Student Work
Globalization is invigorating Michigan with new opportunities—and fashion is one of the most exciting. You no longer have to be in New York or LA to pursue a career in fashion. Get started in Grand Rapids, and get connected in New York City.
Kendall's BFA in Fashion Studies is a special program in partnership with the world-renowned Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
This program extends Kendall’s legacy of design excellence into the fashion industry, where several of our graduates are already successfully employed. It also gives Kendall students headed to New York City the advantages of preparing for their careers with a full, four-year design program. This strong foundation means you’re not left to “sink or swim” on your own. You’re set up to succeed.
Continue reading for more information, or click to download the brochure.
How it works
As a “3+1” program, the BFA in Fashion Studies combines the design expertise of Kendall with the fashion industry immersion of FIT. You’ll spend time in both locations, building on what you learn at Kendall to complete your education with a year in the heart of the fashion industry, New York City.
1, 2, 3 ...
Attend classes at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, where you’ll receive a strong foundation in design. Enjoy a comfortable introduction to fashion in cities such as Chicago, New York, or LA through guided class trips. At the end of Year 3, apply for the one-year Associate in Fashion Design program at FIT. (Acceptance is not automatic, but three years of Fashion Studies at Kendall will make students outstanding candidates.)+ 1
- Upon acceptance, attend classes and live in campus housing at FIT in New York City.
- Finish the year with an associate degree from FIT.
- FIT credits then transfer back to Kendall, and students are awarded a full BFA in Fashion Studies from Kendall College of Art and Design.
Why does our 3+1 program make sense?
Click to learn more about getting the best of Kendall and FIT.
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Supportive Studio
Design Drawing I (3) and Design Drawing II (3) OR
Drawing I (3) and Drawing II (3)-
Digital Imaging I (3)
Students will be introduced to digital drawing, coloring, compositing and image manipulation techniques for both print and digital delivery systems.
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Design Drawing I (3)
Freehand drawing using basic perspective principles and quick sketch techniques.
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Design Drawing II (3)
Advanced freehand drawing and sketching with the addition of color media.
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Drawing I (3)
The process of drawing as observation and conceptualization through eye-hand coordination. Emphasizes linear construction with concern for accurate proportion and simple positive-negative/figure-ground relationships. Includes an in-depth study of linear perspective. (Students who have earned FSU credit for VISC 112 Drawing I, may not use credit earned in KCDR 131 to meet graduation requirements.
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Drawing II (3)
Emphasis on development of convincing illusion of three-dimensional objects, through the combined use of line, value, proportion, and composition. This course focuses on the further refinement of the concepts, processes, and techniques introduced in Drawing I. Expanded exploration of perspective, composition, color investigation, media exploration, and idea development within traditional subject matter will be emphasized.
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2-D Design (3)
A problem-solving course covering the principles of composition and modular design systems. Uses predominately abstract shapes and black, white, and achromatic gray ranges.(Students who have earned credit for VISC 110, Design I, may not use credit earned in KCPA 110 to meet graduation requirements.)
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Color (3)
A problem-solving course which studies the properties and interactions of color and its resulting perceptual effects in pictorial space.
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3-D Design (3)
To explore the elements, principles and aesthetic concepts integral to three-dimensional design and to consider relationships between concept, process, materials, tools and technical skills. (Students who have earned credit for ARTS 120, 3-D Design, may not use credit earned in KCSF 11 to meet graduation requirements.)
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Figure Drawing I (3)
Emphasizes gesture drawing, sighting the figure, basic compositional concerns, precise linear construction, and structural aspects of the figure. Anatomical focus is on the skeletal structure and its effect on surface form. Tonal construction introduced late in the semester.
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Contemporary Fashion Illustration (3)
Students will study the illustration of contemporary fashions, designs and accessories as well as research the work of current fashion illustrators. Course work will include practical techniques of fashion illustration along with experimentation with various media.
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Major Studio
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Introduction to Fashion (3)
An introduction to the language, materials, and trends of fashion with an integrated overview. Includes concept development, sketching, and studio production.
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Fashion Design / Construction I (3)
Provides a solid foundation in fashion concept, design, and garment construction. Includes development of basic pattern blocks, introduction to draping techniques, and finishing methods.
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Fashion Design / Construction II (3)
Continues development of fashion concept, design, and garment construction. It reinforces core competency in pattern-making, draping, and construction techniques.
