Skip top navigation Skip to main content
Lasell University
Lasell University

2015 - 2016 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 directly involved in fashion show productions as designers, producers, 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 them to fulfill their career goals. Fashion Design and Production graduates pursue careers as designers for clothing or textiles, assistants, stylists, technicians, product developers, 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 equipment, supplies, hardware, software, guest speaker honoraria, and miscellaneous materials/supplies that are necessary to maximize student learning. 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, linguistic, 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 skills.
  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.


Course Code Course Title Credits
Core Courses
ARTS126 Principles of Design & Color (KP) 3
ARTS207X Figure Drawing 3
FASD103 Apparel Construction Techniques I 3
FASD104 Apparel Construction Techniques II 3
FASD107 Draping I - Fundamentals 3
FASD201 Flat Pattern Design I 3
FASD202 Flat Pattern Design II 3
FASD205 Digital Design for Apparel 3
FASD206 Cut & Sew Stretch Knits 3
FASD215 Fashion Illustration 3
FASD220 Fashion Design Concepts 3
FASD301 Professional Presentation Methods 3
FASD307 Flat Pattern III - Tailoring 3
FASD313 Draping II - Couture 3
FASD322 Sweater Knit Design 3
FASD327 Market of Specilization 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 Fash Hist I:Imperial Societies to Indust 3
FASH210 Textiles 3
FASH303 Fash Hist II:Modernity to Globalization 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

Major Requirements: 82 credits

Core Curriculum Requirements: 24-30 credits

Unrestricted Electives: 8-14 credits

Minimum credits required for graduation: 120

Courses listed below fulfill Knowledge Perspective requirements:
Aesthetics & Creativity
ARTS 126 Principles of Design & Color

Math107 fulfills the quantitative literacy requirement of the Core Curriculum for Fashion Design and Production.



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.

FASD219 - Textile Arts

This course is an introduction to surface design through fabric manipulation. Students learn to apply design elements and principles to the surface decoration of fabrics. A variety of techniques to create 2-D and 3-D effects for fabric surface embellishment are explored and researched. Students create a collection of resource samples and produce fabric lengths suitable for garments. The course explores a variety of textile manipulation methods such as dyeing on natural and synthetic fabrics, printing, shibori, felting, batik, and spraying transfer, as well as appliqué, creative embellishment, free machine embroidery. Prerequisite: FASH 210.

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.

FASD225 - Fashion Design: Special Topics

A variety of special topics courses offer students the opportunity to engage varies areas of the design discipline that are not covered within the required curriculum. Course content will vary per semester with the goal of having faculty and students explore design techniques and theory in depth to meet special interests. Courses are offered at the 200, 300, 400 level dependent upon the area of exploration. Prerequisites will be determined by level and content.

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.

FASD306X - Elements of Haute Couture

This course emphasizes the elements of Haute Couture where the application of superior workmanship, originality of design, and perfection of fit is must. Students will pay as much attention to interior garment construction as to the externally viewed fashion design. Working with specialty fabrics such as lace and silk, students will learn finishing techniques including hand-sewn buttonholes, hand-finished seam edges, evening gown/bustier lining and boning. The application of decorative surface techniques and embellishments will be part of the course as well. This is an advanced sewing class. Prerequisite: FASD 104

FASD325 - Fashion Design: Special Topics

A variety of special topics courses will offer students the opportunity to engage with various areas of the design discipline that are not covered within the required curriculum. Course content will vary per semester with the goal of having faculty and students explore design techniques and theory in depth to meet special interests. Courses will be offered at the 200, 300, 400 level dependent upon the area of exploration. Prerequisites will be determined by level and content.

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.

FASD425 - Fashion Design: Special Topics

A variety of special topics courses will offer students the opportunity to engage with various areas of the design discipline that are not covered within the required curriculum. Course content will vary per semester with the goal of having faculty and students explore design techniques and theory in depth to meet special interests. Courses will be offered at the 200, 300, 400 level dependent upon the area of exploration. Prerequisites will be determined by level and content.

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.

Richard Bath

Professor Emeritus

View Bio

Lynn Blake

Professor Emerita

View Bio

Jill Carey

Professor Emerita

View Bio

Kristin Kinsky

Coordinator of Fashion Merchandise; Associate Professor of Fashion

Office: Donahue

View Bio

Anne Bernays Trevenen

Coordinator of Fashion; Professor of Fashion Design

Office: Donahue

View Bio

Catharine Weiss

Coordinator of Fashion Media; Professor of Fashion

Office: Donahue

View Bio

ARTS126 - Principles of Design & Color (KP)

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.

ARTS207X - 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 Department Chair.Formerly - Clothing Construction II

FASD107 - Draping I - Fundamentals

This course introduces the essential key 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 designs. Manipulating fabric on three-dimensional forms will help to understand harmony and balance while stimulating creativity. Muslin patterns will translate into a finished garment to be presented at the annual fashion showcase.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 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 107

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.Prerequiste: 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 201

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, 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.

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. Advance knowledge of construction methodologies using finishes, trims, and notions that are appropriate for sweater knit design will be explored. Professional knitting plans and tech packs will translate to finished garments to be presented at the annual fashion showcase. Prerequisite: FASD 206 & FASD220

FASD327 - Market of Specilization

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

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 327, 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 327, 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 - 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, 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 - 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 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: FASD 220, FASH211, or FASH218

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 106 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.