Certificate Program in Fashion Design and Technology

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Program Overview:

Fashion designers are among the most influential and adulated individuals in modern society. What’s in a name? What’s in a brand? What makes a designer become a highly prized asset of a fashion house? FAST offers professional certificate programs for who is seeking to develop new skills and knowledge while building a body of work and professional experience in an international learning environment. This two-year program in Fashion Design and Technology offers a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the fashion industry through direct experience and experimentation thereby gaining the knowledge of the historical and cultural traditions that provides the foundations to today’s innovation in the world of fashion. By exploring Florentine fashion businesses, the aim of this program is to provide a direct “hands on” experience in fashion design and construction.  Core courses, taught by professionals in the fashion industry, are integrated by seminars presented by local green mapped traditional artisans.

The courses are structured as handcraft workshops and create the bases of each discipline, through the different work technologies students learn to hands on and solve real market problems and have the opportunity to interact with professionals in the sector. The school provides equipped laboratories for tailoring, knitwear and leather, and also provides a Renaissance Ballroom for fashion shows. Each year is comprised of two semesters that include core classes and intensive weekend seminars. Each semester, studies include six core courses that provide a solid foundation and which are integrated by five intensive seminars that focus on related specialized areas of study. The program includes portfolio development and internships that enhance the students’ professional basis for careers in the fashion industry. At FAST, students will study with competent and qualified instructors and will have an unparalleled quality in teaching that includes studying in a collaborative working environment that promotes exchange of ideas and methods between students and instructors.

Program Objectives:

The program provides the professional training necessary for designing and creating fashion products. Throughout the program, students receive individualized attention and support from professional faculty and visiting artists.  The school provides students the opportunity to develop their skills by learning from a team of highly recognized academic faculty flanked by visiting fashion designers. The end of each year will culminate with the event of a runway fashion show organized by students, faculty and professional fashion designers supported by local business.

Duration and Certification:

Certificate programs may be taken for one semester, one year or two years. All programs devote a portion of each term to the development of a professional portfolio. Students who select the two-year program have the opportunity to complete and/or serve as a teaching assistant in introductory level courses.  Students may attend one single semester and obtain a transcript for credit, or complete the full two-year program and receive a certificate in fashion design and technology.

Prerequisite:

For beginning levels, the only prerequisite is a high school diploma or equivalent and demonstration of fluency in English. Students who wish to enroll in a different level of the program (either enter at the second semester or in the second year) must qualify by demonstrating ability and knowledge in an entry exam and submit a detailed curriculum vitae and portfolio. A qualified submission of the above mentioned documents will be evaluated by a committee of academic advisors who will determine approval and enrollment in the requested level.

Internship:

The two-year certificate program gives students the opportunity to deepen their experience first by working as a teaching assistant and then through an internship in a professional studio in Florence, where they will practice their acquired skills in a real world environment. The internship is a carefully organized and closely supervised “hands-on” learning experience that provides the students with a wide range of real-world work opportunities as they shadow, observe and contribute while working in a professional environment. The objective of the internship is to give the students the space to actively apply the skills developed through their studies in a professional work environment. Students will meet with their academic advisors to discuss future goals and professional aspirations as they plan for the internship. Students will also be introduced to the Italian working environment that will enable them to use the technical vocabulary acquired through their three-week language study thereby strengthening their language skills.

Year 1 – Semester 1 (Fall)

Mission:

The aim of the beginning level is to provide students with a basic comprehension of fashion design, with reference to italian style and culture.  Students will be moreover introduced to basic construction techniques, drawing and rendering techniques, they will be taught to be aware of the concept of fashion and to test their abilities in this field. The Italian language class is fundamental to understand the original terms that will be used during lessons and to acquire the minimum conversation skills required for attending the internship.

Core Courses:

Italian Language
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
The language course is offered in different levels according to the student’s knowledge. All students enrolled in Certificate Programs are required to take a three week course of Italian Language before the start of the Certificate Program.

FT FD FD 230   Fashion Design Studio I
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This course is an introduction to creative design development and fashion design skills. Topics include: design processes of trend research, storyboard compiling, color story, fabric selection, draping design concepts, design innovation and the 2-D to 3-D development of creative ideas. There will be assigned projects in all of these areas. Students will also be introduced to the basics of fashion illustration. Students prepare for their fourth-semester design collections by exploring the roles of research, design development, and editing in the fashion design process. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge of key fashion categories, markets, and price points.

FT FD DR 230   Draping
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
In this course students learn the clothing construction using the draping techniques. Custom patterns of various designs will be draped. Patter making by draping of custom patterns in muslin on dress forms or live models are made for any garment and some are cut in intended fabric and constructed. Design of personal dress form will be demonstrated. This class provides education for students  entering the fashion industry.

