The Fashion Design Program is an idea-driven, craft-based course of study that emphasizes design concepts and skill development. The goal is to produce designers of daring originality who are willing to explore across disciplines and contribute to fashion as an aspect of modern art and culture.
Students gain technical expertise in pattern making, sewing, draping, and fashion illustration and learn the visual and verbal communication skills necessary for success in all aspects of the global field. They develop creative solutions to the challenges of sustainability by designing and manufacturing fashions that respect the environment and preserve native cultures.
Graduates are innovators with excellent skills; they have the ability to do well while doing good. The program culminates with the creation of individualized senior collections and exit portfolios, as well as a group runway in the spring.
Preliminary details for the 2008 senior fashion show are available, though details will be added as they are confirmed, so sign up for our event updates by emailing fashiondesign@cca.edu.
The Boyce Fashion Design Studio on the San Francisco campus is fully equipped for cutting, draping, sewing, and knitting. Our production labs have industrial sewing machines, dress forms, cutting tables, knitting machines, and studio space for seniors. Students are encouraged to investigate courses offered by the Textiles Program, whose facilities include a dye lab and equipment for spinning, printing, and weaving.
Fashion Design students participate in many scholarship and award programs, design initiatives, and internships, and they consistently place as national finalists in design competitions. Ours is one of only 15 programs in the country invited to be part of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).
Our graduates work in all aspects of the fashion industry for companies such as BCBG, Ellen Tracy, Gap Inc., Gymboree, Levi Strauss & Co., and Ralph Lauren, and many have developed their own firms in the United States and abroad.
Learn More
Email amywilliams@cca.edu to learn more about the program from chair Amy Williams.