Inclusivity has finally taken center stage in the ever-evolving fashion industry. Designers and retailers are increasingly aware of the importance of catering to diverse body types, and the demand for fashion-forward, perfectly fitting plus-size clothing has never been higher. Yet behind the scenes, the fashion industry still suffers from a lack of education and resources when it comes to designing for plus-size bodies.
The need for education and awareness about designing for plus-size bodies starts with education, right? While there are no degree programs in plus-size fashion, fashion design schools are making inroads. Minor in Inclusive Fashion at SCADto Dynamic fit for plus size bodies Pratt Institute Courses, Fat Fashion: Parsons’ Fashion Design Class for Larger Bodiesto Business of Curves Forum Following on from the “Inclusive Fashion Patternmaking Course” held at FIT NY in 2017, we have added a specific course, “Inclusive Fashion Patternmaking Course,” that directly delivers on the latest topics.
Enter Mallory Dunn, a smart glamour designer and visionary fashion educator determined to change the course of the industry. Comprehensive Fashion Pattern Making Offered by FIT’s Department of Continuing Education and Professional Studies, the course is a groundbreaking initiative that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to create form-fitting, inclusive patterns specific to plus-size bodies.
Dan said: “Through my own experience as a fashion design student, running an inclusive business for 10 years educating consumers about size, and now as a fashion design professor, I understand all too well how the fashion industry’s fashion education system fails to encourage, accommodate and serve plus-size customers.”
What to expect from an inclusive fashion pattern making course
The course, which has been offered three times so far, is designed for people with sewing experience and a basic understanding of pattern making. The course delves into the realities of the U.S. consumer market, which is dominated by67%100% of the women are plus size, and Mallory discusses the importance of size charts, accurate representation, grading, and creating patterns that truly reflect body diversity.
One of the most valuable aspects of this course is its focus on pattern making techniques for resizing patterns to fit different sizes. Students will learn how to manipulate patterns to fit a variety of body shapes and figures, ensuring the finished garment is both stylish and comfortable to wear. This skill is not only essential for plus size fashion design, but can also be applied to creating custom-fitting garments for any individual, regardless of size.
Throughout the course, students will work alongside plus-size models to put their newly acquired skills into practice. Students will create their own designs, fit them on models in muslin fabric, and then create the final garment in their chosen fabric. This hands-on experience is extremely helpful in gaining a deeper understanding of how patterns work on different body types and how to adjust them to achieve the perfect fit.
Dan says, “In my course, Inclusive Fashion Patternmaking, our main focus is learning how to properly resize a pattern to fit a specific person (in our case, a plus-size model). But before we get to that task, we have a lecture class where we discuss the realities of size for American consumers, how fatphobia manifests in the fashion industry, how to create size charts, how they are represented in images, and proper grading.”
Mallory’s passion for inclusivity is also evident in the way she teaches, as she shares her experiences educating consumers about size and body positivity both as a fashion design student and as the founder of an inclusive business. Her passion for creating a more inclusive fashion industry is evident in her focus on educating the next generation of designers.
The course has already had a positive impact on students, many of whom have used their newly acquired skills to create their own inclusive fashion lines. By providing designers with the tools they need to create flattering patterns for all body types, Mallory’s course is helping to pave the way for a more inclusive and accessible fashion industry.
The Inclusive Fashion Patternmaking course will meet for 8 classes on Monday evenings starting September 9th, 2024. Registration closes September 3rd-24th.
“As the demand for plus-size fashion continues to grow, further education and training in this field is urgently needed. Mallory Dunn’s Inclusive Fashion Patternmaking course is an important step in the right direction. By empowering designers to create beautiful, inclusive clothing, Mallory is helping to create a future where fashion truly reflects the diversity of the world.
Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
