Fashion Design and Production

Fashion Design and Production

Through application of Lasell's Connected Learning philosophy, Fashion students have ongoing opportunities to apply theoretical concepts through industry- oriented assignments and by working in the field with recognized leaders in the fashion industry. The upper-level professional courses are oriented toward a critical thinking and decision-making environment that graduates will face when making the transition from college to middle- and upper-management positions. Students learn how to plan strategically, organize for profitability, and cultivate creativity. These elements of learning are carefully woven together, and additionally include student engagement in community service-learning projects and a focus on social responsibility.

Fashion students are directly involved in fashion show productions as designers, producers, set designers, or stylists, both on and off campus. Senior capstone courses combine the knowledge accumulated throughout the program while cultivating students' interests and preparing graduates with a dynamic skill-set to enable fulfilling career goals. Fashion graduates pursue careers such as; designers, stylists, technicians, buyers, inventory planners, merchandisers, magazine writers, costume designers, visual merchandisers, and store managers for a variety of product categories. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fashion & Retail Merchandising or a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fashion Communication & Promotion or Fashion Design & Production.

Program Fee
Each Fashion Design & Production student is charged a program fee for each semester. This program fee covers equipment, supplies, hardware, software, guest speaker honorariums and miscellaneous materials/supplies that are necessary to maximize student learning. Additional lab fees may also apply to specific courses within the Fashion department. This fee does not cover the cost of supplies for individual projects to be purchased separately.

The following goals and associated learning outcomes delineate what we strive for students to achieve when they complete a major program of study in Fashion:

Goal 1: Professional attitudes and skills
Upon completion of a major program of study in Fashion, students will be able to;

  1. demonstrate competency in the job search process.
  2. demonstrate collaborative skills.
  3. apply appropriate leadership styles.
  4. demonstrate the ability to critique one's self and others constructively.

Goal 2: Application of business practices relevant to the contemporary global fashion industry
Upon completion of a major program of study in Fashion, students will be able to;

  1. demonstrate proficiency in applying discipline-specific technology.
  2. apply appropriate theory related to the fashion industry.
  3. interpret the elements and principles of design demonstrating aesthetic sensibility.
  4. research the historical and contemporary drivers in the fashion related business as they pertain to the global economic and cultural environment.

Goal 3: Social awareness
Upon completion of a major program of study in Fashion, students will be able to;

  1. apply persuasion appropriately to create goodwill and trust.
  2. employ sustainable practices.
  3. implement moral and ethical business practices to support social. and economic responsibility in the global environment.
  4. identify and interpret social, cultural, economic, technological, ethical, political, educational, language, and individual influences on the global fashion industry.

Goal 4: Effective communication
Upon completion of a major program of study in Fashion, students will be able to;

  1. employ appropriate oral communication skills.
  2. employ effective written communication practices.
  3. demonstrate professional visual communication.
  4. use technology effectively to present ideas and concepts.

Goal 5: Critical thinking
Upon completion of a major program of study in Fashion, students will be able to;

  1. formulate and coordinate effective workflow processes.
  2. evaluate data in order to formulate effective solutions to problems.
  3. evaluate and choose among varied approaches to professional and creative challenges.

Arts and Sciences Electives: 29 credits
This requirement may be fulfilled by any combination of Anthropology, Art History, Biology, Chemistry, Criminal Justice, Economics, English, Environmental Studies, Foreign Language, Geography, History, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Science, or Sociology courses.
View courses.

General Education Core Requirements and remaining Unrestricted Electives: 29 credits

Minimum credits required for graduation: 120

Courses listed below fulfill Area of Inquiry requirements:

Aesthetic
ARTH 103 or 104: Art History I or Art History II
Quantitative
Math 107: Geometry

Course Code Course Title Credits
Core Courses
ARTS101 Studio Drawing I 3
ARTS126 Principles of Design & Color 3
FASD103 Clothing Construction I 3
FASD104 Clothing Construction II 3
FASD105 Pattern Generation I 3
FASD106 Pattern Generation II 3
FASD201 Flat Pattern Design I 3
FASD202 Flat Pattern Design II 3
FASD205 Digital Design for Apparel 3
FASD215 Fashion Illustration 3
FASD220 Fashion Design Concepts 3
FASD301 Professional Presentation Methods 3
FASD330 Accessories Design 3
FASD331 Drafting for Diverse Markets 3
FASD340 Draping 3
FASD350 Tailoring 3
FASD409 Senior Thesis Development 3
FASD410 Senior Thesis Production 3
FASD415 Fashion Design Internship 4
FASD465 Cad I- Lectra 3
FASD466 Cad II- Lectra 3
FASH200 Fashion History 3
FASH210 Textiles 3
FASH303 History of 20th Century Fashion 3
FASH309 Apparel Product Development 3
MATH107 College Geometry 3
Choose 1 from the following:
ARTH103 Art History I 3
ARTH104 Art History II 3

