Associate of Arts in Fashion Design
Introduction
Beverly Hills Design Institute offers a specialized degree in Fashion Design. As fashion is inspired by the unlimited creativity and high fashion design techniques of Haute Couture, so should fashion design education.
The Associate of Arts Degree in Fashion Design program provides a strong foundation in high fashion design aesthetics and techniques centered on developing a refined eye for elegant fine line, balance, body proportions, sophisticated silhouette and high fashion figure attitude. A wealth of European art techniques are stressed as basis for the fashion figure and rendering of fabrics and garments. Serious focus is placed on the mind behind designing and the in/direct expression of designers’ attitude in creating elegant, unique collections. Students will create collections ranging from swimwear to evening wear. Working knowledge of the production process and fashion show preparation is carried out through close collaborations with pattern designers. Two garments are presented in final fashion show for introduction to the industry. Graduates possess highly sophisticated immediately operational skills that are equivalent to an Assistant to Head Designer position.
Beverly Hills Design Institute understands that highly specialized techniques bring successful design careers when design identities and creativity are nourished into a unique brand. In an intimate setting, we guarantee the upmost attention to you as a highly valuable designer.
Objectives
The Associate of Arts Degree in Fashion Design program is designed to offer qualified students preparation for careers in fashion design, product development, style and as accessories designer. The Associate of Arts Degree in Fashion Design produces outstanding entry-level professionals in the field of Fashion Design who are immediately operational and bring unique concepts to the design table. Students will develop:
- Professional Portfolio
- High Fashion Industry-specific technical expertise
- Foster creativity
- Career focus
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Critical Thinking
- Computer Literacy
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- A global perspective
Graduation Requirements
- A total of 96 quarter credit hour program of study, including 24 general education quarter credit hours, which should be completed within the normal program length of 8 quarters within 2.66 academic years of study, and no more than 12 quarters within 4 academic years for a full time student.
- A passing grade in all courses and a minimum cumulated grade point average of C (2.0) upon completion of the program.
Curriculum
Prerequisite: None
Fundamental to an artist’s education and training is the ability to observe and to develop the skill of translating observations into visual expression. Students will develop their power of observation and strengthen their ability to think and express themselves visually on paper. They will acquire techniques for working from the human figure, forms in nature, landscapes, interior spaces and still-life setups. Traditional and nontraditional materials are used throughout to investigate line, value, form, proportion and composition. Emphasis is on developing a basic understanding of and familiarity with perspective as a means of organizing space and defining a point of view.
2 CREDITS: 11 LECTURE HOURS / 22 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: None
This course is an introduction to drawing from the human figure and live model. Students will work with draped and nude model, as well as advanced still life. Students will understand the elements of human figure and render a three-dimensional figure on a two-dimensional surface. Focus is on human head, hands and feet in all variations, proportions, gesture, rhythm, and anatomy. Included is attention to psychology of movement, dynamic wrinkles and drapery, and solutions for drawing the clothed figure.
2 CREDITS: 11 LECTURE HOURS / 22 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: None
Basic understanding of color theory, color combinations, and the use of color in art and life. Projects include development of color wheels with creative shapes in mind, analysis of color schemes, and special use of intensity, value, and hue, focusing on color theory as developed in the Western oil painting tradition (from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance to the present).
2 CREDITS: 11 LECTURE HOURS / 22 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: None
“Business Realities” is an interdisciplinary social science course that concentrates on the transition each graduate encounters as they transform from a student to a business professional. The class emphasizes freelance issues such as self-marketing, pricing, copyright law, starting a business and financial considerations. The class also includes resume, portfolio preparation, job interviewing, salary negotiation and other important job search skills.
3 CREDITS: 33 LECTURE HOURS
Prerequisite: None
This general survey course traces the differences and evolution of clothing in the Western World from pre-historic man to the Late Middle Ages (c1500). The nature and purposes of dress and some of the specific social, ideological, political, economic, geographic and technological factors that influence it are discussed. Various period elements and key styles are described and used as a springboard for today’s fashion ideas. The cut and construction of men’s and women’s garments are analyzed using Powerpoint presentations of slides of paintings, drawings, sculpture and historic costume, as well discussion and some 3-dimensional models.
