Program Details

  • Program Code: F113
  • Credential:
    Ontario College Diploma
  • Duration:
    2 years (4 semesters)
  • Method of Study:
    Full-time
  • Starting Months: January, September
  • Domestic Tuition:
    $4,596.00 * +
  • International Tuition:
    $18,322.00 ** +

Program Availability

SemesterDomesticInternational
Fall 2023
Closed
Closed
Winter 2024
Closed
Closed
Spring 2024
Not Available
Not Available
  • Work-Integrated Learning:

    Students with a minimum 2.7 GPA may apply for a Field Education elective in second year (subject to availability).

  • PGWP Eligible: No
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Program Description

Program Overview

The Fashion Techniques and Design program prepares you for careers in garment-manufacturing design rooms. This is a women's wear program that focuses on pattern drafting and sewing skills. You will use industrial machines and learn the essentials of technical illustration, pattern making, pattern grading and clothing construction. Additional core subjects include textiles, technical specifications and history of costume.

Full Description

The Fashion Techniques and Design program prepares you for careers in garment-manufacturing design rooms. This is a women's wear program that simulates, as closely as possible, the industry's standards, practices and facilities. You will use industrial machines and learn the essentials of technical illustration, pattern making, pattern grading and clothing construction. Additional core subjects include textiles, technical specifications and the history of costume. Program electives allow you to select specific related subject areas, such as fashion show development, portfolio development, draping, lingerie, men's pattern drafting, leather apparel, knitwear and bridal and evening wear. Computer skills in Adobe Illustrator, pattern drafting and pattern grading are included as core and elective courses and are continually upgraded to meet industry needs. This program covers introductory methods to more advanced concepts in the second year.

An annual fashion show and portfolio event highlight successful student projects. You have the opportunity to network with industry, participate in numerous competitions, work on applied research projects, volunteer and attend industry events.

Note: This program requires extensive sewing; manual dexterity and good vision are assets. Both sewing experience and access to a sewing machine outside of the campus facilities are expected.  Students who begin the program in January will study through the spring/summer semester and continue into the September academic year.  For January students, the program is condensed to 1.5 years by studying through the spring/summer period.

At the School of Fashion and Jewellery, the learning environment is as diverse as our students and there are many extracurricular activities to take advantage of.

Program Requirements

The Fashion Techniques and Design program requires students to have access to a personal laptop or desktop computer, printer and reliable Internet for classes.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

This program is ideal for individuals with a love of fashion and a desire to be involved in the industry at various stages of creating a fashion line, from initial design concept to final product.

Graduates typically become members of a team in roles that might include:

  • pattern drafting or construction
  • drafting and construction specifications
  • product development

Graduates have had successful careers as:

  • assistant designers
  • technical designers
  • patternmakers
  • samplemakers
  • assistant apparel technicians
  • graders
  • marker makers
  • technical illustrators
  • product developers
  • stylists
  • design, trend and style consultants
  • social media

Workplaces range from small design studios to large manufacturing companies. In the last 40 years, graduates have also developed into entrepreneurs in design, sewing and fashion service bureaus.

Educational Pathways

Graduates of this program with a minimum program GPA of 2.7 are eligible for admission to George Brown postgraduate programs.

Students who successfully complete this program with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher may be eligible for admission into fashion programs at other post-secondary institutions.

For further information, see Transfer Guide.

Alumni Impact

We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
 
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.

Latest alumni stories 

Visit Casa Loma Campus

Book campus tour

Get answers to your questions

Book info session
A photo of Valentin Amon

"I am thankful for all the learning opportunities I have been given at FX and School of Fashion and Jewellery, George Brown Polytechnic. I have been lucky to have such amazing teachers and mentors. Ula Zukowska was my Industrial Power Sewing instructor at FX and later taught me construction sewing at George Brown Polytechnic in the Fashion Techniques and Design Program. Ula hired me upon graduating from the Fashion Techniques program and I am deeply grateful. I would also like to acknowledge Berta Pavlov who is the instructor of the PAD software certificate program who gave me the skills to become a technical designer in fashion. I am fortunate enough to be able to work at FX and be surrounded by experts and masters in the fashion industry and be able to help the team create such amazing new designs and products."

Valentin Amon
Ontario College Diploma
Noel Goertz

“My success at George Brown Polytechnic was facilitated by the supportive professors genuinely invested in my progression, a diverse community of passionate students I connected with, and extra-curricular opportunities for growth. Within the Fashion Techniques and Design program, I was able to gain the skills necessary to actualize prior concepts. Professors such as Cynthia Givens-Sanford offered me inspiration, opportunity, and mentorship and were consistently supportive of my creative strides both within, and outside the classroom.  When challenge and genuine support are experienced in tandem, it is a recipe for success - I experienced this throughout my studies at George Brown, and I will continue to pursue this balance within my career. “

Noel Goertz
Ontario College Diploma

"I entered George Brown Polytechnic without any fashion design experience. The technical curriculum left me finishing each day with a new skill at my disposal. Alongside guest lectures, competitions and paid work experiences granted through the school, my George Brown education helped take me all the way to Belgium to continue my studies at the prestigious Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts (although this decision was almost swayed by an amazing job offer in Toronto)! I can't express enough my gratitude for having learned so much in just two years."