Arts and Sciences Electives: 29 credits
This requirement may be fulfilled by any combination of Anthropology, Art History, Biology, Chemistry, Criminal Justice, Economics, English, Environmental Studies, Foreign Language, Geography, History, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Science, or Sociology courses.
View courses.

General Education Core Requirements and remaining Unrestricted Electives: 29 credits

Minimum credits required for graduation: 120

Courses listed below fulfill Area of Inquiry requirements:

Aesthetic
ARTH 103 or 104: Art History I or Art History II
Quantitative
Math 107: Geometry

ANTH103 - Human Origins

This course considers the morphological, behavioral and life history features that distinguish the primates from other mammals, and the hominoids from other primates. We begin with an overview of the primates and their behavioral ecology, and then explore in detail the adaptations of each of the major groups of extant primates. Finally, we apply our knowledge of morphology and behavioral patterns in living primates to the fossil record.

ED109 - Invitation to Teaching

This course explores careers in teaching beginning with the unifying question: Why should I become a teacher? Students examine their motivations to become teachers while they learn about college and state requirements and expectations.

ED110 - Teaching & Learning in American Schools

This course provides students pursuing or considering initial teacher licensure with an overview of the teaching profession. Students study and discuss history and philosophies of education systems, as well as current trends and issues. Massachusetts professional standards and requirements for licensure are explored. This course is a prerequisite for all other ED courses. Twenty-five hours of observation and tutoring in varied school settings are required. This is a presentation-intensive course.

ED210 - Reading & Writing Across the Curriculum

This course emphasizes the processes of reading and the critical nature of reading to learn in the content areas. Focus will be on literacy strategies to support teaching in content areas, the influences of diversity, the current methods of instruction, and assessments used to inform instruction. In addition, the current research on reading to learn will be read, discussed, and integrated in all course activities. Requires a pre-practicum of 25 hours. Prerequisite: ED 219

ED219 - Supporting Learner Variability

This course introduces students to characteristics of learners with special needs in classroom and community settings. It focuses on principles of Universal Design for Learning in developing appropriate learning environments to meet the variability of all students in Pre-K through high school settings. A required 25-hour pre-practicum provides opportunities to teach and observe in area classrooms. Prerequisite: ED 110

ED308 - Responsive Teaching in Secondary Schools

tudents will develop strategies and tools necessary to be responsive secondary teachers. Participants in this course will observe secondary teachers, develop lesson plans, reflect on their teaching philosophy, apply leadership theory to classroom practice, explore current trends and issues that impact secondary classrooms, increase their cultural competence, and expand their toolkit of strategies for differentiating instruction to address the variability of secondary students. Requires classroom observations. Pre-requisite: ED 219

ED309 - Sheltered English Immersion

This course provides a grounding in current theory and practice related to teaching English Language Learners. In particular, students learn to effectively shelter their content instruction, so that ELL students can access curriculum, achieve academic success, and contribute their multilingual and multicultural resources as participants and future leaders in the 21st century global economy. This course meets Massachusetts DESE standards for the required SEI endorsement. Course includes a 25-hour pre-practicum in license-appropriate classrooms. Prerequisite: ED 206 or Department permission

ED433 - Pre-practicum: Secondary English

Through a minimum of 150 hours of observation and reflection in public schools, and regular meetings with school and Lasell faculty, students in this course become familiar with the curriculum and organization of middle and/or high schools and English classrooms in preparation for the practicum. Prerequisite: Senior standing; passing scores on all required MTEL; permission of Department Chair

ED482 - Practicum: Secondary English

In this course, students complete a minimum of 300 field hours observing and teaching in a secondary English classroom and meet regularly with both Lasell and school supervisors. Assignments incorporate all Massachusetts requirements for licensure and include topics such as the ethics of teaching, legal and moral responsibilities, student confidentiality, and working parents and community members. Permission of the Department Chair required. Prerequisite: ED 433; passing scores on all required sections of the MTEL.