3 CREDITS: 33 LECTURE HOURS
Prerequisite: None
This general survey course traces the differences and evolution of clothing from the Renaissance to the middle of the 19th century, including a brief introduction to Asian and Indian clothing and influences. The course discusses some of the specific social, ideological, political, economic, geographic and technological factors that influenced the development of fashion. Various period elements, key styles and pattern lay outs are described and used as inspiration for today’s fashion ideas. The cut and construction of men’s and women’s garments are analyzed using slides of paintings, drawings, sculpture and historic costume, as well as 3-dimensional models provided from time to time.
3 CREDITS: 33 LECTURE HOURS
Prerequisite: None
This general survey course traces the differences and evolution of clothing from the mid 19th century to the present era. The course discusses some of the specific social, ideological, political, economic, geographic and technological factors that influenced the development of fashion. Various period elements, key styles and pattern lay outs are described and used as inspiration for today’s fashion ideas. The cut and construction of men’s and women’s garments are analyzed using slides of paintings, drawings, sculpture and historic costume, as well as 3-dimensional models provided from time to time.
3 CREDITS: 33 LECTURE HOURS
Prerequisite: None
This course is an introduction to the apparel industry. Students will learn how the industry operates with regard to the creation, production and marketing of apparel.
3 CREDITS: 33 LECTURE HOURS
Prerequisite: None
Students learn the most fundamental technique of design centered on the development of line focusing on pressure and release points. Using an elegant line is a crucial part of the training needed to create croquis. The recipe for elegant design is developing the proper use of one’s arm and wrist joints. The outcome is the mastery of sketching techniques as a foundation for years of experience from an artistic point of view in all aspects of design. Furthermore, students learn how to render fashion figures according to the human body’s anatomical shape (8-9 head vs. 9-12 head), which is crucial for elegant, precise, and efficient garment production.
2 CREDITS: 11 LECTURE HOURS / 22 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: FASH 1011 OR ARTS 1001 OR ARTS 1002
An intermediate fashion sketching class emphasizing mixed media. It focuses on the development of technical drawing and the rendering of various fabric textures, weights, and patterns seen in garment details. Research is emphasized. Students will sharpen their aesthetic eye for fine line, silhouette, and elegance of the fashion body.
2 CREDITS: 11 LECTURE HOURS / 22 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: FASH 1011 OR ARTS 1001 OR ARTS 1002
Fashion and Art III is an advanced fashion sketching class that refines students’ personal sketching styles and perfects fashion figure poses. Students explore the development of the croquis (quick sketch). The professor will provide students with sample sketches and drawings as templates to use for drawing/painting prints, textures, and colors with an artistic eye. This course will specifically explore the rendering of fabric, drape, texture, color, mood, and attitude by further refining drawing skills. Fashion proportions will be highlighted and held to industry standards. The development and rendering of fashion illustrations that communicate the one-of-a-kind fit, finish, construction, details, fabric properties and attitude of the fashion designer will be emphasized.
2 CREDITS: 11 LECTURE HOURS / 22 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: FASH 1011
This course provides a foundation in fashion and the basics of designing separates and casual apparel for the sportswear market. Students work through carefully selected projects aimed at developing research skills, interpreting and developing ideas, creating concept designs, and communicating ideas fluently and quickly in rough paper form. Students will develop a theme name, mood, and color boards to produce a mini collection. Students gain confidence in their work through critique and oral presentation.
2 CREDITS: 11 LECTURE HOURS / 22 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: FASH 1011
The continued study of significant design ideas comes from a concept. Students will learn how to create a theme, name, and mood incorporating color with a different focus on a time period or location. Students create an index book with theme names. Students utilize price points, culture, lifestyle, and artistic background of a particular location to create indirect and direct design moods. Students will be able to express their personal views and deliver their particular message on the lifestyles of the location. Guidance focuses on refining the message and point of view conveyed in designs to reach the market with added value, rather than comprising design aesthetics.
2 CREDITS: 11 LECTURE HOURS / 22 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: FASH 1011
Students will analyze and develop individual design strengths concentrating on evening wear. Students will learn the different fabrics and their qualities related to evening wear. An excellent preparatory course for the Fashion Show, students will gain an introduction to the development of a collection for a mini Debut Fashion Show. Working alongside with pattern designers, students will present an evening wear collection.
2 CREDITS: 11 LECTURE HOURS / 22 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: None
An introduction to basic computer language and practices, employing Macintosh computer and related digital devices: scanners, printers, and internet use. Students use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator to create repeat patterns and a dynamic collection of storyboards.
