Fashion Techniques and Design Program (F113)

Program Description

Program Overview

The Fashion Techniques and Design two-year diploma program prepares you for an exciting career in garment-manufacturing design rooms. This is a women's wear program that focuses on pattern drafting and sewing skills. Using industrial machines, you'll 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

In the Fashion Techniques and Design two-year diploma program, you'll focus on women's wear in a learning environment that closely simulates the industry's standards, practices, and facilities. 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. We offer core and elective courses that keep up with industry trends, including Adobe Illustrator, pattern drafting, and pattern grading. In the second year, we'll introduce you to more advanced concepts.

You'll get to show off your work at our annual fashion show, and again at a special portfolio event. As part of the program, you'll also get the opportunity to network with industry professionals, 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 you 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 you if you have 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.

As a graduate, you can become a member of a team in roles that might include:

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

Our 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 

This program holds a very special place in my heart. It’s been amazing to reflect on all the skills I’ve gained and the incredible people I’ve met. I’ve felt truly supported and seen throughout my time at GBC and even after graduation. The continued support from my professors as I embarked on my alumni career journey has meant so much to me. I’m really going to miss being at GBC and wish I could do it all over again!

When I first started, I had already launched my brand, Inward, but my skills were quite basic—I could only sew with stretch fabrics and didn’t even know what a dart was. I had many ideas but struggled to bring them to life. I chose to invest two years into studying this craft because I believed it was the ideal amount of time to acquire the skills I needed without a prolonged commitment. By the end of my first semester, I was thrilled to sew a perfect pleated skirt, which felt like a huge achievement.

The program’s focus on essential skills and high standards for construction quality has been incredibly valuable. I’ve gained practical skills in illustration, drafting, and construction, and built strong connections with my teachers. It provided a safe and inspiring space to create. I’ve already recommended this program to many friends, and even though the time has flown by, it’s emotional to think about the end of this chapter. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to develop their fashion skills in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Marina Vitoria
Ontario College Diploma

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