Fashion Design
With a lifetime of experience of fashion, in front of and behind the curtain, I am convinced that Paris is the heart of fashion education. No other place in the world has the diversity you find here – from Haute Couture to Ready-to-Wear to marketing-driven fashion. – Donald Potard, Chair of Fashion Design
The art and business of fashion give form and function to clothing, a basic human need, imbuing it with meaning in the ever-evolving language of style. The core of Parsons Paris’ curriculum is the designer critic program that emulates the workings of a professional design studio from conceptual drawing and pattern-making to the selection of colors, fabrics and the construction of finished garments. Students acquire an understanding of tools, materials, construction techniques and textile design methods, enabling them to express their individual creative visions. Intensive concept and design courses, weekly critiques, workshops with industry professionals and the study of Parisian prêt-à-porter help students to develop originality and acquire an understanding of their craft. Beyond the school atelier, exposure to textile trade fairs, designer shows and museum exhibitions all foster a keen understanding of the European marketplace.
Visiting critics help familiarize students with the design requirements and specificities of various markets, while company-driven projects expose students to the real world challenges they will face in the business of style. Senior year culminates with the designer critic project in the first semester and the construction of a capsule collection in the second semester, all of which is presented in an annual fashion show attended by fashion professionals and the international press.
COURSES
You can explore the range of courses we offer by downloading the Course Description Brochure 2011-2012.
Curriculum
| Foundation | semester 1 | semester 2 |
| Drawing Fundamentals 1+2 | 3 | 3 |
| 2D Integrated Studio 1+2 | 3 | 3 |
| 3D Design 1+2 | 3 | 3 |
| Laboratory 1+2 | 3 | 3 |
| Critical Reading and Writing 1+2 | 3 | 3 |
| Survey of World Art and Design 1+2 | 3 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | 18 |
| Sophomore Year | Fall | Spring |
| 3D Fashion Design 1+2 | 3 | 3 |
| Fashion Drawing 1+2 | 4 | 4 |
| Pattern Drafting 1+2 | 3 | 3 |
| Fashion Research and Design Concepts 1+2 | 2 | 2 |
| Intro to Design Studies | 3 | - |
| Critical Studies / Art History Elective | 3 | 3 |
| Themes in Fashion History | - | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | 18 |
| Junior Year | Fall | Spring |
| Junior Design Studio 1+2 | 3 | 3 |
| Collection Concept Development 1+2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fashion Drawing 3+4 | 2 | 2 |
| Textile Identification | 2 | - |
| Textile Elective | - | 2 |
| Digital Fashion Studio 1+2 | 2 | 2 |
| Themes in Fashion History | 3 | - |
| Critical Studies Electives | 3 | 6 |
| Total Credits | 17 | 17 |
| Senior Year | Fall | Spring |
| Senior Design Studio 1+2 | 3 | 3 |
| Fashion Industry | 3 | - |
| Senior Design Concepts 1+2 | 3 | 3 |
| Fashion Collection Management | - | 3 |
| Studio Electives or Internship | 2 | 2 |
| Critical Studies Electives | 3 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 14 | 14 |
| Total Credits for Degree | 134 |
Info
14 rue Letellier
75015 Paris France
+33(0)1 45 77 39 66
Fax: +33 (0)1 45 77 10 44
contact@parsons.paris.edu
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