Fashion Design at Parsons

Lots of teens are interested in fashion, and it can be challenging to find really great structured courses. The Parsons School, which is one of the world’s premier institutions for fashion and design, runs a series of highly engaging courses for teens that run between one and four weeks. Unfortunately, most of the programming is still online. As an upside, a motivated student can benefit from the course from literally anywhere in the world. The feedback is very positive, and the longer courses include content on developing a portfolio for applications and jobs.

“Want to delve into the world of fashion before you decide what you’ll study in college? Parsons Paris has created online courses for students 13 and up to introduce you to this vibrant field. Taught by experts in Paris fashion through video lectures, courses cover everything from business, history, and trends to actual design methods and potential careers. Multi-length courses are available year-round. The asynchronous, online format allows you to study anywhere, anytime, at your own pace. You will also receive valuable guidance from Parsons' mentors.

A wealth of creativity goes into the making of a fashion trend. Top designers use a process that involves research, cultural awareness, construction, and sustainable materials to bring a concept to life. Inside Fashion Design: Becoming a Designer for the 21st Century will teach you how to use that process to build a collection that tells a story. Learn the role today’s fashion plays in social change and the expression of identity. Expect stimulating assignments, videos, and mentoring. You’ll even see a designer create a garment before your eyes.”

Here’s what your in for in this course run by Parson’s Paris:

• Understand the thinking behind today’s hottest trends

• Discover your style and design a collection with drawing and illustration 

• Learn about the process designers use to bring ideas to life

• Find out what inspires your design thinking through research

• Experiment with techniques for constructing garments 

• Get input on your ideas from mentors

• Learn asynchronously. Lectures are delivered as videos, so you can tune in whenever your schedule allows — giving you the ultimate in flexibility

• Earn a Certificate of Completion from Parsons Paris

How do I get started? Click here.

How do I expand on this narrative arc? Engage in other activities and summer programs relating to fashion and ideally the intersection of fashion, technology and/or the environment such as:

• Spend your summer at the elite RISD design program.

• Check out the interesting fashion design summer program at Cornell.

• Enter a national fashion up cycling challenge sponsored by Mary Kay cosmetics.

• Do a Halt Fast Fashion impact project in your local community.

• Go Vintage! Organize a clothes swap at your school or in your home town.

HOT TIP: If you are potentially interested in fashion or art school you will need to apply with a very well-developed portfolio. Summer programs and other unique extracurriculars are a great way to accumulate work (and, as a related point, this is something very difficult to achieve at most high schools).