The fashion industry must balance commerce and art. A faculty of practicing designers prepares students to both input manufacturing specifications and drape silk to create a new silhouette. Students learn to design and construct garments for women, men, and children. Students are encouraged to explore individual interests and styles as they master detailing techniques and issues of marketability, cost, care, and comfort. The program brings a broad perspective to fashion, merging couture design with the manufacturing process.
Students learn new and traditional tools used in design and pattern-making.
Designers trained in the traditional methods and on the computer can compete globally. MassArt is moving ahead in a format that is new and different from any other school in the United States, faculty Sondra Grace says. Seniors degree projects consist of a signature line of garments based on research in an area of interest. Recent projects include African-inspired millinery, costumes derived from the Sami culture, and sportswear based on the history of aviation. Advanced students also take a research class that includes studies in fashion marketing.