Hi everyone! I’m preparing for my next Precollege class session right now–so excited!
This semester I am taking the Precollege course HAP 017: Fashion Design Techniques. In any industry, technique is important, but especially in the fashion world where stitching separates a couture piece from one available in a mall. I have millions of creative ideas, but I never know quite what to do with them. For instance, how could I turn an old button-down shirt into a skirt)? This class is helping me learn how to channel all my inspiration into designs. Right now we’re learning how to create and drape patterns for basic silhouettes. I just finished creating a simple muslin pencil skirt. Although this may not sound like the most exciting thing to some people, this one pattern will allow me to make hundreds of skirts in any fabric. I can even make a dress if I attach a bodice!
Next class I’ll be finishing draping a flared skirt and moving on to creating bodices. Once I have the basic layouts for my garments, I can mix and match to create my own unique designs! What’s both challenging and exciting about Fashion Design Techniques is fitting pieces to an actual body. Before this class, the patterns I used were very simple and could have been nipped and tucked to fit any body shape. Now I understand that each mannequin (not to mention human body) is different, and it takes lots of meticulous pinning to create the perfect look. My designs have become so much more polished since I began this class, and I love it! My professor, Professor Wright, is fantastic. She’s so sweet and always willing to help us, even with designs for different classes.
Last semester I took an intensive Precollege Workshop, HSX 095: Costume and Couture Rendering. That class prepared me well for many fashion-related endeavors because the most important skill is being able to take designs from your head and put them on to paper…Then, of course, fabric!
Both Precollege Programs have strengthened my design abilities so much and I can’t wait to continue on at FIT! Sorry I don’t have any pictures of my designs from this week, but I’ll make sure to include some next time! To check out what inspires the style of myself and my close friend Elijah on a daily basis, check out our blog!
Have a great week!
xoxo
Ruby