Artwork by Agnes Hamerlik. Several mannequins clothed in floral garments and surrounded by dried flowers hanging upside down and large sculptural objects suspended from the ceiling.
Fashion Design

Graduate Overview

Fashion, Body and Garment Overview

The Department of Fashion, Body and Garment at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers serious fashion design students a dynamic, intensive Master of Fine Arts in Fashion, Body and Garment program. Available in both two-year and three-year tracks based on experience, the program allows students to produce a distilled collection or body of work—and learn how to best show that work off, from presentations to gallery exhibitions.

In the program’s main component, the Fashion Design Studio taken each semester, students will investigate both craft and style to develop a deeper understanding of fashion within the context of community, sustainability, technology, and the industry.

Fashion, Body and Garment MFA students are encouraged to explore while also focusing on their individual practice through a combination of:

  • Dedicated design studios
  • Topical seminars
  • Self-directed research
  • Technical labs
  • Design history and theory courses

You are also encouraged to explore a range of electives in other disciplines, such as:

  • Performance
  • Film, Video, New Media, and Animation
  • Writing
  • Sculpture
  • Fiber and Material Studies 
Professor Nick Cave

Letter from Nick Cave

It's been a decade since the School of the Art Institute of Chicago's Fashion Department launched its graduate program called Master of Design, Fashion, Body & Garment.

We are extremely proud of its success, but even more by its growth. The program keeps evolving as the world keeps changing, ensuring its relevance to our creative future. This dynamic quality is what keeps it fresh, exciting, and always BOLD.

As an artist, educator, and activist it has also been an incredible opportunity for me to spearhead this program. It has gifted me with a plethora of amazing young creators who are quickly becoming the next leaders in the field of fashion, art, education, politics, and parenting.

I could not be more proud of each and everyone's success to date and look forward to your future development via whatever road you choose next.
 

– Nick Cave
Stephanie and Bill Sick Professor of Fashion, Body and Garment

Two-Year MFA Program

Our two-year MFA program is designed for students looking to build on their existing foundations and elevate their portfolios to new heights. This program encourages fashion students to push the boundaries of fashion design, work at a large scale, and think expansively about their practices. Our MFA in Fashion, Body and Garment offers a transformational experience that embraces a pluralistic approach, allowing students to explore fashion as installation, performance, and beyond. With the freedom to experiment and innovate, students will take their work to the next level while redefining the possibilities of their craft. Learn more about the courses and curriculum.

Requirements & Curriculum

  • First Year Fall 15
    • FASH 5310 Fashion Design Studio I (6)
      Studio class (5 hours, two days per week) 
    • FASH 5313 Advanced Fabrication & Material (3)
      Studio class (5 hours)
    • FASH 5315 Seminar: Professional Practice (3)
      Seminar class (2 hours, 45 minutes) 
    • ARTHI 5002 Grad Survey of Modern and Contemporary Art (3)
      Seminar class (2 hours, 45 minutes) 

     

    First Year Spring 15

    • FASH 5330 Fashion Design Studio II (6)
      Studio class (5 hours, two days per week) 

    • ARTHI 5560 Critical Perspectives in Fashion, Body and Garment (3)
      Seminar class (2 hours, 45 minutes) 

    • Elective 1, 3000 level and above (3)
      Seminar or Studio class

    • Elective 2, 3000 level and above (3)
      Seminar or Studio class

     

    First Year Additional Requirements  
    Participation in Fall & Spring Graduate Critiques    		 
    Second Year Fall 15
    • FASH 6310 Fashion Design Studio III (6)
      Studio class (5 hours, two days per week) 
    • ARTHI 5028 Form and Function in Fashion and Design History (recommended) 
      Seminar class (2 hours, 45 minutes) 
    • Elective 1, 3000 level and above (3) 
      Seminar or Studio class
    • Elective 2, 3000 level and above (3)
      Seminar or Studio class 

     

    Second Year Spring 15
    • FASH 6330 Fashion Design Studio IV (6)
      Studio class (5 hours, two days per week)
    • FASH 6335 Seminar: Professional Practice II (3)
      Seminar class (2 hours, 45 minutes)
    • Art History: must be 4000, 5000, or 6000 level (3)
      Seminar class (2 hours, 45 minutes) 
    • Elective, 3000 level and above (3)
      Seminar or Studio class

     

    Second Year Additional Requirements 
    Participation in Fall & Spring Graduate Critiques
    Participation in the Thesis Show    		 
    Total Credit Hours
    Fashion, Body & Garment Studios: 27
    Interdisciplinary or Fashion Electives:15
    Professional Practice: 6
    Art History: 12    		60

    Degree requirements and specifications

    Completion schedule: Students have a maximum of four years to complete the degree. This includes time off for approved leaves of absence.

    Transfer credits: A minimum of 45 credit hours must be completed in residence at SAIC. Up to 15 transfer credits may be requested at the time of application for admission and are subject to approval at that time. No transfer credit will be permitted after a student is admitted.

    Design Studio: Each design studio must be successfully completed prior to participation in the consecutive design studio.

