Fashion Design and Production Major Degree

The Fashion Design and Production major provides you with comprehensive and contemporary skills in garment design and product development processes.

The Fashion Design and Production major carefully balances inspired and creative design thinking with practical application.

In a senior Capstone project, you will create an original, highly creative and professionally executed seven-piece collection. Collections are featured prominently in Runway, Lasell's annual large-scale professional fashion event that is open to the public.

Program Features

In a senior Capstone project, students create an original, highly creative and professionally executed seven-piece collection. Collections are featured prominently in Runway, Lasell's annual large-scale professional fashion event that is open to the public.
Capstone students have recently worked with companies including Sperry, Timberland, Puma, and Reebok
Earn industry-recognized certificates as part of your coursework through HubSpot and Google Academy.
Gain professional experience through internships at places like New Balance, TESStylist, Puma among many others.
Create and develop fashion websites and applications.
Travel to NYC to visit fashion offices, major retail conferences, and apparel trade shows. · Study abroad with international fashion institutions in programs like Fashion in Paris, Florence, or Barcelona.
Volunteer and work in local fashion events, like Boston Fashion Week.
Join student clubs like Fashion Styling, DECA, and our award-winning Polished magazine.
Learn from industry specific faculty, opening doors to connected learning.
Partner with a company through the Senior Capstone to develop and pitch strategic business solutions to executives. Partners have included Puma, Reebok, Timberland, and Sperry.

What You'll Learn

From your first day, you’ll take courses in your major and advance towards graduation with a yearly plan. Not sure what classes to take? We’ll help you create the perfect plan.

Courses and Sample 4-Year Plan

Year 1

This example four-year plan is provided as a broad framework that you can follow in order to complete your degree within four years. Be sure to always consult your academic advisor before registering for classes.

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

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

WRT101

Writing I

In this course, students gain understanding of and confidence in strategies for effective writing by composing and reading in a variety of genres. The course emphasizes writing as a process and focuses on the rhetorical choices writers make. Students engage critically with sources by examining how genre, context, purpose, credibility, and bias work together to create meaning and impact audiences. Students who choose to take Writing I Workshop are provided with time during class to work on their writing while the instructor and a writing tutor are present to provide assistance. Students must earn a “C” or higher in order to pass this course

FYS103

First Year Seminar

The First Year Seminar (FYS) is part of the Core Curriculum and a requirement for all incoming first year students and transfer students with fewer than 15 credits. The First Year Seminar is a theme-based inquiry course that engages students in a specific area of interest while providing support for a smooth transition into the Lasell University community and the Connected Learning philosophy. Through studying an academic topic, students develop and apply core intellectual skills and receive an introduction to the core knowledge perspectives. At the same time, students connect to the experiences and people that make up the Lasell University Community. Course outcomes are accomplished through engaging activities including reading, writing, class discussions, presentations, team projects, field trips, and exploration of campus resources. Civic engagement and service-learning activities are often part of this course as is participation in the Connected Learning Symposium. Through the seminar, students develop close ties with faculty and peer mentors who serve as advocates for first year students' academic success. Past course titles have included: The Immigrant Experience, Fashion & Film of the 20th Century, The Social History of Rock & Roll, Exploring Cultures & Languages, The Spark of Creativity, Women and Sports, and Latin America: Food And Traditions. This requirement may be fulfilled by taking either FYS103 or HON101 (for students enrolled in the Honors Program).

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.

ARTS106

Museum Discovery (KP)

This course introduces students to the world of art museums, galleries, auction houses, and various other art institutions, through a series of site visits and some involvement in actual gallery work. By exploring venues and the communities they serve, students will address the question, "What is an art museum or gallery, and why is it a part of our society?"

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.

WRT102

Writing II

This course is a continuation of Writing I and focuses on research and public writing. Theme-based courses provide students with lenses to explore issues of interest and develop their reading, research, and writing skills. Students work with a topic of their choice, broadly based on the course theme. Assignments build upon each other, lead up to a researched position paper, and culminate in a public piece. Students who choose to take Writing II Workshop are provided with time during class to work on their writing while the instructor and a writing tutor are present to provide assistance. Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in order to pass this course. Prerequisite: WRT 101

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

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.

