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, you 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 through 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 garments and clothing line.

The San Francisco Bay Area is on the cutting edge in developing new, innovative, high-tech sustainable fabrics and contemporary activewear as well as a rich culture of upcycling, streetwear, with many boutiques and studios led by independent designers.

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.

Fashion Design is an all-day studio. Previous sewing experience is helpful, but not required.,

The Pre-College 2025 application opens in late September 2024 and closes mid June 2025.