BA (Hons) Degree in Fashion Design & Womenswear

The womenswear designer has the most prestigious role in the fashion industry for creativity and job opportunity. The most successful brands in the world produce womenswear and sustain several collections under the same category that respond to different segments of the market. This dynamic three year course provides a complete education in collection design for the competitive womenswear market. Different to traditional fashion design programmes, this course focuses on femininity and the changing female silhouette, researching and questioning the impact of ‘shape-shifting’ design through masculinity vs. femininity, challenging tradition, looking at female empowerment and self-sureness and encouraging a real touch of creative flair in womenswear apparel.

From an in-depth analysis of clothing manufacturing, participants study the language of couture construction versus ready to wear, progressing through all stages of the design process from fashion illustration, pattern making, pattern cutting and construction, right through to the finished garment. They are encouraged to experiment with new materials and technologies, including renewable and sustainable resources, negotiating the use of the flamboyant pairing of fabrics and experimental cutting techniques, as well as evaluating finishings, fabric embellishment, and small details that make the difference.

The course provides a solid base in fashion design and the fashion system, looking at various targets in womenswear to be able to chose the appropriate design language, choice of materials, colour palettes and inspirational ‘stories’ to satisfy a design brief or brand identity, consumer habits and trends, and business positioning and marketing strategies. Research into fashion history and culture and historic references in art and dress further enhances creative thinking, inspiring participants to experiment with new design proposals.

Communication skills provide an added professional approach in the negotiation and presentation of design ideas to companies and new clients. A final graduation event or a fashion show introduces collections or portfolios to a selected audience of leading fashion experts, journalists, bloggers, designers and head-hunters.

This course is part of the fashion design study pathways. With fashion design as the core subject, participants specialise in the chosen area of interest (womenswear), completing the course with a distinct professional profile.

This course is also available as a BA (Hons) four-year course (including Sandwich Year Placement).