INTRODUCTION TO FASHION TEXTILES AND FIBRES
Old traditions and new technologiesCOURSE DESCRIPTION
What makes a garment cool and dry during the Summer? Or a ski suit warm and waterproof? How do astronauts and Arctic explorers survive such harsh conditions and how can a textile be classed as hypo-allergenic or antibacterial?
The textile world is incredibly rich in possibilities coming both from a long tradition and from recent research. In order to make the best use of these possibilities it is important to understand the unique qualities of the different textile materials and structures that we have at our disposal. The first part of this course will be devoted to gaining a basic knowledge of the available materials and structures and learning to make informed and responsible choices.
Having studied what is necessary to make a textile do its job from a practical perspective we will then pass to the aesthetic considerations covering the fields of manipulation (smocking, pleating etc.), surface design (printing and embroidery) and nets/lace-like fabrics (cut work, devoré).
The students will then choose a specific situation for which to design a textile based on the information and skills learned and they will produce a mini project outlining the reasons for their choices and illustrating this with samples.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
· To provide a basic knowledge of textile fibres, structures and decorative techniques available to designers and their possible applications.· To encourage the students to think creatively and responsibly about their choice of materials and techniques.
· To give the students the opportunity to handle unusual materials and to see traditional materials and techniques in a new way.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
No specific requirements.OUTPUT
A portfolio of samples with explanations of their technical qualities and a mini-project based on a chosen theme.