FT FD SC 315   Sewing and Construction Techniques I
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This hands-on course will take students from the rudimentary skills and techniques necessary both in terms of mechanized and hand techniques to allow for the creation of simple cotton garments. In the second level the focus will shift to complex design strategies and construction which are most frequently employed as industry standards.

FT FC FM 300   Fashion, Media and Culture
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
This course examines fashion as a form of communication and culture using a diverse range of readings drawn: what fashion means and how it has been valued through history, popular culture and media institutions. Students explore economic and social issues that revolve around fashion’s industrial production and analyze fashion both in terms of its production and consumption, addressing its role in relation to identity and body politics (gender, race, sexuality, class), art and status, nationhood and the global economy.

DI PH PS 220   Introduction to Photoshop
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
Adobe Photoshop is the leading software for photographers, graphic designers, and bookmakers.  Photoshop is powerful software that requires a dedicated focus in learning how best to use the program to its full potential. This course, with the guidance of experienced teachers, will introduce the student to the creative and professional issues of Photoshop.  The course is designed for students who have had experience in photography, graphic design, architecture, illustration or bookmaking. The Photoshop Laboratory is equipped with the most up-to-date computers and peripherals.

Seminars:

FT FC CP 200   Art Media: Introduction to the Creative Process
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
Aimed at students interested in visual, plastic arts and creative writing. This course will help each student to define and find his or her own personal style and strengths, which they can then apply to their other art classes.  Students will be assigned writing assignments to develop personal thought processes in order to realize their own creative nature and apply it to the media of their own concentration.

FT FD KW 270   Knitwear I
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
This is a course in which students will familiarize themselves with the knitwear world and will be introduced to a general knowledge of knitwear styles through examples of fashion designers and the use of technical instruments and methods of knitting. Emphasis is placed on learning standard draping and pattern making practices in the knitwear industry and on industrial methods to develop knit designs, together with learning the design aspects of different yarn types, the color, the fabric structure and analyzing the fashion trends in knitwear.

FT FD PM 240   Pattern Making
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
This course introduces students to the drafting and execution of fundamental flat pattern principles. The course will focus on the development of a variety of slopers, collars, sleeves and bodice styling. The course emphasis is on the student’s production of an original design from concept to completion (patterns are proven in cotton).

FT AD FE 345   Feather and Experimental Materials
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
In studying ornamentation techniques students will learn how to apply them to apparel and accessories design. Basic patternmaking skills used in the construction of handbags, belts, and hats are taught.

PS PD PO 350   Portfolio Development I
2 semester credits (30 lecture hours)
This course gives students the opportunity to create a personal portfolio of creative work. Through individual guidance in executing boards for original design ideas, students present a theme or career-goal orientated portfolio of finished work. By working with sketches, graphic illustrations and using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, students create a coherent design portfolio for the industry by researching target market studies, trends, and analyzing the design philosophies of contemporary designers and develop a personal drawing style and design concepts presentation appropriate to the focused market.

Year 1 – Semester 2 (Spring)

Mission:

The aim of the Intermediate level is to deepen student’s knowledge in fashion design with special reference to the construction techniques. Students study apparel design and will receive detailed information on the cad techniques for pattern making. Continuing students work on special projects and develop their skills in  specific accessory design topics.

Core Courses:

FT FD DF 370   Fashion Design Studio II
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This course is an introduction to creative design development and fashion design skills. Topics include: design processes of trend research, storyboard compiling, color story, fabric selection, draping design concepts, design innovation and the 2-D to 3-D development of creative ideas. There will be assigned projects in all of these areas. Students will also be introduced to the basics of fashion illustration. Students prepare for their fourth-semester design collections by exploring the roles of research, design development, and editing in the fashion design process. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge of key fashion categories, markets, and price points.

FT FD AP 310   Cad for Fashion: Advanced Patternmaking
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
In this course students learn the use of pattern design software. Using the CAD system students will recreate the pattern design techniques by transferring ideas to the computer, digitizing and modifying designs. Students develop pattern-making skills using software tools designed for advanced pattern design techniques, increase pattern design capabilities and learn how to combine computer automation with design tools for advanced pattern development.

FT FD SC 380   Sewing and Construction Techniques II
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This hands-on course will take students from the rudimentary skills and techniques necessary both in terms of mechanized and hand techniques to allow for the creation of simple cotton garments. In the second level the focus will shift to complex design strategies and construction which are most frequently employed as industry standards.

