a means by which to develop a comprehensive and meaningful body of work.

• Conceptual

  From the creation of a 2D textile surface to the 3D form of a garment, students will employ the expressive nature of textiles as they relate to the human form. Students will cultivate skills in developing personal concepts that drive their work, supported by an in-depth understanding of the expressive qualities of textiles: materials, techniques, pattern, texture, and color as they relate to the human form through garments and the contemporary expression of fashion. Students will develop the ability to work independently and collaboratively in the classroom community in support of developing processes by which one cultivates sound studio and professional practices. An in-depth knowledge base of textiles and dress in the historical and contemporary context, both regionally and internationally, will serve as a continuous point of reference as the students continue to master the ability to research, critique, present, and articulate about the fields of textiles and fashion.

• Technical

  Strong emphasis will be placed on hand processes supported by traditional textile and apparel technologies in order to build a working knowledge of non-structured textiles (felt, paper, leather), woven structures (warp and weft grids), and knitted structures (continuous inter-looping structure) as well as a working knowledge of print techniques for apparel fabrics: dyes and pigments, stenciling, canning, stamping, and fabric silkscreen. Students will learn surface design fundamentals: structural manipulation and surface embellishment, including motif type, repeat pattern, croquis, field composition, mark-making, spacing, and scale of motif for print design, knitted fabrics, and garment construction. Studio practices will include mastering industrial sewing machines, single and double bed knitting machines and linkers, dye lab equipment, fabric silkscreen print studio equipment, supporting computer programs (i.e. Photoshop and Illustrator). An in-depth working knowledge of flat pattern drafting and draping, advanced garment construction and tailoring techniques, and knitwear design and construction will complete the students’ technical education.

• Professional

  The graduate of the Textile and Fashion Design Program will be confident and inspired in his/her ability to relate to the field of textiles and fashion, and will have internalized the program’s professional values so as to be able to cultivate ongoing interest and involvement in contemporary fashion, innovations in textiles and a capacity to develop professionally with a working knowledge of professional connections in the field. With consistent and tangible experience in developing personal concepts to support an enduring practice, the Textile and Fashion Design major will have an established vocabulary in materials, techniques and working processes with which to found an independent entrepreneurial practice, or seek employment in textile/fashion industries as knitwear designers, pattern drafters, print designers, sewing technicians, and 
the like. Students will write an articulate artist statement and biography, create an appropriate resume, and draft a cover letter. Students will be required to create both a digital and material portfolio, a website, and a product prototype with a theoretical business plan. Students will be supported by MECA’s Artists at Work Program in helping them find meaningful internships with local and regional textile and fashion practitioners, designers, and businesses. Each student’s senior thesis will realize a “collection” presented during an
 annual fashion show.