Holden Vetro
Ontario College Diploma

"The George Brown grad show was pretty much the first time I saw something that had gone from my concept to actually walking down a runway. It was a huge moment for me. Going from not knowing how to use a sewing machine to coming up with a 15-piece collection right out of school that showed in Vancouver Fashion Week is all credit to my alma mater."

Gargi Ghugare
Ontario College Diploma

"My advice to students is to take as many opportunities as you can. Apply for events, awards and shows. I was able to be in the Global Edge program and go to India, but was also shortlisted as one of five new menswear designers to showcase at the first Toronto Men's Fashion Week. I actually won the Emerging Menswear Designer Award that year! That wouldn't have happened if I didn't apply for the opportunity in the first place."

Joao Guedes
Ontario College Diploma

Visit Casa Loma Campus

Our Virtual Tour showcases the following areas:

  • Campus Facilities
  • Student Services
  • Applied Learning Environments
  • Labs & Classrooms

Program Details

  • Program Code: F113
  • Credential:
    Ontario College Diploma
  • Duration:
    2 years (4 semesters)
  • Method of Study:
    Full-time
  • Starting Months: January, September
  • Domestic Tuition:
    $4,195.00 * +
  • International Tuition:
    $17,549.00 ** +

Program Availability

SemesterDomesticInternational
Fall 2022
Closed
Closed
Winter 2023
Closed
Closed
Spring 2023
Not Available
Not Available
  • Work-Integrated Learning:

    Students with a minimum 2.7 GPA may apply for a Field Education elective in second year (subject to availability).

  • PGWP Eligible: No
Add to Comparison +Compare Programs

Visit Casa Loma Campus

Book campus tour

Get answers to your questions

Book info session

Program Description

Program Overview

This two-year diploma program prepares you for careers in garment manufacturing design rooms. This is a women's wear program that focuses on pattern drafting and sewing skills. You will use industrial machines and learn the essentials of technical illustration, pattern making, pattern grading and clothing construction. Additional core subjects include textiles, technical specifications and history of costume.

Full Description

The Fashion Techniques and Design program prepares you for careers in garment manufacturing design rooms. This is a women's wear program that simulates, as closely as possible, the industry's standards, practices and facilities. You will use industrial machines and learn the essentials of technical illustration, pattern making, pattern grading and clothing construction. Additional core subjects include textiles, technical specifications and the history of costume. Program electives allow you to select specific related subject areas, such as fashion show development, portfolio development, draping, lingerie, men's pattern drafting, leather apparel, knitwear, and bridal and evening wear. Computer skills in Adobe Illustrator, pattern drafting and pattern grading are included as core and elective courses and are continually upgraded to meet industry needs. This program covers introductory methods to more advanced concepts in the second year.

An annual fashion show and portfolio event highlight successful student projects. You have the opportunity to network with industry, participate in numerous competitions, work on applied research projects, volunteer and attend industry events.

Note: This program requires extensive sewing; manual dexterity and good vision are assets. Both sewing experience and access to a sewing machine outside of the campus facilities are expected.

At the School of Fashion and Jewellery, the learning environment is as diverse as our students and there are many extracurricular activities to take advantage of.

Program Requirements

The Fashion Techniques and Design program requires students to have access to a personal laptop or desktop computer, and reliable Internet access for synchronous classes.

 

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

This program is ideal for individuals with a love of fashion and a desire to be involved in the industry at various stages of creating a fashion line, from initial design concept to final product.

Graduates typically become members of a team in roles that might include:

  • Pattern drafting or construction
  • Drafting and construction specifications
  • Product development

Graduates have had successful careers as:

  • Assistant Designers
  • Technical Designers
  • Patternmakers
  • Samplemakers
  • Assistant Apparel Technicians
  • Graders
  • Marker Makers
  • Technical Illustrators
  • Product Developers
  • Stylists
  • Design, Trend and Style consultants
  • Bloggers

Workplaces range from small design studios to large manufacturing companies. In the last 40 years, graduates have also developed into entrepreneurs in design, sewing and fashion service bureaus.

Educational Pathways

Graduates of this program with a minimum program GPA of 2.7 are eligible for admission to George Brown postgraduate programs.

Students who successfully complete this program with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher may be eligible for admission into fashion programs at other post-secondary institutions.

For further information, see Transfer Guide.

Visit Casa Loma Campus

Book campus tour

Get answers to your questions

Book info session
Olusoga Oyinlola

“I have been passionate about fashion from an early age.  Born in Montreal, raised in Nigeria and educated at York University in Economics, I started my career with an insurance company and quickly realized I was happiest designing and sewing in my spare time.  I researched the best fashion colleges and George Brown came up, so I took a risk, quit my job, and went back to school.

