| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-19 | - |
| 2024-01-09 | 2023-11-04 |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Contour Fashion BA (Hons) at De Montfort University is a renowned program that blends creativity, innovation, and technical excellence in intimate apparel design. It equips students with the skills and expertise to thrive in the industry, emphasizing sustainability and collaboration with industry professionals. Graduates are highly sought-after by leading brands and often establish their own successful lingerie labels.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Contour Fashion BA (Hons)
at De Montfort University (DMU) is a renowned program recognized for its blend of creativity, innovation, and technical excellence in the field of intimate apparel design. Spanning 75 years of legacy, the course aims to equip students with the expertise and skills required to thrive in this dynamic industry.
Objectives:
- Cultivate innovative and industry-ready graduates.
- Empower graduates with a comprehensive understanding of intimate apparel design, encompassing technical skills, pattern cutting, grading, fit methodologies, and manufacturing.
- Integrate sustainability principles and practices into the curriculum.
- Foster collaboration with industry professionals through live client projects and expert feedback.
Program Description:
The program offers a unique blend of theoretical and practical learning, allowing students to specialize in various areas of intimate apparel design, including lingerie, athleisure, swimwear, loungewear, nightwear, corsetry, bridalwear, men's underwear, sportswear, and medical applications. Students delve into the intricacies of the industry, gaining expertise in:
- 2-3D creative development
- Digital drawing
- Pattern cutting
- Grading
- Fit methodologies
- Manufacturing The program also emphasizes innovation and sustainability, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to address contemporary challenges and contribute to a more responsible fashion landscape.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Focus: Investigative approach to research, concept development, 2D illustration, basic technical skills, and design development.
- Contour Consolidation: Consolidates learning through supported independent study and technical understanding.
- Contour Collaborations: Introduces key factors in researching, designing, and developing niche technical products.
Year 2:
- Focus: Develop skills and knowledge, building on the foundation gained in the first year.
- Modules:
- Technical Inquiry: Extends practical knowledge related to design, development, and construction of contour-type products.
- Contour Futures: Expands knowledge and understanding of key factors in approaching the design of a contour product.
- Contour Exploration and Communication: Focuses on research, design, and visual development.
- Consolidation Project: Refines colour, style, shape, fabric, and detail with consumer directives and cost considerations.
Year 3:
- Focus: Consolidate learning by bringing together all acquired skills into a final product reflecting chosen area of focus and individual design aesthetic.
- Modules:
- Creative Practice: Develops employability and educational skills through professional practice sessions and a creative brief.
- External Client: Continues creative brief, focusing on pattern cutting, garment construction, and fit evaluation.
- Major Project with Cultural Context: Combines acquired skills to create a final body of work,可以选择Aesthetic或Technical两个方向进行创作。
- Design Cultures: Develops research, organization, critical analysis, and communication skills.
Assessment:
The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods:
- Technical files
- Sketchbooks
- Written assignments
- Reflective pieces
- Group projects
- Consolidation exercises
- Creative outcomes Assessments are designed to evaluate students' understanding of theoretical concepts, practical skills, design development, research, and communication abilities.
Teaching:
The program features a diverse and experienced faculty, including:
- Rachel Toner: Program Leader with extensive industry experience.
- Emma Rose: Senior Lecturer with international design experience.
- Laurie Truscott: Senior Lecturer with expertise in lingerie and technical design.
- Julie Swinfield: Senior Lecturer with over 27 years of industry experience.
- Abbie Swinfield: Senior Lecturer with a wealth of industry experience in lingerie and swimwear design. The teaching approach combines lectures, seminars, practical studio sessions, tutorials, workshops, and self-directed study. Personalized support is provided through a dedicated personal tutor.
Careers:
Graduates of the program are highly sought-after in the intimate apparel industry, securing positions at renowned brands such as:
- Abercrombie and Fitch
- Tommy Hilfiger
- Calvin Klein
- O'Neil
- Superdry
- John Lewis
- Ted Baker
- Boux Avenue
- ASOS
- Agent Provocateur
- New Look Many graduates also establish their own successful lingerie labels.
Other:
- The program offers a block teaching format, allowing students to focus on one module at a time.
- The program emphasizes sustainability and is recognized for its contributions in the Green Gown Awards.
2024/25 UK tuition fees:£9,250 2024/25 international tuition:£15,750 Additional costs