FT FD AD 320   Apparel Design
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
This course offers a solid foundation in the fundamentals of basic construction, draping techniques, alterations and fitting techniques for apparel. The emphasis of the course is on the importance of proper fit and craftsmanship. Students develop and construct design concepts in muslin and soft fabric on the dress form.

FT FC FF 280   Faces, Facts and Places in Italian Fashion
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
This course affords students the possibility to go behind the scenes in exploring the art and business of Italian fashion design. Lectures by industry professionals will be complemented by “backstage” visits to design studios and possible attendance at seasonal fashion shows.

PS SP FD 340   Special Project in Fashion Design
3 semester credits (90 Contact hours)
This is a course intended for students who wish to develop skills and experiment with Fashion Design. Students create their own digital works in order to be edited. Composite printing and experimentation with different techniques will also be employed and addressed in order to complete the desired final “look”.
Prerequisites: Fashion Design Studio I or equivalent

or  Italian Language
3 semester credits  (45 lecture hours)
The language course is offered in different levels according to the student’s knowledge.

Seminars:

FT FD ES 280   Eco-Sustainable Fabrics and Fashion Design
1 semester credits  (15 lecture hours)
Socially responsible and ecologically friendly fashion means feeling good about your clothes as well as where they came from, what they are made of and how they were produced. While eco-friendly fashion may have a way to go before it’s mainstream, this fashion trend should be encouraging to established and aspiring fashion designers and fashion lovers who want to see fashion embrace a kinder, more sustainable future. Reduce. Re-use. Recycle.-Finding New Material.-Staying Cruelty-Free. In this course students develop a sustainable fashion brand, create a small collection sourcing eco-sustainable fabrics and textiles.

FT FD SS 330   Sport and Swimwear Design
1 semester credits  (15 lecture hours)
The challenge of designing and constructing sports and swimwear is undertaken by an in-depth appreciation of the needs of the wearer both in terms of comfort and performance as well as the technical and physical limits of the materials and production methods employed. A wide variety of garments, both related to swimwear and other sporting activities will be presented. Original designs are produced using flat pattern and draping techniques and industry specific construction methods and machinery.

FT AD SW 347   Scarves, Shawls and Wraps Design
1 semester credits  (15 lecture hours)
This course focuses on the requirements, limitations, and possibilities of designs for scarves and wraps. Students prepare screens, mix colors, and print a variety of fabrics with emphasis on techniques and fashion trends.

FT FD KW 360   Knitwear II
1 semester credits  (15 lecture hours)
This is a course in which students will familiarize themselves with the knitwear world and will be introduced to a general knowledge of knitwear styles through examples of fashion designers and the use of technical instruments and methods of knitting. Emphasis is placed on learning standard draping and pattern making practices in the knitwear industry and on industrial methods to develop knit designs, together with learning the design aspects of different yarn types, the color, the fabric structure and analyzing the fashion trends in knitwear.

PS PD PO 360   Portfolio Development  II
2 semester credits  (30 lecture hours)
This course gives students the opportunity to create a personal portfolio of creative work. Through individual guidance in executing boards for original design ideas, students present a theme or career-goal orientated portfolio of finished work. By working with sketches, graphic illustrations and using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, students create a coherent design portfolio for the industry by researching target market studies, trends, and analyzing the design philosophies of contemporary designers and develop a personal drawing style and design concepts presentation appropriate to the focused market.

Year 2 – Semester 3 (Fall)

Mission:

The aim of this semester level is to deepen student’s fashion design skills, their knowledge  and evolution through the study of the most important contemporary stylists and designers. The study of manufacturing techniques will be continued, and more challenging and creative sewing techniques are practiced. Students are introduced to the haute couture methods and learn how to manage the leather and different type of other materials.

Core Courses:

FT FD LD 370   Line Development for Fashion I
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
This course focuses on the process of taking design from concept to reality, with an emphasis on production, pricing and distribution. It will provide the basics of supply chain management and provide a framework for understanding how it can be adapted to best support an individual design concept. Students will learn about: materials, color, pattern choices, sourcing, surface design options. The construction process, including prototypes, samples, systems for ensuring quality and fit. Developing and implementing timelines for product development and production Costs and pricing decisions, financial planning and available resources.

FT FD FC 355   Fashion Collection Design and Production I
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
In this advanced course students learn how to create and develop fashion collections (casual and classic womenswear or menswear) in different market areas by using appropriate sketching and rendering techniques. Collections will be structured and organized in a professional way: from the customer research and the forecast of trends to the creation of mood boards and the selection of fabrics and colors. Visits to museums and fashion design studios will stimulate the student’s creative process.