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Fashion Design / Construction III (3)
Integrates design and construction skills to thematic fashion design problems. Emphasis will be placed on student developing and articulating their personal design aesthetic and voice. -
Fashion Design / Construction IV (3)
An advanced course in fashion design, construction, and presentation culminating in the creation and presentation of a fashion collection and portfolio.
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Art History
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Western Art I-Prehist-Renais (3)
An overview of the Western Art tradition from prehistory through the Renaissance using a socio-cultural methodology in a chronological framework. (Students who have earned credit for ARTH 110, Prehistoric through Middle Ages, may not use credit earned in KCAH 111 to meet graduation requirements.)
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Western Art II-Baroque-Present (3)
A survey of Western art from the Baroque to the present, this course will continue building upon the foundation of Western Art I; Prehistoric through the Renaissance, using a socio-cultural methodology in a chronological framework. (Students who have earned credit for ARTH 111, Renaissance through 20th Century, may not use credit earned in KCAH 112 to meet graduation requirements.)
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History of Fashion as Art (3)
A study of male and female fashion as an art form, related to the fine arts and reflective of the changing cultural and aesthetic values of Western history.
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Seminar in Art History (3)
A seminar dealing with select topics in art history, theory, and/or criticism.
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General Education
Science Elective (3)
Math Elective (3)
Social Science Elective (3)
Social Science Elective (3) - Must be 300 or 400 level.
Literature (HU) Elective (3) *
Humanities Elective (3) *
* One of these courses must be 300 or 400 level-
Critical Transitions: Adjust (1)
An inquiry into the academic expectations, resources, policies, and traditions of college life. Students are challenged to enhance their intellectual potential, understand their academic responsibilities, personal integrity, and appreciate diversity in a framework that develops the critical thinking, learning, and communication skills necessary to contribute successfully to the college's intellectual life. An experiential learning component engages students in the community at large.
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Written Rhetoric (3)
Focuses on using writing both to develop critical thinking skills and to express ideas clearly and appropriately according to audience and purpose. Students will engage in a variety of writing modes and will spend a portion of the semester engaging in scholarly research and the documentation of source-based materials. (Students who have earned credit for ENG 150, English I, may not use credit earned in KCHU 120 to meet graduation requirements.)
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Oral Rhetoric (3)
Presents concepts and develops oral and rhetorical skills appropriate for formal presentations, with emphasis on prepared, extemporaneous, and impromptu speaking. (Students who have earned credit for COMM 121. Fundamentals of Public Speaking, may not use credit earned in KCHU 121 to meet graduation requirements.)
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Visual Rhetoric (3)
Focuses on the analysis of numerous forms of visual discourse, including their rhetorical effectiveness, impact on audiences, and social/cultural influences.
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Studio Electives
Studio Electives (9) -
Fashion Institute of Technology - New York City
Senior Year (32)
First Semester:
FD 113 - Apparel Design: Struc. Silhouettes (4)
FD 114 - Apparel Design: Soft Silhouettes (3)
FD 121 - Flat Pattern Design I (1.5)
FD 131 - Sewing Techniques I (1.5)
FF 113 - Fashion Art and Design (5)
FF 141 - Introduction to Comp. Fashion Design (1)
FA 105 - Life Drawing (1.5)
Second Semester: Apparel Concentration
FD 212 - Draping IV: Advanced Techniques (3)
FD 221 - Flat Pattern Design II (1.5)
FD 241 - Apparel Prod. Data Management (1.5)
FF 114 - Model Drawing (1)
FF 212 - Fashion Art and Design IV (2)
FF 243 - Digital Flats and Specs. (1.5)
CL 112 - Faces/Places in Fashion (1)
TS 132 - Intro. Textiles for Fashion Design (3)
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Second Semester: Art Concentration
FD 221 - Flat Pattern Design II (1.5)
FD 241 - Apparel Prod. Data Management (1)
FF 213 - Model Visualization Techniques (1.5)
FF 243 - Digital Flats and Specs. (1.5)
FF 244 - Design Collections: Visual Solution (2)
FF 291 - Fashion Portfolio Collection (1)
CL 112 - Faces/Places in Fashion (3)
TS 132 - Intro. Textiles for Fashion Design (3)
Download the catalog for the most recent course listings and prerequisites.
We look forward to occupying our spaces in the newly renovated Historic Federal Building, opening fall 2012.
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