GLC Session Catalog - Threaded Expressions

Design. Discover. Dress the world.

Calling all future fashionistas! In this creative and hands-on class, students will step into the world of fashion design to explore how clothing reflects identity, culture, and innovation. Each two-week session invites young designers to imagine, sketch, and build their own wearable works of art through project-based learning and real-world design challenges.

Throughout the summer, campers will explore design techniques, cultural influences, and sustainability in fashion. Whether they're sketching their first mini collection, learning about global textile traditions, or creating one-of-a-kind eco-friendly looks, students will walk away with a deeper understanding of how fashion can express creativity and spark change.

Session 1
June 16 - 26

Sketch It, Stitch It

Theme: Creativity begins with a sketch!

In this exciting first session of Threaded Expressions: A Fashion Design Studio, young designers will take their first steps into the world of fashion. Over two fun-filled weeks, students will explore how fashion goes from an idea in a sketchbook to a stylish collection on paper.

They’ll learn how to draw fashion figures using math and symmetry, play with color and textures to build mood boards, and get hands-on with real fabric swatches. Along the way, campers will discover how famous designers find inspiration and begin experimenting with their own creative style.

As they develop their skills, students will design their own mini collection, made up of three original looks! The session ends with a presentation of their Mini Fashion Portfolio—complete with sketches, fabric samples, and a personal artist statement describing their design choices.

Wear the World

Theme: Celebrate culture through fashion!

Students will travel the world—through fabric, fashion, and tradition! Young designers will explore how clothing tells the stories of cultures, communities, and customs from around the globe.

Campers will begin with a “Fashion Around the World” journey, discovering the rich textile traditions of places like Japan, Nigeria, Peru, France, and India. Each student will choose one culture to study more deeply, learning about its colors, patterns, and the meaning behind its garments. They’ll then use what they’ve learned to design a cultural capsule collection—a mini line of 2–3 looks inspired by their chosen region.

Throughout the session, students will sketch, create textile patterns, and build mood boards that connect their designs to cultural research. The experience will end with a festive fashion showcase, where campers can walk the runway and share their stories with others.

Session 2
July 7 - 17

Session 3
July 21- July 31

EcoCouture

Theme: Where fashion meets the future!

In this eco-inspired session of Threaded Expressions, students will become fashion changemakers—blending style, science, and sustainability! Young designers will learn how the choices we make in fashion can impact the planet and how we can use creativity to design for a better, greener world.

Campers will explore the differences between fast fashion and eco-friendly alternatives, dive into the science behind fabrics, and complete hands-on challenges using recycled and natural materials. From sketch to final stitch, every design will focus on reusing, rethinking, and reducing waste.

By the end of the session, students will proudly present their original EcoCouture Statement Look—a runway-ready design made entirely from upcycled or natural materials. They’ll also create a reflection journal and pitch their ideas to others, showing how fashion can be both fabulous and responsible.