Provided with a Choice Board for our Textile Designer study, several students opted to experiment with natural/plant based dyes. After conducting research, students dove into the process using the natural material of their choice, some selected fruits or vegetables while others chose plants and flowers, all resulting in different outcomes.

Natural dyed textile by E. C. // Grade 11

Throughout the process, students took photographs to document their work from the onset of the project through the final product. We continuously learn about sustainability and this project allowed students to gain first hand experience working with a more environmentally-friendly technique/approach for dying textiles

Natural dyed textile by Ashley M. // Grade 9

In our second career study of the unit, students were once again provided with a choice board containing various options to demonstrate their understanding of this career and creative thinking skills. In the image above this student opted to illustrate an eye look inspired by the Rodarte fashion show we observed in class.

Concept by: Henry C. // Grade 12

Other students such opted for an application choice to demonstrate their skill and artistry. The concepts had to be inspired by legendary MUA Pat McGrath whom is one of the artists we studied during the lesson.

Makeup by: E. F. /Grade 12

Upon beginning this career study we observed the work and style of various notable Fashion Illustrators such as Jessica Durrant, Katie Rogers and Hayden Williams. Through this study students learned to differentiate among the various styles and techniques used by the illustrators. Next we observed 2 live shows from Iris Van Herpen and Viktor + Rolf in which the students had to choose as their source of inspiration.

Fashion Illustration by: Henry C. // Grade 12

Once the students selected the show they were going to use, they had to choose on specific look from the show to focus on to truly capture in their illustration. Students were encouraged to focus on developing their own style while capturing the essence of the design they chose. In this project students experimented with various materials/techniques such as watercolors, mixed media, collage among others.

Fashion Illustration by Karen D. // Grade 11

Fashion Illustration by E. C. // Grade 11

Fashion Illustrator Career Study

Textile Design: Dying with Natural Materials

Work by: A. Y.

One other selection provided to students on the Choice Board was the option to make their own makeup product. For this students first decided what type of product they wanted to make-blush, lipstick, eye shadow. Once this was determined they began to conduct research for a tutorial.

DIY Lip Scrub by: Maritza H. /Grade 10

Throughout the process students documented their experience and reflected upon the outcome by testing the product out. As we discovered during our study, many Makeup Artists eventually build their own brand based on their aesthetic and experience in the industry, therefore this option allowed students to gain that experience in terms of product development.

DIY Cream Blush by: Y. C. /Grade 9

For this assessment students were tasked with demonstrating their understanding of the career of a Fashion Designer while showcasing their vision as a designer. Options on the Choice Board included: upcycled garments, a Project Runway inspired challenge, small scale 3D gowns and small scale garments using one of the outlined materials.

Upcycled Garment by: Bridgith R. /Grade 9

Transformed a T Shirt into a custom designed top with fringe details

After studying brands such as Urban Outfitters and designers such as Stella McCartney who are focused on sustainability, students began to form their own ideas. Those choosing to upcycle a garment that no longer fit began by photographing the original garment and then drafting a plan in regards to how they would transform it. In the example above you can see that this talented student took a pair of jeans and transformed them into a crop top.

Upcycled Garment by: K. D. /Grade 11

Transformed a pair of jeans into a crop top

In reflecting upon the process of creating natural dyed textiles, students found that their results were varied in terms of expectations. This is something we will continue to explore in Fashion Design as sustainability is a top priority.

Textile Design: Dying with Natural Materials (tumeric)

Work by: Y. C. /Grade 9

When working on our Fashion Designer career study assessment, one of the options provided to students was to design and then construct a 3D garment using materials of their choice. This student chose to design two looks, a gown and a two piece outfit. Both illustrate her style while the 3D models reflect her willingness to experiment, attention to detail and creativity.

Sketches + 3D Models by: E. C. /Grade 11

Above is another example of a DIY makeup product for our MUA Career Study. In these photos you can see the process from start to finish.

DIY Product by: Bridgith R. /Grade 9

Port of the upcycling process is finding the best way to repurpose the garment you are using. This requires planning and formulating a clear idea. Some students combined two garments as you can see in the project above.

Repurposed Jeans by: Henry C. /Grade 12

For this project Janny chose to use the band Queen as her inspiration. for her original T Shirt Design. Students were asked to design both the front and back of a shirt to highlight one of their favorite musical artists.

Janny L./ Grade 10

Custom Shoes + T Shirt Design (Unit 4: Accessory Design)

For this project students were provided the opportunity to customize accessories (shoes, hats, bags,) to reflect their personal style/vision as a designer. One of the requirements that students were tasked with meeting was using a style of art as a guiding source. Anderson selected Pop Art and mirrored his work after his favorite artist, KAWS. Below is a quote from Andy Warhol that Anderson finds to be inspirational throughout his process.

Anderson V. /Grade 12

"Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art."

"In this art I got inspired by 3 different topics. The 3 topics are: KAWS art, which is my favorite designer to draw from. The second one is Pop Art. I really like that style of clothes and shoes too and the last one is the country where I am from Dominican Republic." -Anderson V.

Unit 1: Textile Design

One of the other options provided during this assessment was to create a woven textile sample using recycled paper or recycled materials. Using a paper weaving technique, Henry created a sample that would be used in a knit garment such as a sweater.

Work by: Henry C. // Grade 12

Met Gala Concept

Designer: Anderson V.

Recycled Material Garment Concept

Designer: L. M. /Grade 10

For this assessment students conceptualized an original shoe design that reflected a style of art of their choice as inspiration while bringing awareness to a social, political or environmental issue that is of meaning to them to add value and depth to their work. In the sample above you can see the reference to the style of art as well as the topic addressed.

"Struggling with combining bamboo sticks with Art Deco was a challenge. I knew that the colors weren't going to coordinate but at the end of the day I made it work out. I am so happy on how the details came out looking and it was fun creating this project! "

Designer: Karen D. /Grade 11

Students also studied trends in accessory design prior to creating these designs and had to incorporate one trend into their work, much like professional accessory designers do when they release new products.

Designer: K. M. //Grade 11

This student opted to create small scale garments using paper for our Fashion Designer Career Study. On the left she created a dress and on the right a knit cardigan.

Small Scale Garments by: D. S. /Grade 9

For his shoe concept, this student chose to highlight the issue of equality. As illustrated from various angles you can see the symbolic references that draw your attention to this issue.

Design by Henry C. // Grade 12

Highlighting yet another important topic, suicide awarness, this student flawlessly combined cubism with her topic to create a unique and original design.

Work by A.R. /Grade 9

Working from his original sketch, Luis created a 3D paper dress to demonstrate how this design would be brought to life.

Work by L. M. /Grade 10

Working in small groups, students developed a theme for the 2021 Met Gala. Based on their theme and planning, sketches were created to show what some of the garments may look like.

Work by L. M. /Grade 10

Devleoping original shoe concepts inspired by a specific style of art while addressing an issue that is of importance to them.

Work by L.M. /Grade 10