Textile & Apparel Design provides students with an opportunity to learn and create one-of-a-kind textile and apparel products through drawing, design, textile and apparel practices. Individuals with creative and artistic interests in fashion and design will gain important technical design skills and knowledge of the integral relationships among fabric, surface and apparel design.
In the program, students will nurture an appreciation for the handcrafted product with the use of natural and sustainable materials. In fabric design, students will create fabric through knit, weave and felt. In surface design, they will explore hand sewing, embroidery, quilt, print, dye, and rug hooking. In apparel design, they will design and create clothing and accessories using hand-sewing skills, machine sewing and garment construction techniques, while exploring the exciting world of fashion and apparel.
Different media and techniques are introduced in the first year of the program. Innovation and creativity are encouraged through contemporary application of traditional skills and the incorporation of innovative materials into project ideas. The relationship between a maker’s intent and content will form, through discourse in contemporary and traditional practice. Technical and critical skill development will occur in progression throughout the program.
The program is designed to offer innovative training that reaches beyond the classroom with an emphasis on experiential learning during fine craft and design fairs, wholesale trade shows, gallery exhibitions, and a fashion show. The program is supported by courses in colour theory, digital design, art and craft history, communications, entrepreneurial studies, art marketing development and proposal writing. The second year is an opportunity to focus studies and further develop design and technical skills when students choose two out of the three studio areas: fabric design, surface design or apparel design. Second-year students will also enrich their learning through courses in project coordination and implementation.
Graduates of the Textile & Apparel Design program will gain the solid foundation necessary to begin building a career as an independent artist, a production craftsperson, or as an employee in the craft and apparel industry. The program also offers graduates a solid foundation for exploring higher learning opportunities.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Create aesthetic, functional, and innovative designs and products in the textile and apparel industry.
- Integrate learned skills and techniques in fabric, surface and apparel design towards building a career as a professional artist.
- Solve textile and apparel design issues through research and critical analysis.
- Apply personal style and media choices in the creation of drawings, which support conceptual and technical design work.
- Contribute to and enrich the quality, standards and professionalism of the textile and apparel industry.
- Utilize effective communication techniques while promoting oneself in a professional manner as an emerging artist or designer.
- Write professional proposals, grant applications, work reviews, and critiques.
- Employ entrepreneurial skills, art marketing and self-promotion during events such as gallery exhibitions, fashion shows, craft fairs, wholesale trade shows, workshops and conferences.
- Plan, develop, monitor and implement a successful textile and/or apparel-based event.
- Express the importance of the relationship between traditional and contemporary craft and art within individual studio practice.
ENTRANCE REQUIRMENTS
1. High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% average in nine level 3000 credits or equivalent
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science Transition Certificate
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) with an average pass mark of 60%
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program must be at least 19 years of age at the time of application and out of school for at least one year to be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to
Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
Note: This program is not suitable for applicants with respiratory problems or colour blindness.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Working within the field of textile and apparel design offers rewarding opportunities and work experiences. Graduates of the Textile & Apparel Design program may become employed within the craft and fashion industry, which is inclusive of textile and apparel. Not only are graduates employed in their immediate area of skill and with various employers in full-time, part-time and contractual employment, but they also may become self-employed. Graduates of this program may find gainful employment working with art galleries, and during film/theatre productions.