Earn your Fashion Design and Merchandising diploma from the Kelowna, BC, or Halifax, NS, Centre for Arts and Technology campus, and launch your career as a Fashion Designer, Merchandise Manager, Technical Designer, Product Development Coordinator, Pattern Maker, Fashion Writer, Buyer, Fashion Forecaster or Costume Designer.
Business Technology 100
In order to survive and prosper, businesses must take advantage of the most appropriate technology available. Students receive an introduction to various business technologies including word processing and spreadsheets. The medium to achieve this knowledge will be the Microsoft Office Suite. Building on a foundational understanding of windows as well as internet browsers, students will learn the basic skills for Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Leveraging the interoperability of these applications will also be explored.
Design Elements
This course is an introductory exploration of terminology specific to the fashion and apparel industry as well as an examination of basic design elements common to the field. At the end of this course students will be able to communicate more effectively with other members of the fashion and apparel industry with respect to apparel industry design elements.
Foundation of Art and Design
Foundation of Art and Design explores the evolution of imagery from primitive art through to today’s digital creations, with a focus on North American and European 20th century art and elemental themes in design, composition and content. Developing the oral and written skills with which to discuss or critique works of art, FAD enables students to understand the artistic direction demanded by future clients. Topics include colour, balance, perspective, social context and visual perception.
Introduction to Computer Graphics
This introductory foundation course provides a solid background in vector and bitmap graphics creation, translation skills, graphic file management, scanning and format conversion necessary for every field of computer graphics. These applied skills get you under way in a variety of our core computer graphic applications which are used in ever increasing levels of integration.
Introduction to Fashion and Apparel
This course provides students with a general overview of the complexities of the fashion and apparel industry. It offers a realistic snapshot of how the industry operates in design, production and marketing. Through research, analysis and field study, students will discover the broad scope of the fashion business, from concept styling, to the strategies of manufacturing, merchandising and retailing. Career possibilities within each sector will also be explored.
Courses
Apparel Construction 100
This applied sewing course examines the methods and techniques of industrial garment assembly. Students will apply basic sewing skills to a range of projects that will result in a reference portfolio. Students will apply safe practices when operating industrial equipment and by the end of this course students will have constructed several basic garments.
Fashion Illustration
Students will examine and apply basic illustration techniques used within the fashion industry by exploring different types of fashion illustrations, basic anatomy of the human body, differences between normative body proportions and the fashion figure, differences between life drawing and fashion illustration, and the relationship between perspective and proportion. Students will examine and apply drawing techniques specific to the field with respect to: gender, age, lifestyle, techniques used in the pattern rendering process, designer sketch techniques and methods, methods used when working with colour, techniques used in layout, and composition.
Introduction to Industrial Sewing Standards
This introductory sewing course examines the basic methods and techniques of industrial garment assembly. Students will learn to identify the different characteristics of knit and woven fabrics relative to seam construction and performance and apply this knowledge to a variety of sewing projects. This course will also familiarize students with the type of industry machinery and equipment found in mass production factories around the World.
Design 100 Womenswear
This applied course provides students with an introductory examination of design theory and design techniques. Students will apply methods required to design a basic skirt and pants, coordinating with Apparel Construction 100.
Pattern Drafting 100
This is a technical course in which the theory of flat pattern drafting is introduced. Students will draft various garment components leading to the construction of muslin samples in Apparel Construction 100. The skill of producing a pattern from a sketch is applied. Students will also complete construction-ready patterns for several basic garments.
History of Costume
Students will acquire a broader appreciation and understanding of fashion by examining the history of fashion from the ancient world to the 19th century, as well as trends associated with specific eras, cultures and geographic regions. Students will also examine fashion in the 20th and 21st centuries from both international and Canadian perspectives.
Group Projects 100, 200, 300, 400
Group projects are provided as a vehicle for students to apply theory and skills to operating in a team atmosphere, mimicking the actual operation of an apparel firm.
Pattern Drafting 200
This is a technical course in which the theory of flat pattern drafting is introduced. Students will draft various garment components leading to the construction of muslin samples in Apparel Construction 200. The skill of producing a pattern from a sketch is applied. Students will also complete construction-ready patterns for a designed skirt and a designed pant.
Apparel Construction 200
This applied sewing course examines the methods and techniques of industrial garment assembly practice. Students will apply basic methods and techniques of sewing to a range of projects that will result in a reference portfolio. Students will apply safe practices when operating industrial equipment and by the end of this course students will have constructed several basic garments.
Design 200 Womenswear
In this course students will expand their knowledge of design theory and target market concepts acquired in Design 100 Womenswear by examining colour theory and how it is applied to fashion. Students will also examine the components of a collection and how it is developed.
Textile Science
This course provides the foundational knowledge required to match a design with appropriate fabrication. Students will examine a range of fabrics and identify various weaves, knits, fibre content, and fibre characteristics. Students will examine end uses, methods of colouration and printing, types of finishes, and appropriate care.
Trend Forecasting and Analysis
Students will examine and apply the skills required for trend forecasting and analysis to ensure their efforts continue to meet and surpass the needs and desires of any target market. Students will examine trends locally and internationally, and will develop skills required to analyze the origins of an identified trend.
Product Development
Students examine the product development cycle from inspiration to completed product by exploring various industries utilizing the product development cycle. Students also examine how to apply the product development cycle to the fashion and apparel industry and the use of reverse timeline methods in order to adhere to timelines and deadlines.
