Fashion as Design from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Heroes

Wearing certain garments can inspire heroic transformations, while heroes can elevate everyday clothing to iconic status. In this module, you will discover the relationship between aspiration, achievement, adulation, and attire through a wide range of heroes—and even imagine yourself as a space hero in the future.

Silhouettes

When we put on clothes, we change the shape and outline of our bodies—sometimes profoundly. The silhouettes we adopt are determined by everything from shifting trends in fashion to what looks and feels good. This week, we explore how clothes shape the body and how cultural constructions of the body shape clothes.

Coutures

The French word couture means "dressmaking" or "sewing,” and often refers to one-of-a-kind, primarily handmade garments intended for a specific individual. This module approaches couture from a broader perspective, exploring the complex processes—from traditional handcrafting to the use of new technologies—that go into the making of high-end and everyday garments.

Lifecycle

This module examines the lifecycle of garments, an often overlooked aspect of fashion that many individuals and companies are addressing with growing urgency. How do garments begin, how do they end, and how does the cycle of production, consumption, and disposal impact the world?

Modesty

Modesty has many varied expressions that can be informed by social, religious, or political identifications, as well as by personal choice. But whether covered up or exposed, our bodies are often battlegrounds for continually shifting societal claims around morality, agency, and etiquette.

Expression

What we wear and how we wear it can communicate messages, create group identification, borrow and remake existing styles, or subvert a garment’s traditional associations. While choosing and wearing clothes is an act of personal expression, it is also a response to many of the topics addressed in the preceding weeks of this course. In this final week, we look at the ways in which clothing allows us to feel connected to others and to stand out.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by some of the most celebrated and influential gures in design and fashion around the world

Embraces a global and inclusive perspctive

Provides a multifaceted approach to studying fashion and its impact

Course participants engage with leading designers and fashion professionals

Suitable for students and practitioners interested in deepening their understanding of fashion

May not be a comprehensive resource for individuals seeking technical design skills in fashion

Reviews summary

Fashion as design

learners say this course from MoMA is largely positive and insightful, introducing iconic fashion items, their historical origins, and their cultural significance. Many were surprised by how much they learned, especially about the history of sustainability and labor practices in the fashion industry. The reviewers especially appreciated the variety of multimedia materials like interviews, videos, and readings. Many reviewers who work in the fashion industry found the course material added to their existing knowledge.

The course uses a variety of engaging materials, including videos, interviews, readings, and discussion forums, to present the course material in a dynamic and accessible way.

"The course content was very informative and easy to digest."

"It discussed articles and garments from around the globe with different historical and social contexts."

"The curators are great and host online events every now and then."

"I love this course and I can't recommend it highly enough!"

The course emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices in the fashion industry, raising awareness about the environmental impact of textile production and waste.

"Highly practical and ambitious material challenging us to think about the current landscape of fashion, as well as the future, and how we can improve the the industry with sustainable practices."

"the course also touches the aspect of required mindset change for circular fashion."

"And why would you dedicate NINETEEN minutes to door knocker earrings??!! So I would only rate this 3 out of 5 (being generous because I loved some of the videos eg the couture theme Savile Row tailor and the final week biker jacket with LED lights)"

The course highlights the cultural context of fashion items, exploring their connection to identity, social norms, and political movements.

"I am very happy with this course. The material is exceptional, the videos, interviews and additional material really gave you a full understanding of the main questions address by the course."

"This course showed me the world of fashion through my laptop screen while making me feel right at home!"

"This course is suitable for anyone who has an interest in the fashion industry, anyone who wishes to have an understanding of garments, with a brief history, and even others who have an appreciation towards pop culture and the influences that come from clothes."

"It's a great course not only for fashion lovers, but anybody interested in history, design, activism or sustainability."

The course delves into the history and evolution of fashion items, providing a comprehensive understanding of their significance.

"The course has a good selection of Fashion Items from the exhibition that are either iconic or known otherwise."

"The material covers a wide range of items, some in more detail, others just touched and provides external additional reading resources."

"A trip through 100 different garments to explore their evolution."

"Excellent reflection."

The course includes a peer review component, allowing learners to provide feedback on each other's assignments and engage in collaborative learning.

"I really liked the idea of making this course for us students to get to know about fashion sitting home as it fulfils the demand of giving knowledge and inspiration to young brains I honestly learned quite a things from here about its origin and evolution history is always interesting how that thing comes in fashion and all so for me I loved the idea of studying it"

"The in-depth look at the suit manufacturing on Sevile Row in London."

"It’s a great course not only for fashion lovers, but anybody interested in history, design, activism or sustainability."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fashion as Design with these activities:

Practice sketching and drawing techniques

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Improves drawing skills, a fundamental aspect of fashion design.

Browse courses on Sketching

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Draw basic shapes and forms
Practice drawing figures and poses

Practice sewing techniques on a variety of fabrics

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Builds dexterity and proficiency in sewing techniques, enhancing garment construction abilities.

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Gather different types of fabrics
Set up a sewing machine
Practice various stitches and seams

Read 'Fashion Design' by Patricia Mears

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the fashion design process, from concept to creation.

