Arts Thread

Fashion education at Pratt Institute is trans-disciplinary in nature, closely allied with illustration, photography, film, performance, visual studies and material culture. The practice of fashion is taught as one’s cultural embodiment within a social framework and learned through rigorous attention to production, craft and contemporary aesthetics. Students build a vision and a language through conceptual processes emphasizing curiosity, imagination, improvisation and play. They communicate that vision through proficiency in construction and illustration skills, fluency with materials, traditional techniques and digital technologies as well as synthesis of germane research. One of the world’s most prestigious independent colleges, Pratt is globally recognized for its distinguished academic record. Graduates in fashion carry the hallmarks of the department into the working world, where they are recognized for a commitment to ingenuity, authenticity, creativity and personal vision as well as an informed versatility. Their creative approach both reflects and challenges the needs of contemporary culture. Learning Outcomes Students will be able to demonstrate exceptional construction and patternmaking skills. They will be conversant in 2-d and 3-d processes along with construction details and finishes that allow for innovative cut, shape and silhouette. Students will have an in-depth knowledge of materiality and will have acquired a sophisticated curiosity with emergent textiles and technology. Students will be able to communicate their design philosophy with conviction by understanding the history of fashion and the theoretical underpinnings that drive fashion and contemporary culture. Students will be committed to the creative process having strong conceptual thinking skills and an informed versatility required to work in the broad range of the fashion industry from the commercial to the avant-garde. Students will be able to design, produce and progressively present, cohesive, contemporary and authentic collections.