ED494 - Professional Standards & Ethics

Taken concurrently with ED 496 or ED 498, this capstone seminar engages students in ethical questions such as student confidentiality, testing, and communicating with various constituencies as well as practical aspects of preparing for an initial teaching position. It includes conducting and reporting on the classroom-based research project that was designed in ED 421. Co-requisite: ED 496 or ED 498.

ENG212 - Literature for Young Adults

This course is a survey of current books written for adolescent and teen readers. It prepares students to evaluate young adult books in terms of literary qualtiy, reader interest, and social and political perspectives. Strategies for use in the classroom are explored. A variety of genres of books are examined. Prerequisite: ENG 102.

ENV211 - Environmental Science

During this course, students are introduced to the concept of environmental sustainability. Issues such as climate change, biodiversity, food and agriculture, water resources, and energy are explored. Students are challenged to consider the impact of Lasell College on the environment and will complete a greenhouse gas inventory. Students also examine the role of science and technology in the pursuit of environmental sustainability.

ENV220 - World Geography

This course surveys the earth's social, cultural and economic patterns and their relationship to the physical geography of the earth. A regional approach is taken to provide a foundation for more intensive systematic studies of important environmental/political issues.

PHIL101 - Introduction to Philosophy

This course is an introduction to the basic problems of philosophy, such as the sources of knowledge, the relationship between mind and body, freedom as opposed to determinism, and the nature of values.

PHIL110 - Ethics

This course is an introduction to analysis of conduct, moral reasoning, and foundation of ethical values in a search for the ultimate meanings of human experience. The following specific problems are examined: life and death issues; human experimentation; sexuality; truth-telling in medicine; honesty in business; cheating and lying; stealing and reparation; egoism, obligation; and capital punishment.

PSYC101 - Psychological Perspectives

In this course, students learn to think like psychologists as they study classic and contemporary topics in human behavior, feeling, and thought. Students learn to apply psychological perspectives of thought, including biological, cognitive, sociocultural, humanistic, psychodynamic, and behaviorist, to better understand the human experience. Students will learn to use these perspectives to explore how individual behavior is influenced by and influences one’s biology, family, community and society. Topics may include human development, personality, psychopathology, human relationships, language, memory, perceptual processes, and intelligence, among others.

PSYC223 - Adolescent Psychology

This course examines the adolescent period of life as one of multiple simultaneous changes in the mind and body that set the stage for adult life. Particular attention is paid to gender differentiated experiences in adolescence; how males and females differ in their experience of the changes that occur during adolescence. The role of culture in determining the adolescent experience is discussed. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.

Richard Bath

Professor Emeritus

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Lynn Blake

Professor Emerita

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Jill Carey

Professor Emerita

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Kristin Kinsky

Coordinator of Fashion Merchandise; Associate Professor of Fashion

Office: Donahue

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Anne Bernays Trevenen

Coordinator of Fashion; Professor of Fashion Design

Office: Donahue

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Catharine Weiss

Coordinator of Fashion Media; Professor of Fashion

Office: Donahue

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ARTS101 - Studio Drawing I

This course introduces students to a variety of drawing tools and media. Drawing from life, line, tonality, illusional space, and perspective are explored. Creativity and individual expression are stressed.

ARTS126 - Principles of Design & Color

This course is an introduction to the theories and concepts of design and color with an emphasis on developing an awareness and sensitivity to art as an integral part of one’s life and as a way to complement one’s aesthetic needs. This is a lecture/discussion/critique course with visual material, critical essays, individual expression, and museum/gallery trips. NOTE: First year Graphic Design majors should seek out the majors-only section when enrollling.

FASD103 - Clothing Construction I

Introducing techniques needed by the designer, the focus of this course is on developing basic skills applied to garment construction. Concentrating on industry techniques using woven fabrics, students gain insight into the components of a quality product.

FASD104 - Clothing Construction II

This course expands student competencies to include the assembly of more complex garments, including the use of knits. Industry methods of construction and production are emphasized to facilitate independent analysis of the apparel assembly process. Prerequisite: FASD 103 or permission of Department Chair.