    Advanced Fabrication Lab: FASH 5311 Advanced Fabrication Lab must be taken in the first fall semester.

    Full-Time Status Minimum Requirement: 12 credit hours

Three-Year MFA Program

Our three-year MFA program is designed to provide students with the technical foundations they need, from making patterns to learning essential construction techniques. With incoming students coming from a variety of experience and disciplinary backgrounds, this program offers an additional foundational year. This allows students to develop and refine their fashion-related skill sets without having to start from scratch in an undergraduate program. As a fast-track option for those with an existing undergraduate degree, this unique program helps students transition into fashion design and related fields. Unlike any other degree—our groundbreaking MFA allows students to spend three intensive years honing their technical skills, developing distinct points of view, and benefiting from tailored advising. That makes this program an ideal choice for anyone looking to pivot their career and enter the world of fashion design. Learn more about the courses and curriculum.

Requirements & Curriculum

  • First Year Fall 12
    • FASH 5110 Design Principles (3)
      Studio class (5 hours) 
    • FASH 5122 Studio Techniques (3)
      Studio class (5 hours)
    • FASH 6315 Seminar: Professional Practice (3)
      Seminar class (2 hours, 45 minutes) 
    • ARTHI 5002 Graduate Survey of Modern and Contemporary (3)
      Seminar class (2 hours, 45 minutes) 

     

    First Year Spring12
    • FASH 5130 Advanced Design Principles (6)
      (5 hours, two days per week) 
    • Elective 1, 3000 level and above (3)
      Seminar or Studio class
    • Elective 2, 3000 level and above (3)
      Seminar or Studio class

     

    First Year Additional Requirements
    Participation in Fall & Spring Graduate Critiques       		 
    Second Year Fall 12
    • FASH 5310 Fashion Design Studio I (6)
      Studio class (5 hours, two days per week) 
    • FASH 5313 Advanced Fabrication & Material (3)
      Studio class (5 hours) 
    • Art History: must be 4000, 5000, or 6000 level (3)
      Seminar class (2 hours, 45 minutes) 
       

     

    Second Year Spring 15
    • FASH 5330 Fashion Design Studio II (6)
      Studio class (5 hours, two days per week)
    • ARTHI 5560 Critical Perspectives in Fashion, Body and Garment (3)
      Seminar class (2 hours, 45 minutes)
    • Elective 1, 3000 level and above (3)
      Seminar or Studio class
    • Elective 2, 3000 level and above (3)
      Seminar or Studio class
       
    		 
    Second Year Additional Requirements
    Participation in Fall & Spring Graduate Critiques     		 
    Third Year Fall15
    • FASH 6310 Fashion Design Studio III (6)
      Studio class (5 hours, two days per week)
    • Art History: must be 4000, 5000 or 6000 level (3)
      Seminar class (2 hours, 45 minutes) ARTHI 5028 Form and Function in Fashion and Design History (recommended)
      Seminar class (2 hours, 45 minutes)
    • Elective 1, 3000 level and above (3)
      Seminar or Studio class
    • Elective 2, 3000 level and above (3)
      Seminar or Studio class
    		 
    Third Year Spring 12
    • FASH 6330 Fashion Design Studio IV (6)
      Studio class (5 hours, two days per week)
    • FASH 6335 Seminar: Professional Practice II (3)
      Seminar class (2 hours, 45 minutes)
    • Elective 1, 3000 level and above (3)
      Seminar or Studio class
    		 
    Third Year Additional Requirements 
    Participation in Fall & Spring Graduate Critiques
    Participation in the Thesis Show    		 
    Total Credit Hours
    Fashion, Body & Garment Studios: 39
    Interdisciplinary or Fashion Electives: 21
    Professional Practice: 6
    Art History: 12    		78

    Degree requirements and specifications

    Completion schedule: Students have a maximum of four years to complete the degree. This includes time off for approved leaves of absence.

    Transfer credits: A minimum of 45 credit hours must be completed in residence at SAIC. Up to 15 transfer credits may be requested at the time of application for admission and are subject to approval at that time. No transfer credit will be permitted after a student is admitted.

    Design Studio: Each design studio must be successfully completed prior to participation in the consecutive design studio.

    Advanced Fabrication Lab: FASH 5311 Advanced Fabrication Lab must be taken in the fall semester of the second year of the MFA 3-yr.

    Full-Time Status Minimum Requirement: 12 credit hours

Course Listing

Title Catalog Instructor Schedule

Description

This is an introductory look into fashion. Students will explore basic design skills
and processes, and work with various materials used in constructing garments. Both traditional and non-traditional materials will be explored through techniques and exercises related to the body. Students will learn how the tools and equipment for hand and machine sewing functions, and its role in constructing garments. A critical overview of fashion introduces students to various practical and theoretical approaches to understand and explore fashion within an art context.

Class Number

1491

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Area of Study

Costume Design

Location

Sullivan Center 702

Description

This is an introductory look into fashion. Students will explore basic design skills
and processes, and work with various materials used in constructing garments. Both traditional and non-traditional materials will be explored through techniques and exercises related to the body. Students will learn how the tools and equipment for hand and machine sewing functions, and its role in constructing garments. A critical overview of fashion introduces students to various practical and theoretical approaches to understand and explore fashion within an art context.

