Fashion as Design

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/fashion-design

Introduction

**Course Review: Fashion as Design** In a world where fashion pervades every aspect of our daily lives, the Coursera course "Fashion as Design," developed in collaboration with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), offers an extensive exploration of the creative processes, cultural significances, and social implications behind clothing. The course serves as an enlightening venture into the realm of fashion, engaging students not only in the aesthetic and practical dimensions of clothing but also challenging them to consider the broader impacts of their choices in the context of society, technology, and the environment. ### Overview The "Fashion as Design" course explores the notion that clothing is a universal and deeply personal form of design. It juxtaposes critical themes such as aspiration and achievement, craftsmanship and automation, and customization and standardization. The course intricately delves into how these tensions shape the fashion narrative, illustrating that every garment has a story tied to its conception, use, and eventual disposal. ### Syllabus Breakdown **1. Introduction** In the course’s introductory module, learners are introduced to the foundational concepts of fashion as design, prompting them to think critically about the clothes they wear and the lives they lead. **2. Heroes** This module examines the transformative power of clothing through the lens of 'heroes.' Here students discover how garments can symbolize achievement and aspiration, elevating everyday attire to a heroic status. The creative task of imagining oneself as a future space hero adds a playful yet thought-provoking layer to understanding identity associated with clothing. **3. Silhouettes** Exploring the relationship between body shapes and clothing outlines, this module drives home how fashion influences and is influenced by cultural perceptions of the body. Analyzing silhouettes broadens students’ understanding of how various societal trends affect personal expression and self-image. **4. Coutures** Focusing on the art of dressmaking, this section highlights the transition from traditional craftsmanship to modern technology in garment production. Students will appreciate the meticulous processes behind both high-end couture and everyday garments, gaining a broader perspective on craftsmanship in the industry. **5. Lifecycle** Often overlooked, the lifecycle of clothing takes center stage in this module. It dives into issues such as sustainability, production, and the environmental impact of consumption and disposal. This awareness encourages students to think critically about their own consumption habits and their consequences on the planet. **6. Modesty** Here, the course tackles the myriad representations of modesty, linking social, political, and personal narratives to the clothes we choose to wear. It provides a candid exploration of how societal standards of morality and agency can influence fashion choices. **7. Expression** The final module culminates in the assertion that clothing choices are powerful forms of self-expression. Students explore how fashion can foster connections among groups while allowing individuality to shine, encouraging dialog about identity and culture. ### Recommendation "Fashion as Design" is an essential course for anyone interested in the multifaceted world of fashion—whether you are a student, designer, or simply a curious individual seeking to deepen your appreciation for clothes. It’s a course that blends theory and practice, offering a rich tapestry of insights into how our clothing choices resonate within personal lives and societal narratives. I highly recommend this course not only for its intriguing content but also for its engaging format, featuring interviews with designers and makers, illustrative case studies, and hands-on projects that invite reflection and creativity. By the end of the course, learners will have developed a more thoughtful perspective on fashion as a critical component of culture, identity, and sustainability. The course not only enriches our understanding of clothing but also encourages us to consider the impact of our choices on the wider world. Embark on this journey, and you may find that your wardrobe reflects not just your style, but also your values and your role within a larger societal framework.

Syllabus

Introduction

Wearing certain garments can inspire heroic transformations, while heroes can elevate everyday clothing to iconic status. In this module, you will discover the relationship between aspiration, achievement, adulation, and attire through a wide range of heroes—and even imagine yourself as a space hero in the future.

When we put on clothes, we change the shape and outline of our bodies—sometimes profoundly. The silhouettes we adopt are determined by everything from shifting trends in fashion to what looks and feels good. This week, we explore how clothes shape the body and how cultural constructions of the body shape clothes.

The French word couture means "dressmaking" or "sewing,” and often refers to one-of-a-kind, primarily handmade garments intended for a specific individual. This module approaches couture from a broader perspective, exploring the complex processes—from traditional handcrafting to the use of new technologies—that go into the making of high-end and everyday garments.

This module examines the lifecycle of garments, an often overlooked aspect of fashion that many individuals and companies are addressing with growing urgency. How do garments begin, how do they end, and how does the cycle of production, consumption, and disposal impact the world?

Modesty has many varied expressions that can be informed by social, religious, or political identifications, as well as by personal choice. But whether covered up or exposed, our bodies are often battlegrounds for continually shifting societal claims around morality, agency, and etiquette.

What we wear and how we wear it can communicate messages, create group identification, borrow and remake existing styles, or subvert a garment’s traditional associations. While choosing and wearing clothes is an act of personal expression, it is also a response to many of the topics addressed in the preceding weeks of this course. In this final week, we look at the ways in which clothing allows us to feel connected to others and to stand out.