FASD105 - Pattern Generation I

Introducing skills for fashion design development, students develop an aptitude for mechanical drawing and pattern generation through draping and drafting flat patterns. Students explore and express design ideas through two- and three-dimensional methods of developing and adapting the original basic patterns that are also referred to as slopers. The course is structured as a series of lectures, demonstrations, and exercises, including the completion of several hands-on projects.

FASD106 - Pattern Generation II

In this course, slopers for knits and wovens are developed, analyzed, and utilized to produce apparel designs. Emphasis is placed on the various development, fitting, and assembly techniques required for work with both two-way and four-way stretch fabrics. Prerequisite: FASD 105.

FASD201 - Flat Pattern Design I

This course emphasizes industry methods of producing patterns from basic slopers. Students learn to achieve different silhouettes and produce style variations. Dart manipulation is introduced to the student as a means of developing original design ideas. Collars and sleeves are examined, and components of good fit are explored. This course is structured as a series of demonstrations and exercises and includes developing an original design from conception to fashion fabric. Prerequisite: FASD 106 .

FASD202 - Flat Pattern Design II

In this course, advanced design development methods related to pattern drafting of tailored jackets and pants are explored. Students study grading as a means of creating a variety of sizes. An original design is developed fostering creative and technical competency. Prerequisite: FASD 202

FASD205 - Digital Design for Apparel

This course introduces students to software that is used prominently in the apparel design and production industry. Projects include enhancing fashion illustrations, technical drawing, textile design and colorization, and editing and integrating photographic images. Skills developed in this course are necessary for communicating design ideas and lay the foundation for industry-specific software covered later in the curriculum.

FASD215 - Fashion Illustration

Emphasizing techniques essential to creating two-dimensional fashion design renderings, this course develops skills related to drawing the fashion figure, illustrating original design ideas through various media, rendering textiles and developing technical drawings. The elements and principles of design are applied to fashion illustration through exercises that explore the various components of apparel development: study of human anatomy, garment details, fabrics, textures, etc. Prerequisites: ARTS 101 or ARTS 126.

FASD220 - Fashion Design Concepts

In this course, fashion design ability is developed by exploring students’ creativity. An understanding of fashion design as a three-dimensional art form is cultivated in order to gain knowledge of various styles and details which are utilized to design garments for various markets. Students develop a critical eye based on aesthetic and market-related evaluation principles. Prerequisites: FASD 106, FASD 215 and FASH 210.

FASD301 - Professional Presentation Methods

This course develops industry-based visual presentation methods, such as advanced hand illustration techniques and cutting edge, 3D technology. Outcomes of the course include both hand-held and technological portfolios, creating a key component to successful employment in the fashion industry. Resume, cover letter and interviewing skills are developed in preparation for internship. Prerequisites: FASD 205, FASD 220.

FASD330 - Accessories Design

This course explores the accessories market while fostering creativity and advanced drafting and construction skills. The history of accessories is discussed. Various areas of inquiry are explored for prototype development, such as millinery, handbags, glove making, etc. Prerequisites: FASD 202, FASD 220.

FASD331 - Drafting for Diverse Markets

Specialized areas such as couture, children’s and men’s wear are explored in this course, providing students expanded design experience. Student research projects results in visual and oral presentations related to various inspirational sources and markets. Garments are designed, developed, evaluated, and constructed. Prerequisite: FASD 202.

FASD340 - Draping

This course integrates basic and advanced methods of draping. Students learn how to use this three- dimensional technique to develop flat patterns. Costume design and reproduction is introduced, and a couture garment is created using vintage techniques. Experimental free drape fosters creativity. Extensive research is a core component of this writing intensive course. Prerequisite: FASD 202.

FASD350 - Tailoring

Traditional and contemporary methods of tailoring are studied in this course, with emphasis placed on the pressing, molding, and shaping of fabrics. Assembly of a lined, tailored jacket builds technical expertise. Prerequisite: FASD 104.

FASD409 - Senior Thesis Development

This studio course simulates an industry experience. Students are required to develop a collection of completed ensembles that will be finished in FASD 410 (Senior Thesis Production). Each student refines his or her distinct design style and develops a personal brand. Design development through trend analysis, fabric sourcing, pattern drafting and/or draping, and apparel construction, in conjunction with writing, critical thinking, independent time management and visual communication complete this capstone experience. Prerequisites: FASD 331, Senior standing. Corequisite FASD 465.

