The Role Of Fashion Design Schools
Thursday, April 21st, 2011It goes without saying that the fashion industry is one of the biggest, most revenue-generating industries in the world. Its far-reaching influence, changes and effects the way clothing is worn, recognized and accessorized from the catwalks of Paris to mass market retail stores in central cities around the world. This influence cannot be taken for granted and fashion design schools are where talented artisans are moulded to become distinguished and acclaimed designers.
The history of clothing design is said to have its origins in the 19th century, which, if placed in perspective is not too long ago. It began with a designer sewing his label and trademark, onto the garments he produced, a practice that would later become synonymous with the haute couture industry and with the designer, Charles Frederick Worth. Before this innovation, samples of garments were made and presented to interested patrons before they were actually produced. After this period, style houses began hiring sketchers and design artists to sketch the garment and present it to the prospective client before it was created.
There are different kinds of fashion and like every other consumer product available, it has a flourishing mass market. Generally, designers for the mass market work for popular retail outlets creating ready-to-wear clothing for all the standardized sizes and in large quantities. Their task is to take trends and adapt them to clothing that is manufactured from relatively inexpensive materials which can be produced on a large scale, mostly be means of specialized machinery.
Upmarket, high-end boutiques do not mass produce their clothing pieces and sell only a limited quantity of each size. Designers who work for these kinds of boutiques, make use of more expensive fabrics and create garments which have been tailor-made to incorporate more custom-made designs and embellishments. Its limited nature makes it more exclusive, and therefore more costly, and often, of a higher standard of quality.
Where exclusivity of a garment is an essential, garments are made specifically for the individual and are tailor-made to suit their exact measurements and demands in terms of style, pattern, texture and shape. The most important features of the piece is its perfection of shape and contour, its original and eye-catching color, its fitting and the perfection of its over all finishes. No cost is spared on using the best fabrics for the final product; this is called, haute couture.
Colleges and universities providing degrees and specialized courses in this field, are where aspiring designers learn to turn their creative ideas and static concepts into moving, character-filled garments that bear their unique trademarks. They will be taught how to interpret briefs and communicate effectively with demanding clients.
Skills like pattern-making and sewing may be part of the course curricula, but are not always included. These schools are where designers receive their formal training and sharpen their networking skills before beginning their apprenticeships and eventually, becoming designers in their own capacities.
Although the industry may be associated with the houses of Paris, New York, Milan, Tokyo and London, fashion design schools can be found throughout the world. They are the creative hubs where artistic concepts are transformed into designs which represent the texture, hue, contours and embellishments of the final garment.
Ready to channel your inner creativity? Enroll in of the many fashion schools for fashion courses. There are many fine art schools in Canada to choose from. The career you dreamed of may be just around the corner.