FT FD HC 352   Haute Couture Sewing Techniques
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
This course explore the world of the Haute Couture, students learn the finest sewing techniques practiced in couture ateliers: cutting, hand stitching, seam and hem finished, pocket construction, pressing and finishing are practiced.

PS PD PO 380   Portfolio Development  III
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This course gives students the opportunity to develop a personal portfolio of creative work. Working with professional design critics, students learn the fundamentals of assembling a portfolio for employment in the industry. Using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, they practice advanced rendering, theme pages, and print work. Areas of specialization are showcased.

PS IN TA 420   Teaching Assistant Internship
3 semester credits (90 contact hours)
The course is suggested to students who have already successfully completed a semester. Students can meet with the academic prerequisites laid down for the teaching assistant program for which they are applying. To be eligible they must produce proof or having successfully completed at their home institution the preliminary courses necessary and at the levels stipulated. Further guidelines on admission are available on request.

Seminars:

FT FD BD 335   Bridal Design Techniques and Construction
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
The industry of Bridal fashion and accessories is the focus of this unique course.  A historical and cultural background to the development of the contemporary industry as well as an overview of the diverse European and American markets will be covered in-depth. In addition students will produce a portfolio of bridal designs and complete a finished product of their own creation.

FT FD FD 250   Fabric Design and Decoration
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
In this course the creative as well as the technical side of textile design are combined. The science of textiles together with artistic ability engage the students in developing special techniques, which are then given practical application. Techniques like swatch weaving, direct painting, tie dye, different types of prints, color discharge, embroidery, lace embroidery, heat transfer and others such as quick sketch pattern repeats and packaging are applied. With fashion trends, the textile lines are conceptualized on mood boards with fabric stories, color tabs, fashion figures and textile samples.

FT AD LT 340   Leather Technology
2 semester credits (30 lecture hours)
This course offers the opportunity to study several ornamentation techniques:  trapunto, welting, pleating, inlay, weaving. Students learn the different methods of application on leather apparel and on accessories such as handbags, belts and shoes and acquire the basic skills in the pattern-making related to leather garments.

Year 2 – Semester 4 (Spring)

Mission:

The aim of the fourth semester level is to develop student’s ability and acquaintance. An overview of worldwide fashion will be provided, in order to allow students to compare different approaches and to develop their own style. The goal of this semester is to achieve and complete the Portfolio as the basis for demonstrating the ability of entering in a work environment.

Core Courses:

FT FD LD 400   Line Development for Fashion II
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
This course focuses on the process of taking design from concept to reality, with an emphasis on production, pricing and distribution. It will provide the basics of supply chain management and provide a framework for understanding how it can be adapted to best support an individual design concept. Lessons will be complemented by guest presentations by local designers and other influential industry professionals. Students will create a supply chain plan to support successfully bringing their own design concepts to market.

FT FD FC 410   Fashion Collection Design and Production II
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
In this advanced course students learn how to create and develop fashion collections (casual and classic womenswear or menswear) in different market areas by using appropriate sketching and rendering techniques. Collections will be structured and organized in a professional way: from the customer research and the forecast of trends to the creation of mood boards and the selection of fabrics and colors. Visits to museums and fashion design studios will stimulate the student’s creative process.

FT FD DE 354   Decoration and Embellishment Techniques in Haute Couture
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
This advanced course allows students to put in to use their knowledge and skills regarding the design and use of embellishments. The techniques of quilting, pleating and trapunto as well as application of beads, gems, pearls, rocailles and sequins will be instrumental in the final creation of an original piece.

PS PD PO 400   Portfolio Development IV
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This course gives students the opportunity to develop a personal portfolio of creative work. Working with professional design critics, students learn the fundamentals of assembling a portfolio for employment in the industry. Using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, they practice advanced rendering, theme pages, and print work. Areas of specialization are showcased.

PS IN IN 450   Internship
3 semester credits (150 Contact hours)
An nonsalaried, 14-week internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Integrates students’ design knowledge with field experience at a specific manufacturer with a company supervisor. The internship is open to students who have already successfully completed a semester (minimum 12 credits). Candidates must meet with the academic prerequisites laid down for the internship program for which they are applying. To be eligible they must produce proof of having successfully completed,  at their home schools, the preliminary courses necessary and at the levels stipulated. Further guidelines on admission are available on request. The program combines an internship in a professional workplace.  Students serve as interns part time, generally Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours, depending on the area chosen. Students will have regular meetings with their internship supervisors who will monitor their progress and the drafting of an extensive analytical internship report. At end of the course, students will be well trained and ready to enter the professional world.