Year 2

BUSS220

Principles of Marketing

In this course, the fundamentals of marketing are explored for practical application in today's business environment. The process of creating value for customers by utilizing the tools of marketing -- market segmentation, targeting and positioning, marketing research and communications, product development, channels of distribution, and pricing -- are explored with a project-based, interactive approach. Additionally, there is a service learning component included in this course that enables students to further apply the course concepts while working to advance a participating non-profit organization. Prerequisites: BUSS101, COM101, HEM101, HEM102, FASH101, or SMGT102 AND ENG102 or WRT102.

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

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

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

HIST104

World Civ II:

This Knowledge Perspective course will provide students with the opportunity to interpret and analyze the complex interrelationships and inequities in human societies in a global historical context. Emphasizing the interrelatedness and mutuality of influence between East and West, we examine questions of exclusiveness, intolerance, and cooperation. Prerequisite: ENG101 with a C or better

SOC104X

Equity & Intersectionality(KP)

Equity & Intersectionality(KP)

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

FASD214

Pattern Grading & Fit Techniques

Two vital skills for apparel designers to master are grading, (the systematic resizing of patterns,) and applying theories of basic fit to pattern drafting. In this course, students will learn manual techniques of grading from the master-size in order to create “nested sets” of basic slopers. This skill allows creation of garments in a wide variety of sizes while protecting proportion and balance. Additionally, each module will survey common fit issues that occur when creating patterns for both individuals and mass markets. Careful measuring, terminology, and contemporary methods of grade rule creation will be explored. Pre-requisite: FASD 202

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.

MDSC203

Multidisciplinary Experience

In this project-based course, students explore a social or intellectual problem using at least two knowledge perspectives. Faculty and students follow a collaborative process of exploration, discussion, and problem solving that integrates knowledge perspectives and core intellectual skills.

CHEM105

Chemistry of Fashion (KP)

This course examines the connections between chemistry and fashion. This course is a lab centered course where students will explore topics such as light and its’ properties; the nature of color; effects of environmental factors such as acids and bases, and oxidation on dyes; synthesis and use of dyes, paints, and pigments. The laboratory procedures apply chemical theory and techniques to learn the chemistry behind materials used in fashion. Students will use spectroscopy and other methods of chemical investigation to examine materials used in art and fashion. Students will conduct inquiry-based projects focusing on areas of interest.

Year 3

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

FASD307

Flat Pattern III - Tailoring

FASH200

Fashion History I:Imperial Societies to Industrial Revolution

Fashion History I: Imperial Societies to Industrial Revolution surveys the history of prevailing dress and material culture 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 develop a context for fashion and its relation to aesthetic expression and function within various societies over time. Using an interdisciplinary approach, students examine a range of scholarly resources that pertain to the field, including The Lasell Fashion Collection. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: WRT102 or Permission of Instructor

FASH301

Fashion Promotion

This course integrates fashion industry promotional activities centered around the "promotion mix." Through the creative integration of topics such as advertising, public relations, marketing, social media, direct marketing, sales promotions, personal selling, visual merchandising and special events, students create and execute multidimensional promotional campaigns. The class explores the concept of integrated marketing communications linking various external and internal factors that stimulate consumption of a product or service. Students participate in group projects that replicate industry scenarios, both creatively and logistically. Exploration of contemporary methods to measure consumer behavior are also considered. Prerequisite: FASH 211 or FASH 218

000

Elective or Minor Course

Choose an Elective or Minor course

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

FASH303

Fashion History II:Modernity to Globalization

Modernity to Globalization explores 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 use skills in critical thinking to understand fashion as an art form, a commodity, and a symbol of cultural and personal expression. Students explore how contemporary designers draw from and reinterpret fashions from across the twentieth century. Prerequisite: WRT102

FASH415

Fashion Industry Internship Seminar

Fashion Industry Internship Seminar is four-credits and includes a field placement and course. Fashion industry exposure and real-world experience is paramount to the fashion student. Supported with resources, students explore the job market to identify challenging, value-adding internship positions during which they gain practical, hands-on industry experience. On-the-job industry exposure is an opportunity to synthesize and apply concepts, theories, and techniques previously learned, both leveraging and adding to industry skill sets and knowledge. Internship experience and seminar learning outcomes include: (1) exposure to and strengthened command of industry dynamics and fashion business operations, (2) first-hand experience in the professional working environment, (3) acquisition of professional skills required for industry and career readiness, and (4) resume and professional network growth. Students complete self-reflection and critical analysis of the internship organization and experience, as well as receive feedback and evaluation from the internship site supervisor. A minimum of 150 hours of supervised onsite work is required and should be in an area of the industry aligned with students’ career objectives. Internship field placement is subject to the approval of the Internship Coordinator and the Lasell University application process and requirements outlined therein. Prerequisites: FASH219 & FASH207 or FASD220