Going to George Brown for the Fashion Design and Techniques program was the best decision I made for so many reasons and here are a few:

  • The professors are extremely supportive and helpful- they are always there to answer your questions and provide advise to be successful in the fashion industry. 
    • I remember in particular a conversation with Ross Mayer at a time I was experiencing challenges in my business.  He paid attention to all my questions, advised me on what to do and made me understand I had to value my products more. He also made me realize making mistakes is normal and I should not let that stop me.
  • I had the opportunity to participate in the African Fashion Week, Student Designer Competition, in 2021. And I won!
  • Marilyn McNeil nominated me as one of the top two students in the School of Fashion for The Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards (CAFA), The Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent, Fashion award.
  • I had a class with Winnie Leung organizing THREADS 2021, the School of Fashion year-end event, which gave me experience organizing an event, meeting new people and going out of my comfort zone. 
  • The fashion team, Rosa Fracassa, Sarah Hood and Ingrid Wagemans, supported my pop up by providing a venue (The Fashion Exchange) and mannequins.  This allowed me to focus on developing my menswear collection.

For this, and so much more, I am grateful!”

Olusoga Oyinlola
Ontario College Diploma
A photo of F113 graduate Cynthia Sanford

“There’s a reason why George Brown Polytechnic is constantly being ranked as a top fashion school in Canada. During my last week of classes I was able to secure a career in the fashion industry due to the skills I've obtained from the Fashion Techniques and Design program. The in-depth curriculum mimics the fast paced fashion industry and provides amazing opportunities to its students. The creditable staff truly cares about student success and there are often keynote speakers, competitions, networking opportunities, and events they advertise year round. Besides academics, George Brown Polytechnic also offers a great student life. Moving to a new city where I knew no one, I was able to meet new people outside of my program through the Athletic Association and numerous events hosted by George Brown Polytechnic. If you want a successful career in the fashion industry, I cannot recommend The School of Fashion at George Brown Polytechnic enough. It truly immersed me in this field and it turned my dream into a reality in just a few years.”

Sarah Jill DeCoste
Ontario College Diploma
A photo of Valentin Amon

"I am thankful for all the learning opportunities I have been given at FX and School of Fashion and Jewellery, George Brown Polytechnic. I have been lucky to have such amazing teachers and mentors. Ula Zukowska was my Industrial Power Sewing instructor at FX and later taught me construction sewing at George Brown Polytechnic in the Fashion Techniques and Design Program. Ula hired me upon graduating from the Fashion Techniques program and I am deeply grateful. I would also like to acknowledge Berta Pavlov who is the instructor of the PAD software certificate program who gave me the skills to become a technical designer in fashion. I am fortunate enough to be able to work at FX and be surrounded by experts and masters in the fashion industry and be able to help the team create such amazing new designs and products."

Valentin Amon
Ontario College Diploma
Noel Goertz

“My success at George Brown Polytechnic was facilitated by the supportive professors genuinely invested in my progression, a diverse community of passionate students I connected with, and extra-curricular opportunities for growth. Within the Fashion Techniques and Design program, I was able to gain the skills necessary to actualize prior concepts. Professors such as Cynthia Givens-Sanford offered me inspiration, opportunity, and mentorship and were consistently supportive of my creative strides both within, and outside the classroom.  When challenge and genuine support are experienced in tandem, it is a recipe for success - I experienced this throughout my studies at George Brown, and I will continue to pursue this balance within my career. “

Noel Goertz
Ontario College Diploma

"I entered George Brown Polytechnic without any fashion design experience. The technical curriculum left me finishing each day with a new skill at my disposal. Alongside guest lectures, competitions and paid work experiences granted through the school, my George Brown education helped take me all the way to Belgium to continue my studies at the prestigious Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts (although this decision was almost swayed by an amazing job offer in Toronto)! I can't express enough my gratitude for having learned so much in just two years."

Holden Vetro
Ontario College Diploma

"The George Brown grad show was pretty much the first time I saw something that had gone from my concept to actually walking down a runway. It was a huge moment for me. Going from not knowing how to use a sewing machine to coming up with a 15-piece collection right out of school that showed in Vancouver Fashion Week is all credit to my alma mater."

Gargi Ghugare
Ontario College Diploma

"My advice to students is to take as many opportunities as you can. Apply for events, awards and shows. I was able to be in the Global Edge program and go to India, but was also shortlisted as one of five new menswear designers to showcase at the first Toronto Men's Fashion Week. I actually won the Emerging Menswear Designer Award that year! That wouldn't have happened if I didn't apply for the opportunity in the first place."

Joao Guedes
Ontario College Diploma

Visit Casa Loma Campus

Our Virtual Tour showcases the following areas:

  • Campus Facilities
  • Student Services
  • Applied Learning Environments
  • Labs & Classrooms