Tell us about the new Fashion Course at CASS
The new Fashion Course is a contemporary approach to teaching fashion design. Briefs are strategically timed and thought through by high end industry experts and are directional and relevant to real world design processes. At Cass we have a faculty wide philosophy of cross-pollinating disciplines, whereby students benefit from shared skilling and exposure to other disciplines design processes. Our studio has an Atelier sensibility, offering great tooling and access to other facilities relevant to the development of great fashion design. We are in the process of purchasing new technologies that will enhance the student’s progress in years 2 and 3, that which we hope will offer something entirely new from our graduates in comparison to other instates.
What is unique about this course compare to other similar courses in other universities?
We have grouped all the fashion design specialisms together to exposed processes. At other institutes you are required to determine whether you are menswear, womenswear, fashion print, fashion knit when you apply. At Cass we have an open policy. We encourage great exploration in the 1st year and look to find the right focus by years 2 and 3. The Atelier parallels and the open skilling sessions we run on Fridays allow students to create whatever they want.
Who will be heading this course and what is the background of the lecturers?
The Dean of the school of design has spent the past 3 years head hunting relevant practitioners and testing them in other textiles and Jewellery studios prior to the Launch of our Fashion and Textiles MA and now the Fashion BA and Extended Degree. The range of Brands that the tutors design or consult for include Balmain, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, Pringle, Addidas, Betty Jackson to name but a few. All fashion and textiles lecturers remain as practitioners, continuing their businesses, consultancies and design roles outside of their responsibilities for the institute.
What key skills do you need to get into fashion and how can applicants make sure they stand out from the crowd?
We look for someone that has an eye for ‘newness’, a flavour of something unusual, an abilities to draw and express ideas, and someone that is dedicated and hard working.
How would you describe the fashion scene in East London? Why is it unique?
This area is the most densely populated area in the world apparently for creatives be it designers, publicists, artists, musicians, actors etc. By nature that makes it quite a colourful place to inhabit and with such unique characters comes a new approach to style, culture and socialising.
Who are your favourite designers in East London?
Enjoying the House of Hackney at the moment. I think its an inspirational brand for our institute as their fashion is driven by their textiles and their textiles applies to all types of products. (Mimics our cross-disciplinary studio philosophy).
Social links:
Blog: www.cassfashion.co.uk
Twitter: @cassfashion
Website: http://www.thecass.com/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-fashion
Courses: BA Fashion, MAFashion and Textiles, Extended Degree, A range of Short courses Fashion and Textiles.
