Fashion Design summer camp for Kids and Teens
Have you ever watched a toddler sashay down the runway in their mom’s high heels or dad’s coolest tie? DesignX taps in to children’s natural desire to express themselves through clothing and unleashes their creativity in a fun and stimulating environment that encourages creative visioning, self-expression and embodies true "design thinking."
In the Fashion Design programs, students learn how to ideate, sketch, sew and embellish their own stylish wearable product, while laying a foundation of practical skills that are sure to last a lifetime. Kids have fun choosing materials that define their collection, learning to use patterns, correct pinning techniques, cutting, hand and machine sewing, embellishing and finally showing off their creations at a fun fashion show at the end of camp. The Fashion Design curriculum is offered at three different levels based on grade level (we recommend atleast two years in each level), offering opportunity for growth and skill building as students rise up the levels.
Fashion Design I
Grades 2-3
In this week long program, developed for the youngest fashionistas, students learn how to take a simple garment, usually a bottom (skirt or shorts), from concept to completion, with an emphasis on design, individual expression and fun. Combined with Fashion-upcycling, students learn how to create an entire look with coordinated separates and accessories that are often re-purposed from materials otherwise destined for the landfill.
what do students learn in fashion design i?
Students learn to develop their unique creative voice while reflecting on their interests, needs and wants.
Learn fashion history, the life cycle of a garment and basic art concepts as they relate to apparel design.
Develop an appreciation for clothing styles seen around the world, the influence of weather, culture, traditions and norms.
Learn basic skills in construction as they explore age-appropriate techniques in sketching, measuring, hand and machine sewing and embellishing.
Build confidence as they use their natural 'cat-walk' to share and show-off their creation in a fun fashion show.
Fashion Design II
Grades 4-5
A perfect step up for our slightly older design enthusiasts. In this full-day session campers learn how to take a slightly more complex garment (a top) from concept to completion in a creative, fun-filled setting. Students may work on more advanced sewing techniques like curves and darts and receive additional design challenges to stimulate their creative energies … Project Runway style …building confidence and independence on the machines. Prior sewing experience not necessary. Instruction and supervision is adjusted to the skill level of each of the students.
what do students learn in fashion Design II?
Students will learn to fine tune their unique creative voice, that began in FDI, as they further explore their changing interests, needs and wants.
Focus on details in fashion history, that were inspired by major events, understand some of the art concepts as they relate to apparel design.
Explore clothing and costumes from around the world.
Develop, confidence and independence on the machines as they re-enforce their learnings from prior years.
Continue to build confidence as they start to experiment with their 'cat-walk', sharing and showing-off their creation at a fun fashion show.
Fashion Design III
Grades 6-8
Designed for older students, our middle schoolers, this session is ideal for the more confident fashionistas who are ready to spread their creative wings and want to hone their technical and practical skills. They are challenged to design a full garment - a dress or a romper, maybe a jumpsuit for the more ambitious types. Students have the opportunity to work more independently and have a greater role in the success of their creations. Prior sewing experience not necessary. Instruction and supervision is often be adjusted to the skill level of each of the students.
what do students learn in fashion design iii?
Further develop their unique creative voice, as they continue to explore their changing interests, needs and wants.
Focus on details in fashion history, that were inspired by major events, understand some of the art concepts as they relate to apparel design.
Study the work of famous designers and have fun examining clothing and costumes from around the world, the influence of weather, culture, traditions and norms.
Develop, confidence and independence on the machines as they re-enforce their learnings from prior years.
Continue to build confidence as they start to experiment with their 'cat-walk', sharing and showing-off their creation at a fun fashion show.
WHAT PARENTS AND KIDS ARE SAYING ABOUT FASHION DESIGN
Instructor Feature
Julia Lichtenstien
a resident designer for Gap, Inc. has this to say:
“Creativity to me is being able to express ideas you have within yourself. I first fell in love with design when I started attending a sewing camp in 2nd grade and have been sewing and designing ever since.”
Note: DesignX instructors are often working professionals that are thoughtfully selected to lead our classes. As such, instructors for any given class may change based on their availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
+ HOW CAN KIDS BECOME FASHION DESIGNERS?
To become a professional Fashion Designer we recommend students attend a college that offer programs in Fashion and/or related fields. The depth of knowledge you gain from college courses is highly valuable to carve out a successful career in the Fashion space. DesignX Company is one of the first organizations to offer a structured program in Fashion Design for kids and teens (K12). Our age appropriate curricula have been developed by a former Fashion Designer and honed from over a decade of teaching kids in Bay Area, CA. If you have a child that is begining to explore Fashion either for the art element like fashion drawing, enjoys tinkering, making or sewing, loves the beauty, glamor and cat- walking you are in the right place. Your students will have plenty of opportunities to explore a passion and develop some serious skills in designing and making by attending our programs over their school years, even if just over summers. Many of our students got hooked through our summer programs and have gone on to pursue creative fields in college. Enjoy reading about two of our talented and budding fashion designers Amanda and Eva.