Textile and Apparel Design, commonly referred to as Fashion Design, relates the physical properties of textiles to our human need for functional and fashionable clothing and home accessories. This option combines the art of design, the science of chemistry and the perspective of history in a rich, challenging learning environment that prepares you for dynamic careers at the creative forefront of the textile industry.

Textile and apparel designers must possess an acute visual sensibility informed by the leading aesthetic, social and technical forces of our time. In the Department of Textiles, Merchandising, and Fashion Design, you will be offered a challenging and concentrated foundation in:

• Drawing and design fundamentals
• Draping
• Pattern making
• Construction
• Fabric analysis

and in the development of textile and fashion concepts and products, including their fabrication and presentation.

Career Roles & Responsibilities

• Producing sketches, designs, and samples for presentation to customers
• Making up sets of sample designs
• Liaising with clients and technical, marketing and buying staff to plan and develop designs
• Accurately interpreting and representing clients' ideas
• Working out design formulae for a group of samples
• Assessing and approving completed items and production standards
• Working independently if self-employed, or liaising closely with colleagues as part of a small team
• Using specialist software and computer-aided design (CAD) programs to develop a range of designs
• Experimenting with colour, fabric, and texture
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of new design and production techniques and textile technology
• Developing new design concepts
• Ensuring that projects are completed on time
• Visiting sites and other sources of ideas for designs
• Sourcing fabrics and other materials at trade fairs, markets, and antique shops
• Attending trade shows, as a delegate or as an exhibitor - this may involve representing the company with a display or stand, or appraising the work of competitors
• Keeping up to date and spotting fashion trends in fabric design by reading forecasts in trade magazines and using internet resources
• Developing a network of business contacts
• If self-employed, managing marketing and public relations, finances and business administration, and maintaining websites.

Career Education Path Summary

Textile and Apparel Production Career Path