Fashion Design Pre-College

The inaugural Fashion Design Pre-College program welcomed nine aspiring designers eager to explore the world of fashion. Participants engaged in design ideation by creating mood boards and fashion illustrations, while also gaining hands-on experience in garment construction to bring their custom skirt designs to life.

To maximize learning in just one week, the program was structured as a split schedule. Instruction in sewing and garment construction was led by Sherita M. Cuffee, the Pre-College Fashion Design Director and Adjunct Professor in the Fashion Design and Merchandising (FADM) Department. Fashion illustration and the design process were taught by Montclair State University FADM alum Jose Ortiz, with valuable assistance from Valeria Miranda, a rising senior in Fashion Design.

The Fashion Illustration sessions provided a thorough understanding of creating a 9-head croquis, focusing on foundational proportions, dynamic poses, and the use of basic shapes for anatomical features. Individual meetings enabled each young designer to refine their collection elements, utilizing mood boards inspired by their research and personal experiences, fostering a deeper connection to their creative visions.

Following the mood board creation, the group traveled to New York City for an exclusive brand visit organized by the LVMH University and Cultural Engagement Team at the iconic Tiffany & Co. landmark store. They then explored the Garment District, shopping at Mood Fabrics for materials to bring their designs to life. Each student began by draping half-scale muslins of their skirt designs based on their concepts.

The week culminated in an inspiring showcase of the students’ work for family and friends. Each young designer displayed their skirt designs, illustrated collections, and mood boards, reflecting the hard work and dedication they invested in their exploration of the fashion design process.