For anyone serious about a career in fashion design, mastering the art of flat pattern making is essential. This foundational skill allows designers to transform their ideas into reality, equipping them with the technical know-how to create perfectly fitting garments from scratch. It’s not just a practical skill; it’s a creative superpower that bridges the gap between vision and execution, offering both artistic and career-enhancing benefits. Here’s why flat pattern making is indispensable for every aspiring designer.
Read moreLeveraging AI in Fashion – Compelling Ways AI Can Be Used in the Fashion Industry
Artificial Intelligence has revolutionized various industries. Let’s explore how AI can reshape creativity, product development, and logistics in the fashion industry. With the growing trend of using AI, fashion designers can leverage their power and enhance their prowess exponentially. Even though designers vary in their use of AI, it holds great power that can reshape fashion as we know it.
Read moreVintage Sunglasses Trends That Are Making a Comeback
https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1456421385613-
d0666bb96b78
The fashion world is constantly cycling through trends, so it’s no wonder why so many vintage styles have been popping up in recent years. Sunglasses are no exception; many models from decades past have popped up today, albeit with more modern twists on these classic looks. These sunglasses trends have taken over the top names in fashion too; singer Billie Eilish recently modeled for a vintage-inspired Gucci eyewear campaign that gave a nod to film noir. Though all kinds of retro shades from various eras in fashion have gained popularity in the modern age, here are some top vintage sunglasses trends that are making a comeback:
Read moreJobs in Fashion - Product Developer with Chelsea Willingham , Founder of Minka + Coco
I recently spoke with Chelsea Willingham about her job as a Product Developer. Chelsea's journey into design and development traces back to a childhood shopping trip with her mother. During middle school, she vividly described a pair of shoes she wanted, prompting her to sketch them. Her mother's response, 'Those don't exist,' ignited her creative spark. Her master's degree in apparel design, specializing in sustainability, further refined her creativity.
Read moreStudent Highlight - Jake D.
Meet Jake D. , one of our Fashion Design Students. His designs are pretty awesome, so we thought we would share some with you. It's fantastic that he is also exploring the art of draping fabric on the dress form, which was really a wonderful surprise to see when he sent over the photos. That skill and practice will come in handy when and if he studies pattern making (finger's crossed). I think it will be really fun for him. But first Sewing!
Read moreThe Business Of Fashion - An Interview with Autumn Adamme of Dark Garden Corsetry
I recently spoke with Autumn Adamme, Founder of Dark Garden Corsetry. Autumn became known as the Godmother of Modern Corsetry after launching Dark Garden in 1989, reviving corsets for a modern body and audience. Growing up on the Renaissance Faire circuit, Autumn made her first corset at 13. Shortly after reaching the age of majority, she turned the crafting of custom corsets and historical ensembles into the groundbreaking business which established many of the techniques and standards observed by corset makers across the world today.
In our discussion you will find out how Autumn as built her business from a semi-solopreneur to a team of 19. We talk about the importance of her amazing team, Tik Tok, having signature offerings and manufacturing in San Francisco. Her ”all-bodies-are beautiful” ethos has created an inclusive and luxe experience for her clientele which gives her an advantage in the corset making business. I so admire Autumn and the business she has created. And I hope you enjoy this interview.
Here are some of my key take aways from my conversation with Autumn:
Read more6 Things You Need to Know When You Are Starting Out as a Designer
Recently I interviewed my friend and colleague, Susan Aplanalp-Weeks. She has had a varied career in the fashion industry and has worn many hats, some of which are Pattern Maker, Designer, Technical Designer, Production Manager and finally Professional Fashion Instructor. Susan Currently teaches Fashion Classes in the Design Department at UC Davis and she's also taught for the California College of the Arts and Otis Design School in Los Angeles. During the interview we discuss what new designers need to know when starting out.
Read morePillars of Sustainable Fashion
Fashion has always played a key role in the global economy. The numbers further amplify the need for brands to become more eco-responsible. A 2020 report by Global Fashion Agenda and McKinsey found that should the industry continue with its existing decarbonization initiatives, emissions will be capped at 2.1 billion tons a year by 2030, which is the same level the report estimates the industry emitted in 2018, accounting for 4% of the world’s total emissions. This underscores the importance of a shift to sustainability and sustainable practices for fashion.
Read moreJobs in Fashion - Fashion Designer
The prevailing stereotype of a fashion designer: design what you love while also wearing cute clothes everyday, bow at the end of the runway show, take a long vacation when it’s over and finally, get your work so famous that it is featured on stars at fancy events. Th
Read moreJobs in Fashion - Techical Designer
A Technical Designer's job is to sit between the Fashion Designer, Merchandiser and Production Manager to make a garment fit the customer that the merchandiser is targeting, adhering to the designer's original vision, while also producing it at the right price. This is usually done remotely by sending communications overseas to agents and factories.
Read moreI Can't Wait to Keep Learning - Student Highlight on Ava S.
This month's student spotlight is on Ava S., who is currently in our ONLINE Fashion Studies Program. Her instructors speak very highly of her and she is producing very lovely work. Ava is 16 years old and a Sophomore at Skyline High School in Oakland, California.
Read moreFashion Careers: What is a Fashion Designer?
When I was growing up, all I wanted was, to become a FASHION DESIGNER. I wanted the glamorous life of being famous as well as the daily activity of making clothing that started out in my mind and then became a physical garment. I think that’s what most people think of when they think of a fashion designer. In reality, the glamorous life of a fashion designer is few and far between. That kind of designer is the one that many of us all look up to, but isn’t the actual job that most designers have.
Read more5 simple ways to make your wardrobe more sustainable
So you want to become a more ethical shopper?
Change isn’t going to happen overnight and the journey ahead isn’t always going to be easy. However, if you make some small changes to your shopping habits, ethical shopping is sure to become second nature and you can feel great about the good you’re doing for the planet (as well as your bank balance).
Here are five simple tips on how to make your wardrobe more sustainable, without compromising style and fashion:
Read moreHow Our Clothing Gets Made
How Do our Clothes get made?
Lets's think about this for a minute (or maybe 10). Do you know how your clothing gets made? This is a subject we explore in Sewing Class as often as I can without being too preachy. It often occurs to students after they've sewn a few things for themselves, that the process is not really that easy and that it can take a long time. When the subject is broached about their own clothing, they tell me it's made in a factory and that machines make their clothes. They are often astonished that those very machines are operated by humans, just like themselves. WOW! that's an eye opener.
Read more