Department Head

Gwen Van Den Eijnde (Fall/Wintersession), Lisa Z. Morgan (Spring)

• Learn more about Apparel Design at RISD

• Department Location and Contacts

Curriculum

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Learning outcomes

The program equips students with the key technical, artistic and social attributes to contribute to and positively impact creative industries. Graduate of the BFA program will:

• develop an approach to apparel design informed by an understanding that clothing the body is an invaluable form of self-expression integral to how people present themselves to and move through the world.

• learn about critical discourses that investigate clothing on ideological terms, examining how apparel designers present and represent bodies, how clothing connects to identity/identities and how aesthetics, apparel design and sensorial human experience relate to one another.

• learn qualitative research methods for investigating identity/identities, sourcing and audience in relation to the work they make.

• gain a deep understanding of positive and sustainable practices in order to question, challenge and participate in the evolving world of fashion as forward-looking agents of change.

• acquire a strong base in traditional making and craftsmanship, including drawing, pattern cutting, flat pattern, and 3D draping, garment construction and fitting.

• develop effective communication and presentation strategies, problem setting, project planning and organization.

• generate and share knowledge.