Fashion Foundation

Fashion Foundation is split into two semesters:

Semester 1

In this Unit, students will be introduced to the foundations of visual languages as a cultural construct and as a primary component in fashion and design communications. The identification and comprehension of essential elements that underpin visual literacy as applied to creative arts and design will be introduced.

Students will learn basic graphic design and methods of visual communication to develop and communicate ideas. They will acquire the necessary skills required for the construction and manipulation of images and visual messages.

In the Graphic Design & Layout Fundamentals, students will apply fundamental concepts, techniques, and the use of tools in the creation of a personal expression that responds to a variety of given tasks. Students will be asked to express and document their ideas through visual and graphic presentations. Different genres of art and design will be explored through research, idea generation, and practical application of ideas. The workshops will culminate in new learning being applied in a fashion and design context.

Fashion Design & Collection Culture will be explored to allow recognition of different visual styles and the factors that define them within the creative industries. Learners will be required to contextualise their learning by investigating historical and contemporary art and design concepts and their application in social and cultural contexts.

They will be guided in a process of researching, analysing, and engaging with visual and fashion-oriented references and materials. The creative research process will focus on fashion, art, trends, and style, and students will learn how to conceptualise and generate concepts and ways of working that have relevance to the fashion industry.

The unit will also explore related fields and the cross-disciplinary nature of fashion including fashion business, product development, and fashion styling, introducing students to a basic photo shoot and the understanding of the customs and practices that characterise today's creative system.

Semester 2

This semester will focus on applying fashion design techniques to collection design and the creation of a coherent portfolio. Draping and sewing will help students understand the translation between concept and product, feeding back into the portfolio content. Students will be introduced to basic studio equipment such as mannequin stands, sewing machines, cutting tables, and ironing boards. They will also learn how to develop their research ideas using creative processes to generate 3D outcomes related to wearable clothing/accessories or body adornment. Fundamental textile knowledge will support design comprehension and the development of creative ideas.

Students will acquire digital graphic design methods for effective visual communication and will gain skills for technical presentation of designs. Digital tools will be used to explain concepts and engage audiences.

1. Graphic Design & Illustration
2. History of Art (14th - 20th Century)
3. Fashion Design & Pattern Making
4. Fashion Photography & Digital Production
5. Fashion Styling & Visual Exploration

• Fashion Design
• Creative Direction
• Styling
• Fashion Marketing
• Fashion Business