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Pattern Making

This course is an introduction to creating flat patterns, by drafting basic blocks through measurements and calculations. Students learn how to manipulate these blocks according to their requirements by using basic blocks. During this course students start constructing basic garments with all the finishing required. As students’ understanding of proportion and human form evolve, they also start developing patterns with different calculations for a better understanding of various sizing in relation to proportion.

Machine Sewing

Students learn the basic techniques used in the construction of a complete garment. from learning how to stitch from a basic bodice to a complete garment, this course gives in-depth knowledge and skills required to construct a collection for a thesis. Through the process, students learn different finishes such as facings, bias bindings, attachment of zips, and attaching lining to a garment. Students learn couture techniques in hand-sewing, and seam and hem finishes.

Fashion Illustration

This course addresses the basics of fashion design. Students learn to draw croquis for fashion illustration. The emphasis is on developing fashion poses and accurate drawing of garments. Students learn to render, using colour pencil, watercolour, poster colour and markers. They learn from drawing the illustration to rendering it in various mediums to illustrate the realistic feel of the fabric. They learn to translate their ideas into mood boards and inspiration

Draping

This course introduces the student to the basic principles of draping, keeping in mind the importance of grain, balance, and structure in a garment. An understanding of fundamental draping procedures and their application to current trends is addressed. Tools and materials essential for professional results are demonstrated and used. Students learn fundamental principles in developing basic silhouettes of skirt, bodice, and collars by draping towards a complete garment. Draping techniques lead to a better understanding of balance and proportion—and as the course progresses, students start to drape their design trying different elements.

Fashion Studio

Students design and create an original collection for men, women and children, by identifying customer profiles, researching chosen areas of specialization, seeking sources for inspiration, and experimenting with fabric selection. They develop technical sketches, illustrations, storyboards, colour, fabric boards, and advanced prototypes. Pattern alterations and manipulations are demonstrated in class to show how alterations are processed and corrected on pattern. Flat technical sketch and creating accurate garment detail is an integral part of their studio learning. Students execute creative and complex designs utilizing digital tools such as Adobe Design Suite. Working from actual samples, they learn about industry standards to digitally illustrate flat measurements and develop detailed specifications sheets with related information. The complexity of projects increases with each semester.

History of Costume I, II

This course provides an overview of costume history in Western and Eastern cultures from ancient civilizations to the present. Students study cultural, social, and historical events and analyse their effect on the history of costume including the influence of historical costume on fashion today. Through this course, students develop a comprehensive fashion vocabulary and become familiar with costume terminology.

Introduction to Merchandising

This course is a survey of the field of merchandising and the principles of retailing. This course is intended to provide students with a basic understanding of marketing, merchandising, sourcing, production, and related functions within the framework of the fashion apparel industry.

Life Drawing

Drawing is an essential component of the fashion design programme as it supports all the elements of design. This course focuses on figure drawing, gesture, and composition. In-depth study of proportion and of the anatomy of the human figure is undertaken. Students render proportion, balance, and form of the figure. Drawing skills are further developed in a variety of mediums.

Fashion Drawing

This course takes the next step from earlier illustration courses to focus on developing fashion figure poses, accurate illustration of garments, and the development of the students’ own signature sketching styles. Colour pencils, markers, pen and other mediums are explored, to hone the skill and develop students’ ability to communicate their designs in two dimensions.

Electives

Print Design

Emphasis is placed on hands-on learning where the motif is evolved from a source of inspiration and translated into different printing repeats. Students are introduced to print design for the textile and fashion industry, keeping in mind technical aspects of industrial printing such as repeat and colour limitations. Students also work with coordinates and develop an under-standing of design for apparels, acknowledging market demands.

Design Intervention

This course creates awareness for an existing or a dying craft. The objective of the course is to teach students to meet challenges involving the use of traditional craft in garments and fashion accessories. Priority is placed on making the craft functional and maintaining quality without taking away the identity of the indigenous craft. Students learn to respect and value tradition along with humility towards the craftsperson.

Workshops

Dyeing

Students are familiarised with both natural and chemical dyes through lectures and hands-on practice. Emphasis is laid on colour matching and fastness.

Methods of Printing

Block Printing

This workshop aims to teach the techniques associated with the preparation of colours used in block printing. Students are taught the technicalities, preparation of the printing table, and the actual printing process. Visits to block printing studios and workshops are facilitated to see the craft persons at work.

Screen Printing

Students are introduced to various techniques of screen printing. They develop an understanding of the procedures involved such as the making and stretching of frames, exposing of negatives, colour-mixing, and the actual printing process. Field trips to various screen printing units are arranged. Experimental printing is encouraged to keep the students updated with new trends and processes.

Natural Dyes

This workshop focuses on the knowledge of traditional methods of dyeing. Students are introduced to the indigenous roots and herbs that are locally available. Preparation of the dye bath in the traditional manner is demonstrated and a sample book, showcasing a variety of dyes, is compiled. A complete colour range is developed in cotton, silk, and wool threads.

Chemical Dyes

Students are also introduced to different types of chemical dyes and their properties. Various techniques of tie and dye such as chunri, stitch and clamp resist, are explored, which are then made into fabric samples.

Ornamentation

This workshop entails a compilation of different ornamentation techniques in the form of a sample book. It includes the derivation of different stitches from traditional textiles, finishing and edging details. Students are introduced to a variety of decorative materials such as beads, tassels, sequins, and metal thread used in combination with basic stitches and their variations. Students are also required to make a product that incorporates the techniques mentioned above. Visits to the local market are important for sourcing raw material as well as embroidery studios for an in-depth understanding.

Fabric Manipulation

Fabric Manipulation workshop invites students to be as experimental as possible with a variety of fabrics. The focus is on sampling, material manipulation, and experiencing how different textiles and fibres interact with their environment. Students explore useful ways of identifying creative applications for fabric by creating 2-D and 3-D surfaces using techniques like folding, pleating, burning, cutting, and many others to reshape the surface of fabric.

Design Thesis

In the eighth semester, students are required to undertake a final thesis project. Students have the option to design a collection/range for men’s, women’s, or children’s wear. All designs are developed from a theme or source. Thesis assessment is carried out by internal and external jurors at the end of the thesis studio. The evaluation criteria are: ability to develop design, use of colour and fabric, level of skill, exploration of medium, and understanding of technical and production aspects.