Pattern Drafting 300
In this course students will apply more complex skills in pattern making to create more exciting garments.
Apparel Construction 300
In this course students will examine and apply more advanced methods of industrial garment assembly. This course is coordinated with Pattern Drafting 200 and Design 300 Womenswear.
Computer Aided Design Drawing 100
This course introduces students to basic skills required to effectively use illustration programs and vector graphics to create technical flats and fashion illustrations.
Design 300 Womenswear
In this course, students will advance their knowledge of the components of a collection in the areas of fabrication, trim and closures.
Draping 100
This course introduces students to effective draping methods and skills required for four basic foundation patterns. Students will examine the dress form and the elements of fabrics as they relate to the bodice, skirt, shirt, and sleeve.
Apparel Construction 400
This advanced sewing course expands student knowledge of specialized techniques of industrial garment assembly theory and is coordinated with Design 400 Menswear and Childrenswear and Pattern Drafting 300.
Computer Aided Design Drawing 200
Students will examine and apply skills required to increase proficiency in illustration programs with the goal of enhancing illustration skills. Students will apply these software skills to create more sophisticated technical flats, fashion illustration, mood board, trend presentations, and textile patterns.
Introduction to Manufacturing and Production
This course provides students with a theoretical and detailed overview of manufacturing and production in the fashion and apparel industry. Students will examine various specializations of an apparel firm and how each is interrelated with a focus on the overview of all the steps involved in the production of a commercial garment, from the initial garment to floor-ready.
Pattern Drafting 400
This course operates in conjunction with Apparel Construction 400 and Design 400 Menswear & Childrenswear in the execution of garments. Students will be introduced to more advanced drafting techniques and will investigate menswear and childrenswear sizing and standards, as well as applying more sophisticated knock-off techniques.
Design 400 Menswear and Childrenswear
In this course, students will advance their knowledge of creating men's and children's collections in the areas of colour, fabrication and merchandise presentation.
Computer Aided Design - Pattern Drafting, Grading and Marker Making
Students will be introduced to computerized pattern drafting techniques and computer grading methods. Students will also examine and apply methods used to create markers for all types of garments.
Textile Art & Design
This course provides students with the theoretical and applied foundation required to alter the surface or appearance of a fabric. Students will examine the principles of design, textile design, and textile art. Students will also explore the types of weaves and knits and corresponding design applications.
Design 500 Specialization
Students will apply their cumulative design knowledge with their specific market research in order to create several garments in their chosen area of specialization.
Marketing and Sales
Students will learn how to develop and implement marketing strategies. It is intended to give both a theoretical and practical understanding of marketing decision-making. Students will also be exposed to various sales techniques and the importance of brand image and e-commerce marketing.
Draping 200
This course advances student knowledge and skill in draping methods by exploring variations of the basic foundation patterns.
Global Sourcing and Import/Export
This course examines the global context of the fashion and apparel industry. Students will examine the process of sourcing with regards to raw materials and global production when importing or exporting across international borders. Students will also investigate importing and exporting considerations.
Business Operations and Finance
This course provides students with a theoretical overview of the roles and responsibilities required in the apparel industry. Students will examine the interrelationship between operations and business management, the role of management personnel, and decision-making. Students will also examine the relationship of costs to pricing, volume and profit and will be able to illustrate the relationship between wholesale costing and retail pricing by the end of the course.
Merchandising 100 and 200
Students examine and apply the skills required to merchandise a grouping of apparel for sales and marketing presentations, as well as for visual retail display.
Entrepreneurship
This course introduces students to entrepreneurship as it pertains to the fashion and apparel industry. Students will examine key concepts in the development of a business, such as the business plan and the factors involved in setting up and maintaining a business.
Fashion Show Production
In this course, students will produce a fashion show and will address important factors required for staging a successful fashion show production such as budget, location, and merchandising.
Graduation Project and Fashion Show
The final term is when students independently research, analyze, prepare, and present their final project and fashion show. Advisory committees of instructors will guide and mentor students throughout the final term.
Portfolio Production Workshop Fashion Design & Merchandising 100 and 200
Portfolios show the world what you can do. Academic portfolios are the final demonstration of acquired learning and are a requirement for graduation at Centre colleges. Portfolios are also one of the most important tools you have for initially getting noticed and landing an interview for a job or contract. This course provides the knowledge and tools required to complete a high quality academic and professional portfolio.
Professional Development 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 (This is a mandatory course in several quarters)
The Professional Development Program consists of a series of modules spread throughout the academic program that focus on the personal and interpersonal aspects of employability skills required for success at work and in life. Through a combination of instruction and activities including scenario training, individual and group activities, discussions, and reflection, students are given the opportunity to discover and develop lifelong values, personal definitions of success and mission statements, and to investigate best practices in achieving their personal and career goals. Awareness of expectations and consequences of actions within business and social situations will be emphasized, providing students opportunities to develop into the kind of people that others want to know and work with, whether employers, business partners, or fellow workers. This includes behavioural awareness and skills in resolving personal and interpersonal issues, and letting go of schemas that don't support success as personally defined. Practical job skills are also included in the program such as industry research, portfolio criteria, job search, resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, and employment negotiations. Because the acquisition of soft skills requires a significant amount of exposure and practice in diverse situations, each module will build on the core skills, principles, and tools based on individual and group needs as determined by the facilitators in each module.