PHIL302

Ethical Reasoning

This course will address the interaction between the lives we lead and the application of traditional (and some nontraditional) ethical theories and principles to important decision points in our lives. Students will take on real-life ethical problems and dilemmas for each class; each student will be responsible for presenting a number of issues, as well as for guiding the discussion of those issues in class. The problems we address will largely span a lifetime of experiences and concerns. Students will also write several papers that evaluate formal arguments, using standard tools of critical thinking and philosophy. The course is discussion based, so a willingness to read carefully, to think critically, and to engage in classroom presentations and discussions is essential. Prerequisite: Junior standing, MDSC203 & ENG102.

000

Elective or Minor Course

Choose an Elective or Minor course

Year 4

FASD409

Fashion Design Capstone: Collection 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.

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.

FASH309

Apparel Product Development

Apparel Product Development explores the global product development matrix in the apparel industry. Students work together in teams to explore the product lifecycle in terms of sourcing and production. Topics covered include: 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. Prerequisite: FASH211 or FASD220

000

Elective or Minor Course

Choose an Elective or Minor course

000

Elective or Minor Course

Choose an Elective or Minor course

FASD410

Fashion Design Capstone: Collection 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.

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.

000

Elective or Minor Course

Choose an Elective or Minor course

000

Elective or Minor Course

Choose an Elective or Minor course

000

Elective or Minor Course

Choose an Elective or Minor course

4-Year Plan

Student and Alumni Perspective

"I was able to get two degrees within 5 years and saved a significant amount of money."

Caroline St. Croix '23 G'24

Fashion Media and Marketing

Learning Outcomes

Comprehensive development of critical thinking skills evolved through a wide variety of design project challenges.
Diverse foundation of applicable apparel design skills for a contemporary market using both technology and hands-on methods.
Working knowledge of the production cycle and the challenges within the supply chain.
Ability to thoughtfully analyze and critique work of their own and of others to contribute constructively to the iterative process of apparel design and collection development.
Present ideas and work effectively in varied mediums, visually, verbally and in written form.

For a complete list of courses and learning outcomes, view the Academic Catalog

Career Outlook

Our students have interned with:

Karhu
NewStore
TESstylist
New Balance
KB Fashion Productions
Wayfair
Marc Jacobs
Paul Francis Bridal
Dreamwear, NYC

Our alumni work for:

The TJX Companies, Inc.
Nic+Zoe
PUMA Group
Rue Gilt Groupe
Converse
Wolverine Worldwide
Ann Inc.

Beyond the Classroom

RUNWAY

Showcase your design, merchandising, management, media, and marketing talents in RUNWAY, Lasell's student-run fashion show.

POLISHED Magazine

Gain practical experience as a writer, editor, photographer, stylist, producer, and designer with our award-winning, student-run fashion magazine.

Fashion in Paris

The Fashion in Paris course brings together designers, communications, and merchandising students for hands-on exposure to the global fashion industry.

Studio 1851

Apply the decision-making, leadership, accounting, visual, merchandising, and marketing skills you learn in the classroom to Lasell's Retail Innovation Lab on campus, studio1851.

NRF Student Association

Lasell's membership in the National Retail Federation's Student Association (NRF) offers industry news, networking, and attendance at NRF's annual Big Show.

Fashion Collection

The Lasell Fashion Collection contains over 3,000 objects and spans 200 years of fashion history and you can access many pieces through our online catalog.

Study Abroad

Immerse yourself in a fashion center like Florence, Italy. Read about Lasell Fashion majors who have spent a semester living and learning abroad.

DECA Chapter

DECA prepares emerging leaders for successful careers in industries including fashion, business, hospitality, and communications. Create programs and participate in regional and national DECA collegiate events and competitions.

Take Your Next Steps