2 CREDITS: 11 LECTURE HOURS / 22 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: FASH 2031
An intermediate class that offers students hands-on experience in drawing flat technical sketches and crating accurate garment details. Continuing their use of digital knowledge, students combine Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Streamline.
2 CREDITS: 11 LECTURE HOURS / 22 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: FASH 1011 or PATT 1021
Students will create a personalized portfolio and presentation binder to be able to collect their best work and a mini collection developed during their studies at the Associates level.
2 CREDITS: 11 LECTURE HOURS / 22 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: None
Students will gain a better understanding and develop the techniques required to create the necessary design components that are directly involved in the design of fashion garments. They will discover the many materials, processes and technologies used in the industry today as well as their historic origins. Upon completion of this class the student will be able to clarify and employ appropriate terminology in working with other designers and manufacturers, as well as taking their original artwork from concept to creation.
3 CREDITS: 33 LECTURE HOURS
Prerequisite: None
This course is an introduction to the apparel industry, consisting of creation, production, and marketing apparel. Students will gain knowledge of the synergy between pattern design and fashion design, with emphasis on terms and methods of the industry. Students will work as a team to experience the inception of ideas to delivery of finished goods. Sample-room practices will be incorporated.
3 CREDITS: 33 LECTURE HOURS
Prerequisite: None
A study of trends in the 20th century with a focus on major trendsetters. Designers, Socio-economic events and fashion shifts will be examined. This course has two goals: 1) to develop a basic awareness of the fundamentals of all aspects of the business of fashion; and 2) to study of the flow of European and American Haute Couture to Prêt-a-porter. This course introduces students to famous designers; students then research 4- 5 designers followed by a presentation of their life story.
2 CREDITS: 11 LECTURE HOURS / 22 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: None
Continuation of trends throughout the 20th century with a focus on more contemporary fashion. Studies will emphasize the past 30 years.
2 CREDITS: 11 LECTURE HOURS / 22 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: MARK 1001 OR MARK 1002 OR ANY FASH COURSE
Introduction to cycles in fashion. Theoretical methods and practical applications of fashion cycles and behavior from 20th century linear approach to 21st century multi dimensional platforms will be reviewed. This will also include case studies of micro environments. Trend analysis and Trend methodologies will be reviewed.
2 CREDITS: 11 LECTURE HOURS / 22 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: MARK 1001 OR MARK 1002 OR ANY FASH COURSE
A study of the history of fashion that examines the trends and cycles of fashion in Europe and the United States in the 19th and the 20th century and their application to current fashion.
2 CREDITS: 11 LECTURE HOURS / 22 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: None
From Tokyo to New York, French is the recognized language of marketing couture. For any designer who wishes to convey his or her high level of knowledge and sophistication of haute couture and market his or her product effectively, its is imperative to have a basic grasp of French. With an emphasis on the vocabulary of the apparel, accessories and couture industry, this course will introduce the students to the basic structure of reading, writing and speaking French.
3 CREDITS: 33 LECTURE HOURS
Prerequisite: None
This class introduces students to a variety of dressmaker and couture detail construction techniques for clothing, which details will be found in high-end fashion, custom, couture, prêt-a-porter, and beyond. Some processes use the sewing machine, and some use hand-sewing. Emphasis will be placed on single needle sewing machine proficiency and refining pressing skills.
2 CREDITS: 11 LECTURE HOURS / 22 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: None
Basic understanding of fundamental flat pattern making, detailed body measurements adapted to building skirt blocks on dotted paper. Each human body is unique. Thus, students will learn the theory of body form and the mastery of fitting different human bodies through the scientific application of measuring techniques. Class includes use of the master pattern skirt block to learn variations of styling skirts; including pleated, pegged, gored, wrap, circled, etc. through closing/opening darts, adding fullness, and dividing. Course recommended for fashion design students.
2 CREDITS: 11 LECTURE HOURS / 22 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: None
A course designed to develop the student’s ability to fit garments properly to a live model by identifying and examine the different types of managerial models used among apparel companies.
1 UNIT: 22 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: None
Working with a fashion designer and a self-prepared fit model, the student completes two finished garments of a mini collection. Family members are invited to luncheon followed by the Fashion Show.