FASD410 - Senior Thesis Production

This course continues the industry-based design development process. The student finalizes a collection that is reviewed by peers, faculty and industry professionals. Each designer plans and executes a segment in the spring fashion show featuring his or her collection, and updates his or her portfolio to be interview-ready. Prerequisite: FASD 409. Corequisite: FASD 466.

FASD415 - Fashion Design Internship

Internships offer design students the practical training and working knowledge necessary for their development as practicing professionals while reflecting on their expereinces in an academic matter. Internships are designed to merge theory with practice. Comprised of a 150 hour commitment, the internship is recommended to be completed in the junior year of study. The course instructor will monitor the experience with feedback from the site supervisor. Students are required to complete a journal that is comprised of a list of goals and objectives, and reflective writing. Prerequisites: FASD 201 and department Chair approval if completing abroad.

FASD465 - Cad I- Lectra

This course focuses on the use of technology in the apparel industry examining its role in the global apparel complex. Students apply their hands-on technical skills to state-of-the-art industry programs. Using the LECTRA system of software, students will digitize, manipulate, grade, and nest patterns on MODARIS, learn to create markers on DIAMINO and plot using JUSTPRINT and ALYS applications. Prerequisites: FASD 331, Senior standing. Corequisite: FASD 409.

FASD466 - Cad II- Lectra

Using patterns generated in FASD 465, garments are brought into the arena of mass manufacturing. Comprehensive specification packages are created by using LECTRA KALEDO. The cutting-edge technology of MODARIS 3D modeling is introduced. Students also learn how to integrate their understanding of technology into a professional working portfolio. Prerequisite: FASD 465. Corequisite: FASD 410.

FASH200 - Fashion History

This course covers the evolution of fashion from the time of early civilization to the mid-nineteenth century. Students learn how to identify various characteristics of clothing by studying both the social and psychological aspects of western culture. An understanding of fashion trends in relationship to art, architecture, and human behavior throughout history, and the various social implications clothing has on a given society are also explored. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to interpret fashion as a cultural language with identifiable characteristics. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: ENG 102, or permission of instructor.

FASH210 - Textiles

This course introduces the study of textiles through exploration of the production of fibers and methods of creating fabrics. Students learn to identify fiber content, properties and various types of weaving and knitting applications. Other topics include the study of fiber characteristics, quality and care of fabric finishes, and a practical assessment of fabrics in realtionship to particular end uses.

FASH303 - History of 20th Century Fashion

This course examines fashion from mid-nineteenth century to present day, exploring notable creators and addressing the aesthetic, economic, social, and political forces that impact the development of styles. Discussions and research focus predominantly on American and European culture, but endeavor to include a global perspective, taking into account issues of ethnicity, class, and sexuality. This course also includes first-hand examination of garments as part of an approach to develop critical thinking and “seeing.” Students utilize these observations to understand fashion as an art form, a commodity, and a symbol of cultural and personal identity. Prerequisites: ENG 102 and FASH 101 or permission of instructor.

FASH309 - Apparel Product Development

Exploring the global product development matrix, students in this course work together in teams to explore the product lifecycle in terms of sourcing and production. Class sessions combine cases with hands-on exercises to reinforce key concepts. Topics include planning time-and-action calendars, specification and technical package development, sizing, quality control, and evaluation of the global production environment. Prerequisite: FASH 211, or FASD 220, or FASH 218.

MATH107 - College Geometry

This course is an introduction to the essentials of Euclidean geometry. Topics covered include: reasoning in mathematics, the relationship between algebra and geometry, analytic geometry, proofs and constructive triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, polygons, surfaces and solids, and historical notes about famous geometricians. Prerequisite: MATH 103 with a grade of C or better or demonstrated competency through placement testing.

ARTH103 - Art History I

This course presents a survey of artistic styles from the prehistoric period through the art of the early Renaissance. Periods included are Egyptian, Aegean, Greek, Roman and Etruscan art, and the art of the Middle Ages. Films and slides are used in the presentation of works of art from the fields of architecture, sculpture, and painting.

ARTH104 - Art History II

This course presents a study of works of art from the High Renaissance and the Mannerist periods, the Renaissance in the North, the Baroque period, and the Modern Age. Slides and films are used in this presentation of works of art from the fields of architecture, sculpture, and painting.