Fashion Design BFA

The Fashion Design department goals are to support personal development in design by emphasizing concept-driven fashion, innovation and presentation. Through creative process, industry practice, technical competency and craft, students build the knowledge and critical thinking needed to become a versatile fashion designer.

Fashion students are encouraged to develop innovative design messages as they master pattern drafting and detailing techniques along with exploring current practices used by sustainable fashion designers/companies, organic and eco-friendly textiles, waste minimization and upcycling in design and manufacturing.

Fashion Design facilities offer studio/classrooms, labs, lecture and workrooms equipped with industry-standard cutting tables, industrial machines, dress forms and software for apparel and textile design. Students connect with the materials resource center and research/reference library within the department and are afforded college-wide gallery, library and exhibition space.

Fashion students research, sketch, design and construct garments. Traditional methods of foundation and shape are developed for bespoke clothing through tailoring and couture techniques. Trend forecasting and fabric innovations are explored for ready-to-wear line productions. Students communicate theme concepts, design silhouettes and production flat sketches in storyboard development and presentations. They become proficient in CAD and digital printing for textiles.

Learning Outcomes

• Concept And Message
  - Produce innovative and original designs
  - Understand design elements: color, line, texture, silhouette
  - Use research to inform design development
  - Appreciation for historical reference
   
• Personal Development
  - Understanding of the creative process
  - Build collaborative skills
  - Build verbal and written communication skills
  - Time management
  - Professionalism
   
• Critical Thinking
  - Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends
  - Evaluate work of self and others with a critical eye
  - Understanding team and group partnering
   
• Technical Competency
  - Development and understanding of clothing construction and craft
  - Development and understanding of flat pattern drafting and draping techniques
  - Work effectively with industry standard software (Illustrator, Photoshop, Gerber)
   
• Industry Awareness
  - Understanding apparel manufacturing and production procedures
  - Market understanding through category and customer
  - Connecting through internships and project collaborations
  - Social consciousness
   
• Presentation
  - Create professional and organized presentations that reflect individual style
  - Effectively communicate two- and three-dimensional designs
  - Produce accurate and detailed technical flat drawings by hand and computer
  - Produce a body of work – apparel lines/collections and portfolio suitable for seeking professional opportunities

Our Partners

The MassArt Fashion Department collaborates with the following companies and organizations as part of the undergraduate experience:

• Projects: Primark, Anne Fontaine, Italian Trade Commission, Council of Fashion Designers of America, Bemis SewFree, Revere Hotel, Riccardi of Boston, Neiman Marcus, Peabody Essex Museum, Levi Strauss, Rogers Corporation, Copley Place Mall, Finagle a Bagel, RadiciSpandex
   
• Internships: Boston Ballet, TJMaxx, Diane Von Furstenberg, Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen, Marc Jacobs, Heartloom, Boston Conservatory, Puma, Reebok, Converse, OKW, Alan Bilzerian, Vera Wang, L'Elite

Unique To Massart

Each year, the MassArt Fashion Department hosts an annual fashion show. In May 2021, Massachusetts College of Art and Design showcased the thesis collections of 39 graduating seniors from the Fashion Design Department.