Massachusetts College of Art and Design Fashion Design Program
Fashion and Textile Design at Massachusetts College of Art and Design established in 1907 is one of the oldest fashion programs in the United States. The study of fashion and textiles at MassArt trains students to create and develop an understanding of the fundamentals needed to be a designer in the fashion industry.
Fashion students research, sketch, design and construct garments. Traditional methods of foundation and shape are developed for bespoke clothing and trend forecasting and fabric innovations are explored for ready-to-wear line productions. MassArt students communicate theme concepts, design silhouettes and production flat sketches in storyboard development and presentations. They become proficient in computer-aided design using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Gerber Garment Industries Accumark Silhouette System and Mimaki digital printing for textiles are used to incorporate computer-aid manufacturing into the curriculum.
MassArt students are encouraged to explore their individual interests and to develop innovative design messages as they master detail techniques and pattern making along with considering issues cost, care, and comfort. The curriculum allows students to explore current practices used by sustainable fashion designers/companies, organic and eco-friendly textiles, waste minimization and upcycling in design and manufacturing. Fashion Design facilities offer studio/classrooms, CAD labs, lecture and workrooms equipped with industrystandard cutting tables, industrial machines, dress forms and software for apparel and textile design. Students connect with the materials resource center and research/reference library within the department and are afforded college-wide gallery, library and exhibition space.
The senior year degree project draws on independent research and students are encouraged to explore their individual aesthetic. Final portfolios reflect the student’s work along with their experience from participation in industry internships.
Senior Portfolio Collection
Most students in Fashion Design have participated in one or two internships for credit. Fashion internships support the curriculum and offer students the opportunity to apply techniques learned in the classroom to professional environments working in divisions of Product Development, Textile Sourcing, Visual Merchandising as well as designer ateliers and CAD workrooms. The internship strengthens a resume and helps build the portfolio. Companies that have offered positions to interns after they graduate include PUMA, TJX Corporation, OKW, Marc Jacobs, DKNY and others. MassArt has a fashion program like the Chambre Syndicale in Paris and Central St. Martins in London – programs that balance the fine art of design with commerce. Fashion Design faculty represent diverse areas of fashion expertise and research including global design and sustainability; historical costume research; working with artisans in Fortaleza, Brazil and Lyon, France along with curating and producing apparel collections.
| Peabody Essex Museum |
Wearable Art Exhibition At Simon Mall |
Italian Trade Commission Project |
Collaborations with Italian Trade Commission, Eileen Fisher, Revere Hotel, Polartec and Simon Malls have offered design and professional practice opportunities. MassArt fashion students have also designed for Matouk Linens, Karmaloop, Radici Spandex, Levi Strauss, Sommers Plastic and Stride Rite, and won major design competitions including: CFDA, GenArt, Fashion Group International of Boston and SEED.
View the Revere Hotel | Boston Common staff uniforms designed by MassArt
Fashion Design graduates are in every area of the industry – from designing to manufacturing and product development; as well as theater costuming and retail merchandising – Michael Kors, Armani AX, DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld, Natick Labs, Victoria’s Secret, Marc Jacobs, J.Jill, TJX, Nautica, Reebok, Phillip Van Heusen, Josie Natori, H&M, Talbots, Fossil, Vera Wang, Nicole Miller, Puma, Tory Burch and others.