2 CREDITS: 11 LECTURE HOURS / 22 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: None
Applies only Associate of Arts and advised by a Professional Advisory Board Member and an Executive Member of BHDI, the student will work with a fashion designer as a co-partner to perfect the debut collection, including accessories to present a complete fashion collection.
4 CREDITS: 22 LECTURE HOURS / 44 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: None
Students are introduced to the basic properties of textiles in a comprehensive and non-technical style. Focus is placed on the identification of woven and non-woven fabrics, natural and synthetic fibers and new developments in sustainable and recycled textile products. The course includes hands-on analysis of fabric swatches and the creation of a personalized swatch book created by the student. Students also gain practical experience in dye processes, burn testing and the suitability of fabrics for the design process. It is hoped that this information will enable students to gain an appreciation of the beauty and practical applications of a wide range of textiles.
3 CREDITS: 33 LECTURE HOURS
Prerequisite: None
Application of design principles to the embellishment of garments and accessories with emphasis on techniques, creation of original designs, and fashion trends. Embellishment includes embroidery, silks screening, crystal and nail head, appliqué, etc. Techniques are developed through hands-on experimentation, as well as finishes and hand-printing or computer processing.
2 CREDITS: 11 LECTURE HOURS / 22 LAB HOURS
Prerequisite: None
The Human Structure & Function course is a multidisciplinary approach that fully integrates the disciplines of Anatomy, Embryology, Histology, Physiology, Chronobiology and Evolution of the human body, and its organ systems.
3 CREDITS: 33 LECTURE HOURS
Prerequisite: None
A course in public speaking featuring narrative, persuasive, informational problem-solving and extemporaneous speeches presented to the class. The emphasis is on organization and use of supporting detail, clarity of content, and professional presentation techniques. This includes the quality of confidence, facility or delivery, and adeptness in using visual aids.
3 CREDITS: 33 LECTURE HOURS
Prerequisite: None
The course is aimed to introduce concepts and tools of basic economic analysis at both micro and macro levels. It will provide instruction in the nature and function of product markets (supply and demand), economic decision making, types of economic systems, national income accounting, economic growth, recession and inflation, and fiscal and monetary policies. Additionally, the course will incorporate principles of business practices.
3 CREDITS: 33 LECTURE HOURS
Prerequisite: None
Fundamental course in expository writing. The course is designed to help students improve their writing processes, to improve students’ critical thinking skills, to increase the organizational effectiveness of students’ writing, and to develop students’ awareness of the importance of context in writing.
3 CREDITS: 33 LECTURE HOURS
Prerequisite: None
This course takes students through the formation, construction, development, evolution, and survival of civilizations across the globe up to 1500 ACE. The course will begin with a discussion of “pre-History” and then provide vignettes looking at imperative moments in world history, events that introduced: ideas, culture, religions, foods, styles, and languages from one region to the next. The class will introduce students to Empires, Kingdoms, populations, and migrants that have influenced the course of history. Students completing this course will gain a better appreciation for the development of global connectedness, the influence of imperial and cultural expansionism, and processes paving the way for European expansion into the “New World.”
3 CREDITS: 33 LECTURE HOURS
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to satisfy the mathematics requirement for students in non-science fields. Course content includes units on sets, logic, numeration and mathematical systems, whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, irrational numbers, statistics, basic algebra, basic geometry and elements of number theory.
3 CREDITS: 33 LECTURE HOURS
Prerequisite: None
Principles of human behavior; physiological foundations, influence of heredity and environment; sense-perception, attention, capacities and abilities; learning; emotion and motivation; special emphasis on personality development and adjustment. Special emphasis on states of consciousness: language, memory, learning and their relationship to the arts. Introduction to the theories of Freud and Jung; Behavioral and Humanist Psychology. This course uses critical thinking to explore the basic principles of psychology and how they relate to human behavior in everyday life. Students will understand personality development, learning, consciousness, motivation, physical development, psychological health and the self in a social context. Students will be able to apply this insight to themselves and the fashion industry.
3 CREDITS: 33 LECTURE HOURS
Prerequisite: None
This course relies on a variety of sociological perspectives to examine the role of culture in everyday life, with a particular emphasis on the organization of the mass media industry, the relationship between cultural consumption and social status, and the social and cultural constructions of beauty. Specific course topics will include socialization, culture, inequality, race and ethnic relations, gender, global economy and urbanization.
3 CREDITS: 33 LECTURE HOURS
