From concept development to communicating ideas through fashion drawing and creating wearable pieces, students in this Pre-College studio explore the full range of what it means to be a fashion designer.

In this four week course, students will get a sense of what it’s like to go to college for fashion design, and ultimately, to be a working fashion designer. Through three design projects, field trips, and guest speakers, the entire creative fashion design process is introduced and explored though such topics as: Gathering inspiration; Developing a dynamic sketchbook; Design development through traditional and experimental approaches; Illustration; Pattern-making and sewing. At the end of this course, each student has a tactile design portfolio, PDF's of work and 3D sewn garments based on their own designs.

The studio will center on exploring drawing and rendering techniques, using a wide variety of illustration tools. Focus is on development of personal expression and deepening an understanding of your unique drawing style, while learning the skills needed to bring design ideas to fruition. Additional focus is on mastering sewing techniques, garments structures, and concepts for the creation of your own garment.

We will enrich participants' studio experience with guest speakers, fashion designers and other fashion industry professionals, addressing different topics such as Sustainable Fashion and what it is like work as a fashion designer; fashion related videos/films; as well as studio time for independent work.

The San Francisco Bay Area is on the cutting edge in developing new, innovative, high-tech sustainable fabrics and contemporary activewear. We look forward to welcoming you to our part of the world this summer.

Fashion Design is an all day studio.

No previous sewing experience required.

Pre-College 2024 application opens September 15, 2023.