Fashion
Students enrolled in ACIT’s fashion program will acquire foundational knowledge of the fashion industry, from design to apparel construction and/or production. Set within a global context that considers the environment, ethics, and modern technologies, students are introduced to style and line, figure analysis, color theory, apparel construction, textiles, and numerous hand sewing techniques as well as marketing and manufacturing. Students design and showcase their work through various culminating and cross-curricular projects that include a personal portfolio, alterations and repair services, and an annual fashion show. Upon program completion, students will have the opportunity to earn a NOCTI certification along with OSHA 10 and their high school diploma, and possess a portfolio to be used for admissions consideration to the collegiate fashion program of their choosing.
**Upper level grades will be exposed to content and skills based on readiness level.
Fashion Design I
Grade: 9
Credit: 10
Prerequisite: None
In Fashion I, students will learn skills applicable across all aspects of the fashion industry and more broadly. Students will learn design foundations such as color theory, elements of design, and principles of design. They will learn techniques of fashion and flat sketching with traditional rendering techniques. Students will be introduced to style and line, apparel construction, and numerous hand and machine sewing techniques. Students will execute safe operation of an industrial sewing machine, overlock machine, industrial steamer, and all other fashion lab equipment. They will relate how sewing skills and two dimensional plans are used to create functional, three dimensional objects. Students will learn to identify and safely operate lab equipment and tools to complete appropriate tasks. They will learn to interpret commercial sewing patterns to create beginner level projects and apparel. They will practice giving and receiving constructive critique to improve their work, and to work collaboratively with their peers. Students will utilize these skills to design and create projects and apparel that may appear in the annual fashion show.
Fashion Design II
Grade: 10
Credit: 10
Prerequisite: Fashion I
In Fashion II, students will utilize fashion lab tools and equipment to construct apparel with particular focus on pattern sizing, design and ease. Students will gain an understanding of the purpose of and create components for their fashion portfolio. Students will develop and execute plans that apply design skills for their long-term garment projects and create apparel using a variety of construction methods. Students will build upon their fashion design skills utilizing traditional and/or industry standard CAD technology and learn how that technology is used commercially, including textile design and manufacturing, fibers, and fabrics. Students will experiment with limitations of basic clothing alterations and garment closures. Students will understand the type, purpose, and professional implementation of various seam finishes by machine and hand. Students will utilize these skills to design and create projects and apparel that may appear in the annual fashion show.
Fashion Design III
Grade: 11
Credit: 10
Prerequisite: Fashion II
Fashion III students will utilize fashion lab tools and equipment to construct apparel with continued focus on pattern sizing and fit, design, and ease while incorporating more advanced construction techniques. By examining the history of fashion, students will explore the relationships between people and various time periods, further developing their sources of inspiration and design sensibilities. Students will practice how to effectively learn and grow from design critique. Students will gain an understanding of fashion marketing and merchandising along with related career pathways. Students will have the opportunity to practice product photography as it relates to fashion marketing, entrepreneurship, visual merchandising, and cultivating their portfolio. Students will showcase their creative work through culminating projects such as the development of a personal portfolio and the program’s annual fashion show.
Fashion Design IV
Grade: 12
Credit: 10
Prerequisite: Fashion III
Fashion IV students will focus on developing apparel and textiles from design to construction while incorporating advanced construction techniques, industry standard CAD technology, and a unique point of view. Students will continue their exploration of all areas within the fashion industry with a focus on entrepreneurship, starting a fashion brand, and merchandising. Students will continue compiling elements of their portfolio to be used for securing continued education and/or employment. Students will provide alterations and repair services for various ACIT programs and students. They will continue utilizing design critique to expand their knowledge and skills. Fashion IV students are required to demonstrate the knowledge and skills acquired through their four years of study in the fashion program by taking the NOCTI assessment. Students will showcase their creative work through culminating projects by completing their program portfolio and headlining the program’s annual fashion show.