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Read the introduction and chapter 1
Read chapters 2-5
Read chapters 6-8

Four other activities

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Follow the 'Fashion Illustration Tutorial' on YouTube

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Enhances artistic skills and provides practical guidance on fashion sketching.

Browse courses on Fashion Illustration

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Search for the 'Fashion Illustration Tutorial' on YouTube
Watch the tutorial
Follow along with the steps

Design a concept sketch for a garment

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Applies sketching skills and creativity to develop a unique fashion concept.

Browse courses on Fashion Design

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Brainstorm ideas and research trends
Develop a rough sketch of your design
Refine and finalize your concept sketch

Create a mood board for a fashion collection

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Develops an aesthetic vision for a fashion collection by gathering and organizing images.

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Define the concept and theme of your collection
Collect images from magazines, websites, and other sources
Arrange the images on a digital or physical board

Attend a fashion design event or workshop

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Provides networking opportunities and exposure to industry professionals and trends.

Browse courses on Fashion Design

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Research upcoming fashion events and workshops
Attend the event and engage with attendees

Career center

Learners who complete Fashion as Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Fashion Designer

Designers bring the clothes and accessories we wear to life. The Fashion as Design course will provide insight into this process on every level, from ideation to implementation. It helps you take an in-depth look at the materials, methods, and motivations that go into creating garments and accessories of all kinds. It even features interviews from industry experts, so you can follow the process from inspiration to finished product.

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Fashion Stylist

Stylists need to know everything about clothes and how to wear them, and the Fashion as Design course can help you develop that knowledge. Through the course, you will learn about the origins and evolution of key garments, how different garments can express identity, and how certain pieces have become symbols of status or achievement. With this foundation, you will be able to create outfits that reflect your client's personality and needs.

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Costume Designer

Costume designers need to be able to create clothing that fits the time period, setting, and character of a production. The Fashion as Design course can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role. The course covers the history and development of different garments, as well as the cultural and social significance of clothing. This knowledge will help you create costumes that are both historically accurate and visually appealing.

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Fashion Historian

Fashion historians study the history of clothing and fashion. The Fashion as Design course can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role. The course covers the history and development of different garments, as well as the cultural and social significance of clothing. This knowledge will help you understand the evolution of fashion and how it has been influenced by different factors.

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Fashion Journalist

Fashion journalists write about fashion trends and events for newspapers, magazines, and websites. The Fashion as Design course can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role. The course covers the history and development of different garments, as well as the cultural and social significance of clothing. This knowledge will help you understand the fashion industry and how it operates.

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Fashion Critic

Fashion critics review and analyze fashion trends and collections. The Fashion as Design course can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role. The course covers the history and development of different garments, as well as the cultural and social significance of clothing. This knowledge will help you understand the fashion industry and how it operates.

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Fashion Merchandiser

Fashion merchandisers buy and sell clothing and accessories for retail stores. The Fashion as Design course can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role. The course covers the history and development of different garments, as well as the cultural and social significance of clothing. This knowledge will help you understand the fashion industry and how it operates.

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Fashion Photographer

Fashion photographers take pictures of clothing and accessories for magazines, advertisements, and websites. The Fashion as Design course can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role. The course covers the history and development of different garments, as well as the cultural and social significance of clothing. This knowledge will help you understand the fashion industry and how it operates.

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Fashion Consultant

Fashion consultants help people choose and style clothing and accessories. The Fashion as Design course can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role. The course covers the history and development of different garments, as well as the cultural and social significance of clothing. This knowledge will help you understand the fashion industry and how it operates.

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Fashion Marketing Manager

Fashion marketing managers develop and implement marketing campaigns for fashion brands. The Fashion as Design course can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role. The course covers the history and development of different garments, as well as the cultural and social significance of clothing. This knowledge will help you understand the fashion industry and how it operates.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Marketing Manager

Fashion Public Relations Manager

Fashion public relations managers manage the public relations efforts for fashion brands. The Fashion as Design course can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role. The course covers the history and development of different garments, as well as the cultural and social significance of clothing. This knowledge will help you understand the fashion industry and how it operates.

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Fashion Sales Representative

Fashion sales representatives sell clothing and accessories to retail stores and consumers. The Fashion as Design course can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role. The course covers the history and development of different garments, as well as the cultural and social significance of clothing. This knowledge will help you understand the fashion industry and how it operates.

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Fashion Buyer

Fashion buyers buy clothing and accessories for retail stores. The Fashion as Design course can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role. The course covers the history and development of different garments, as well as the cultural and social significance of clothing. This knowledge will help you understand the fashion industry and how it operates.

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Fashion Illustrator

Fashion illustrators create sketches and drawings of clothing and accessories. The Fashion as Design course can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role. The course covers the history and development of different garments, as well as the cultural and social significance of clothing. This knowledge will help you understand the fashion industry and how it operates.

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Textile Designer

Textile designers create patterns and designs for fabrics. The Fashion as Design course may be useful in this role, as it provides a foundation in the history and development of different garments. This knowledge can help you understand the different types of fabrics used in clothing and how they can be used to create different looks.

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