Skip top navigation Skip to main content
Lasell University
Lasell University

2019 - 2020 Academic Catalog

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 Design and Production students are equipped with a comprehensive creative and practical skillset in garment design and product development processes. The Senior capstone courses bring together the knowledge accumulated throughout the program, resulting in each student's production of a highly creative and professionally executed eight-piece original collection, showcased at the Lasell Senior Collections Fashion Show. Through industry internships, the students' knowledge becomes grounded in best practices and valuable networking opportunities. Fashion Design and Production graduates are well-positioned for successful careers as apparel or textile designers, tech designers, product developers, patternmakers, stylists and costume designers. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fashion Design & Production.

Program Fee
Each Fashion Design & Production student is charged a program fee for each semester. This program fee covers purchase, maintenance, and repair of all equipment, supplies, hardware, software, guest speaker honoraria, workshop professionals, and miscellaneous materials/supplies that are necessary to maximize student learning and support a professional learning environment. 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.     exhibit professional engagement and behavior.  
2.     develop and implement a path toward a professional career.  
3.     utilize collaborative skills in a diverse marketplace. 
4.     exercise leadership capabilities in multi-role scenarios. 
5.     demonstrate the ability to constructively critique and self-reflect.  

 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 a readiness to build upon discipline-specific technology.  
2.     apply theoretical concepts for effective planning and problem solving. 
3.     interpret visual elements of design demonstrating aesthetic literacy. 
4.     research the historical and contemporary industry drivers as they pertain to the global business landscape.   

Goal 3: Social Awareness 
Upon completion of a major program of study in Fashion, students will be able to: 
1.     apply appropriate strategies regarding teamwork to create goodwill and trust.   
2.     evaluate and employ sustainable environmental, social, and economic practices in the global environment. 
3.     implement moral and ethical business practices. 
4.     identify and interpret historical and contemporary zeitgeist in relationship to global fashion.     

Goal 4: Effective Communication 
Upon completion of a major program of study in Fashion, students will be able to: 
1.     utilize professional interpersonal communication skills effectively toward networking and relationship-building.   
2.     employ applicable research strategies to develop informed oral and written communication. 
3.     demonstrate proficiency in the application of appropriate visual communication skills to project criteria and goals.   
4.     Apply technology skillfully to present innovative ideas and concepts.   

Goal 5: Critical Thinking
Upon completion of a major program of study in Fashion, students will be able to:  
1.     raise vital questions and problems, formulating them clearly and precisely.  
2.     gather and assess relevant information. 
3.     come to well-reasoned conclusions and solutions.  
4.     think open-mindedly within alternative systems of thought.  
5.     communicate effectively with others in finding solutions to complex problems.       

ARTS126 - Fundamentals of Visual Art (KP)

This course is an introduction to the basic principles and strategies for visual art-making and art appreciation, 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 course with studio art-making modules designed to complement visual material, critical essays, museum/gallery trips and impart basic skills in visual communication.

ARTS207 - Figure Drawing

The purpose of this course is to help students obtain the basic skill of drawing the human form, including anatomy, observation of the human form and fundamental exercises in gesture, contour, outline, and tonal modeling. $50 Student Fee for the models.

FASD103 - Apparel Construction Techniques 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. Formerly - Clothing Construction I

FASD104 - Apparel Construction Techniques 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 Program Director or Associate Dean.

FASD107 - Draping I - Fundamentals

This course introduces students to the essential elements, theories, tools and techniques of fashion design and creation. Beginner design students will explore the development of foundation patterns while discovering the relationship of fabric grain to desired garment shapes. Manipulating fabric on three-dimensional forms will help students to understand harmony and balance while stimulating creativity. Muslin patterns will translate into a finished garment to be presented at the annual fashion show. Co-requisite: FASD 103

FASD201 - Flat Pattern Design I

This course emphasizes industry methods of producing patterns from basic slopers. Students learn to achieve different silhouettes for skirts, bodices, collars and sleeves. Pattern variations are achieved with dart manipulation, slash and spread, and pivoting techniques. Methods for grading from size to size 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: FASD107 Co-requisite: FASD104

FASD202 - Flat Pattern Design II

In this course, students draft basic slopers for the bodice, sleeve, torso, jacket torso, jacket sleeve, and trouser. Advanced pattern development methods for different pant designs and notch collar jackets are introduced. Students develop unstructured jackets that are unlined and professionally finished and fly front pants. Fitting with live models is emphasized. Original designs are developed to foster creative and technical competency. Pre-requiste: FASD201

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. Prerequisite: FASD215, can be taken concurrenlty

FASD206 - Cut & Sew Stretch Knits

The creation of garments using knit fabric requires a distinctive skill set for designers. This course will engage students with the variety of knowledge and applications necessary in creating and manufacturing stretch fabric designs. Students will develop foundation patterns and learn appropriate stitching and trimming techniques for 2-way and 4-way stretch fabrics while preparing tech packs for industry production. Final projects will be presented at the annual fashion showcase. Prerequisite: FASD 202

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: ARTS207

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 215 & FASH 210.

FASD301 - Professional Presentation Methods

This course develops industry-based visual presentation methods, using comtemporary technology. Collection development is explored. Outcomes of the course include digital portfolios and website design, creating a key component to successful employment in the fashion industry. Resume, cover letter and interviewing skills are developed in preparation for internship. Prerequisites: FASD205, FASD220.

