This course challenges students to expand the boundaries of what fashion design mean. Through a series of hands-on projects, students investigate garment and accessory design as a practice that engages with rapid prototyping, critical theory, and environmental responsibility. The emphasis is on developing original design thinking, from modular construction systems and no-sew fabrication methods to speculative futures and upcycled material practice. Students are expected to take creative risks, build technical skills, and develop a design voice grounded in research, intentionality, and craft.

Critical Upcycling Project Examples

Collapsed yellow tent in woods; woman in yellow poncho with large black dog in matching cover
Two-panel photo: person in yellow raincoat kneeling and petting a small pony in a yellow blanket.
Left: yellow long-sleeve top and accessories; right: model wearing multicolor fringed off-shoulder sweater
Folded road map with shredded paper pieces in a plastic bag on gray tile floor
Collage of sneaker-style cardholders and three packaged blue-black wallets on grid mat

Modularity Project Examples