Cardin to Castelbajac: Style in French Fashion

Course Overview

This 4-session survey course, Cardin to Castelbajac: Style in French Fashion, provides an overview of the main designers in Parisian Fashion from the 1950s to the 1990s. Each session focuses on one iconic creative individual for each decade, discussing their work in light of the cultural and political context of the time. Through video lectures, assigned readings and discussions, students learn about specific designers and key sartorial techniques and trends, as well as the main phenomena in the fashion business for each decade. The first session will cover Pierre Cardin in the 1950s, the second session will cover Yves Saint Laurent in the 1960s, the third session will cover Kenzo and Sonia Rykiel in the 1970s, and the fourth session will cover Jean Charles de Castelbajac, Rei Kawakubo and Yoshi Yamamoto in the 1980s.

[Applications]
Upon completion of this course, students will have a better understanding of the history of French fashion and the influence of the cultural and political context on the work of iconic designers. They will also have a better understanding of the main phenomena in the fashion business for each decade. Students can apply this knowledge to their own fashion designs, as well as to their understanding of the fashion industry as a whole. They can also use this knowledge to inform their own fashion choices and to better appreciate the work of French fashion designers.

[Career Paths]
1. Fashion Designer: Fashion designers create clothing and accessories for both men and women. They must have a strong understanding of the latest trends and be able to create designs that are both stylish and practical. They must also be able to work with a variety of fabrics and materials. As fashion trends continue to evolve, fashion designers must stay up to date on the latest trends and be able to create new and innovative designs.

2. Fashion Stylist: Fashion stylists are responsible for creating looks for clients that are both fashionable and appropriate for the occasion. They must be able to work with a variety of clothing and accessories to create looks that are both stylish and practical. They must also be able to work with clients to create looks that are tailored to their individual tastes and needs.

3. Fashion Buyer: Fashion buyers are responsible for selecting the items that will be sold in stores. They must be able to identify trends and select items that will be popular with customers. They must also be able to negotiate with vendors to get the best prices for the items they are purchasing. As fashion trends continue to evolve, fashion buyers must stay up to date on the latest trends and be able to select items that will be popular with customers.

4. Fashion Photographer: Fashion photographers are responsible for capturing images of models wearing clothing and accessories. They must be able to work with a variety of lighting and camera equipment to create images that are both stylish and practical. As fashion trends continue to evolve, fashion photographers must stay up to date on the latest trends and be able to create images that are both stylish and practical.

[Education Paths]
1. Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design: This degree program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to design and create fashion garments. Students learn about the history of fashion, design principles, and the business of fashion. They also learn about the latest trends in fashion and how to create garments that are both stylish and functional. This degree program is ideal for those who want to pursue a career in fashion design or fashion merchandising.

2. Master of Arts in Fashion Studies: This degree program focuses on the history, culture, and business of fashion. Students learn about the evolution of fashion, the influence of culture on fashion, and the business of fashion. They also learn about the latest trends in fashion and how to create garments that are both stylish and functional. This degree program is ideal for those who want to pursue a career in fashion journalism, fashion curation, or fashion consulting.

3. Master of Science in Textile and Apparel Design: This degree program focuses on the design and production of textiles and apparel. Students learn about the history of textiles and apparel, design principles, and the business of fashion. They also learn about the latest trends in fashion and how to create garments that are both stylish and functional. This degree program is ideal for those who want to pursue a career in textile and apparel design or fashion merchandising.

4. Doctor of Philosophy in Fashion Studies: This degree program focuses on the history, culture, and business of fashion. Students learn about the evolution of fashion, the influence of culture on fashion, and the business of fashion. They also learn about the latest trends in fashion and how to create garments that are both stylish and functional. This degree program is ideal for those who want to pursue a career in fashion research, fashion curation, or fashion consulting.