FASD307 - Flat Pattern III - Tailoring

Tailoring is the ultimate shape maker in women and men’s coats, jackets and suits. This course is designed to challenge the student to explore new drafting techniques while developing critical fitting proficiencies and advancing construction methods. Students will design, draft and execute a professional hand tailored, lined jacket and accompanying garment in preparation for presentation at our annual fashion showcase. Prerequisite: FASD 104 & FASD 202

FASD313 - Draping II - Couture

This course will expand skills acquired in Draping I by focusing on advanced techniques, French draping methodology, and intricate garment production. Extensive written research will provide a foundation for students to engage with a high level of creativity in the effort to produce unique, custom, professional looks while applying couture construction practices.Prerequisite: FASD 202

FASD322 - Sweater Knit Design

This course introduces the principal elements, theories and techniques of design and construction for sweater knit garments. Students will learn how to knit, create knitting plans, and develop hand knit garments. Advanced knowledge of construction methodologies using finishes, trims, and notions that are appropriate for sweater knit design will be explored. The class will work as a design team to produce a collection of cohesive knit ensembles, while each student has the opportunity to channel unique design themes and designer inspirations. Professional knitting plans and tech packs will translate to finished garments to be presented at the annual fashion show. Prerequisite: FASD 206 & FASD220

FASD327 - Market of Specialization

Before beginning the design process, students in this course will explore the history of a chosen market, examining how it has evolved and what makes it unique from other markets. Research will focus on evolution and innovation of the chosen market. Design and construction of one original, complete look from chosen market will be critiqued in the context of a group collection. (Pre-Req FASD 202, 220)

FASD409 - Senior Thesis Development

Designed to reflect industry practice, students are required to develop a collection of 10 looks that will be completed in FASD 410 (Senior Thesis Production). Each student refines their distinct design style and develops a personal brand. Design development through trend analysis, fabric sourcing, pattern drafting, and apparel construction, in conjunction with research, writing, critical thinking, independent time management and visual communication complete Part I of this capstone experience. Prerequisites: FASD327, Senior standing in Design Program. Corequisite FASD465.

FASD410 - Senior Thesis Production

This course continues the industry-based design development process. In Part II of the capstone, students finalize an 8-look collection that is reviewed by peers, faculty and industry professionals. Each designer plans and executes a segment of the spring fashion show featuring his or her collection, and updates their portfolio preparing for a chosen fashion industry career path. Prerequisite: FASD409. Corequisite: FASD466.

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 327, Senior standing in Design Program. Corequisite: FASD 409.

FASD466 - Cad II- Lectra

In the context of mass manufacturing, tech packs for different apparel types are developed using Lectra Kaledo software and Excel. Discussion about manufacturing construction, trim specifications and size grading are covered. Students then integrate their work into their professional working portfolio. Prerequisite: FASD465. Corequisite: FASD410.

FASH200 - Fash Hist I:Imperial Societies to Indust

This course surveys the history of prevailing dress from Ancient Egypt into the nineteenth century, expanding upon a general understanding of shifting modes to examine the symbolism of fashion from extensive perspectives. Students will develop a context for fashion and its relation to aesthetic expression and function within various societies over time. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students will examine a range of scholarly resources that pertain to the field, including The Lasell Fashion Collection. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: ENG 102/WRT102, 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 relationship to particular end uses.

FASH303 - Fash Hist II:Modernity to Globalization

This course picks up the history of fashion as it moves from the nineteenth century into a new era, examining the aesthetic and sociocultural forces that have influenced the development of styles from modernity to globalization. Students will use their skills in critical thinking to understand fashion as an art form, a commodity, and a symbol of cultural and personal expression. Students will also explore how contemporary designers draw from and reinterpret fashions from across the twentieth century. Prerequisites: ENG 102

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 lectures and cases with hands-on exercises to reinforce key concepts. This survey course covers topics including supply chain management, design calendars, apparel product price points, brand differentiation, product distribution channels, trend forecasting services, color management, specification and technical package development, sizing, quality control, ethics, and evaluation of the global production environment. Pre-requisite: FASH211

FASH415 - Internship

The internship field assignment provides students with hands-on experience in the business of fashion, applying classroom theory to the professional work environment. Objectives for the field assignment include: (1) exposure to major components of the fashion company’s operation, (2) first-hand experience in the professional working environment, and, (3) acquisition of professional skills required for this ever-changing fashion industry. The student completes a journal, analyzes the internship company and processes, and receives feedback and evaluation from the internship site supervisor. A minimum of 150 hours of supervised onsite work is required. Collaborative experience affords students capability to maximize opportunities and explore career path options while receiving four academic credits Prerequisites: FASH219 & FASH207 or FASD220

MATH108X - Mathematics of Design

This course explores elements of mathematics within the design field from the incorporation of algebra to concepts of geometry. Students will have the opportunity to integrate numerical fluency, proportional reasoning, data interpretation, algebraic reasoning and communicating quantitative information through group problem solving and class discussions. Topics include pattern drafting, layouts cutting, revenue, cost, and profit modeling, measurement systems, Euclidean geometry, and spatial reasoning.