Fashion Education and Training Key Terms

Explore the world of fashion education through key terms

By Sherry Grant

There are a myriad of careers to choose from in the fashion and design industry. To prepare for those careers a solid background and education in the field of fashion is necessary. A bachelor of arts is required for most entry level positions today. Training and education in the fashion world includes schooling in technical, creative and business skills. Review the key terms below and become familiar with a few aspects of education and training in the realm of fashion.

Fashion internship

A fashion internship is an opportunity to integrate fashion related experience into an undergraduate education by participating in supervised work. A fashion internship is completed before graduation and is set up through the school or college the student is attending. Fashion internships are sometimes paid, but the majority are unpaid. Interns also complete a performance review process at the end of the internship.
Try: University of Dreams offers fashion internships in merchandising, design, buying and more. They also list fashion internships that are currently available to students. Global Experiences promotes cultural exchange fashion internships. Review the frequently asked questions section for information about international fashion internships.

Computer-aided design (CAD)

Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer technology for the design of objects, real or virtual. CAD is used widely in today's fashion schools.
Try: Design Training explains CAD and its use in the fashion industry. Just Colleges reviews careers in fashion, design, marketing and merchandising. CAD and its use in the fashion industry; as well as its role as basic coursework in fashion education are discussed.

Fashion study tour

A fashion study tour is a travel experience geared to exploring new cultures and people prominent in fashion and design. Professional appointments and fashion history study are part of the study tour.
Try: The University of Central Missouri gives an overview of study tours in its program in Fashion: Textiles and Clothing in Business. The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising gives a short summation of the study tours offered in its curriculum.

Fashion portfolio

A fashion portfolio is a sampling of work done by an artist, fashion student, designer or other professional. Portfolios are important to individuals seeking to start careers or change jobs in the fashion industry.
Try: FindYourArtSchool.com offers tips for creating a strong fashion portfolio to present to prospective employers. The University of Hertfordshire provides an example of a course description that teaches students how to build their own fashion portfolio. Many fashion schools today offer courses in portfolio creation and presentation.

Textile design

Textile designers produce designs and creative ideas for knitted, printed and woven textiles as well as some patterned exteriors. Textile designers usually work in a studio with designers in industries such as fashion and interior design. Textile designers are required to have a bachelor of fine arts, bachelor of art in textile design or a bachelor of art in design.
Try: Graphic Design Basics tells you about a fashion career in textile design and the education and training required by the industry. The Academy of Art University offers coursework in textile design and is one of the top fashion schools in the United States.

Pattern making

A pattern maker develops precise, professional patterns for clothing. Pattern making is a skill and the majority of fashion schools offer pattern making courses.
Try: Apparel Arts, a San Francisco fashion design school, gives a detailed description of a pattern making class.