Fashion Design

Summer 2024

Wednesdays from 3:30-5:30 pm - Specific dates TBA

Instructor: Julie Ann Brown

This course will focus on the creative process of designing fashion apparel by gathering inspiration, creating mood boards, and sketching. Students will be introduced to the 5 essential considerations of fashion design: fabric, silhouette, design detail, proportion, and functionality. Students will sketch their design ideas on full length figures (croquis) and will learn how to talk about their ideas in class.

The course also covers flat sketching (symmetrical front and back sketch of a garment) which students can use as a construction guide in pattern making. Returning Fashion Design Students will be given more advanced work.

Upon registration, students will receive a Syllabus which includes a supply list.

Results:

Portfolio of Sketch and Design including Flat sketches, illustrations and mood boards

Curriculum:

  • Fashion Sketching Techniques

  • Mood Board Development & Beginning Conceptual Design

  • Collection Development

About the Instructor

Julie Ann Brown has been teaching Fashion Illustration and Design at The Sewing Room in Alameda since 2019.

Since earning her BFA in Fashion Design at Otis, she worked in Southern California for two decades designing swimwear for labels such as Girlstar, bebe, Lucky Brand, Betsey Johnson, ále by Alessandra Ambrosio, Soluna and Isabella Rose. Her designs have been featured in Vogue, GQ, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, and Sports Illustrated.

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About The Sewing Room

At THE SEWING ROOM we specialize in Apparel Sewing and Fashion. Our instructors have experience with garment fit, construction, design in both the fashion industry as well costuming. Our Fashion Studies Program is an accelerated Fashion program for Middle, High School & Adult Students. In this semester long program, students learn the fundamentals of Fashion Design while being taught & mentored by industry professionals.

Through this program, students build a strong foundation of fashion centered skills while building their portfolio(s) and preparing for deeper study.

Jennifer Serr Owner and Lead Instructor at The Sewing Room, had a career in the fashion industry for two decades before opening shop. Jennifer is also Owner and Lead Designer at Bonjour Teaspoon Patterns - A sewing pattern company specializing in "Classic Style for the Modern Girl & Her Doll". She is also AUTHOR of the Book Sewing Camp Power.

"I started teaching students and about fashion and sewing almost two decades ago. I knew what it was like to have a burning passion to create well fitting, beautiful clothing, and wanted to share my skills and expertise with like minded people. Because I started sewing and designing when I was 7 years old, I know that there are very few boundaries for what drives a person to pursue a calling. Sewing and Fashion are my favorite things and I'm excited to share this expertise and passion with those who consider it their passion as well!"