Class Number

1492

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Area of Study

Costume Design

Location

Sullivan Center 727

Description

This is an introductory look into fashion. Students will explore basic design skills
and processes, and work with various materials used in constructing garments. Both traditional and non-traditional materials will be explored through techniques and exercises related to the body. Students will learn how the tools and equipment for hand and machine sewing functions, and its role in constructing garments. A critical overview of fashion introduces students to various practical and theoretical approaches to understand and explore fashion within an art context.

Class Number

1493

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Area of Study

Costume Design

Location

Sullivan Center 706

Description

This is an introductory look into fashion. Students will explore basic design skills
and processes, and work with various materials used in constructing garments. Both traditional and non-traditional materials will be explored through techniques and exercises related to the body. Students will learn how the tools and equipment for hand and machine sewing functions, and its role in constructing garments. A critical overview of fashion introduces students to various practical and theoretical approaches to understand and explore fashion within an art context.

Class Number

1494

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Area of Study

Costume Design

Location

Sullivan Center 727

Description

This is an introductory look into fashion. Students will explore basic design skills
and processes, and work with various materials used in constructing garments. Both traditional and non-traditional materials will be explored through techniques and exercises related to the body. Students will learn how the tools and equipment for hand and machine sewing functions, and its role in constructing garments. A critical overview of fashion introduces students to various practical and theoretical approaches to understand and explore fashion within an art context.

Class Number

1495

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Area of Study

Costume Design

Location

Sullivan Center 705

Description

This is an introductory look into fashion. Students will explore basic design skills
and processes, and work with various materials used in constructing garments. Both traditional and non-traditional materials will be explored through techniques and exercises related to the body. Students will learn how the tools and equipment for hand and machine sewing functions, and its role in constructing garments. A critical overview of fashion introduces students to various practical and theoretical approaches to understand and explore fashion within an art context.

Class Number

1527

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Area of Study

Costume Design

Location

Sullivan Center 703

Description

This is an introductory look into fashion. Students will explore basic design skills
and processes, and work with various materials used in constructing garments. Both traditional and non-traditional materials will be explored through techniques and exercises related to the body. Students will learn how the tools and equipment for hand and machine sewing functions, and its role in constructing garments. A critical overview of fashion introduces students to various practical and theoretical approaches to understand and explore fashion within an art context.

Class Number

1538

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Area of Study

Costume Design

Location

Sullivan Center 704

Description

This course offers foundational methods of draping, pattern drafting, and construction techniques to build garments. The students learn how to develop a set of slopers, consisting of bodice, sleeve and skirt, combining and integrating draping and pattern drafting methods. Through these methods, the students develop and construct design concepts, first in muslin, then in fabric; stressing the importance of proper fit and craftsmanship. No pre-req.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1528

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 702

Description

This course offers foundational methods of draping, pattern drafting, and construction techniques to build garments. The students learn how to develop a set of slopers, consisting of bodice, sleeve and skirt, combining and integrating draping and pattern drafting methods. Through these methods, the students develop and construct design concepts, first in muslin, then in fabric; stressing the importance of proper fit and craftsmanship. No pre-req.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1529

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 703

Description

This course offers foundational methods of draping, pattern drafting, and construction techniques to build garments. The students learn how to develop a set of slopers, consisting of bodice, sleeve and skirt, combining and integrating draping and pattern drafting methods. Through these methods, the students develop and construct design concepts, first in muslin, then in fabric; stressing the importance of proper fit and craftsmanship. No pre-req.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1530

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 706

Description

This course offers foundational methods of draping, pattern drafting, and construction techniques to build garments. The students learn how to develop a set of slopers, consisting of bodice, sleeve and skirt, combining and integrating draping and pattern drafting methods. Through these methods, the students develop and construct design concepts, first in muslin, then in fabric; stressing the importance of proper fit and craftsmanship. No pre-req.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1531

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 704

Description

This course offers foundational methods of draping, pattern drafting, and construction techniques to build garments. The students learn how to develop a set of slopers, consisting of bodice, sleeve and skirt, combining and integrating draping and pattern drafting methods. Through these methods, the students develop and construct design concepts, first in muslin, then in fabric; stressing the importance of proper fit and craftsmanship. No pre-req.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1537

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 702

Description

This course offers foundational methods of draping, pattern drafting, and construction techniques to build garments. The students learn how to develop a set of slopers, consisting of bodice, sleeve and skirt, combining and integrating draping and pattern drafting methods. Through these methods, the students develop and construct design concepts, first in muslin, then in fabric; stressing the importance of proper fit and craftsmanship. No pre-req.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1539

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 702

Description

This course offers foundational methods of draping, pattern drafting, and construction techniques to build garments. The students learn how to develop a set of slopers, consisting of bodice, sleeve and skirt, combining and integrating draping and pattern drafting methods. Through these methods, the students develop and construct design concepts, first in muslin, then in fabric; stressing the importance of proper fit and craftsmanship. No pre-req.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1543

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 702

Description

Fashion Design I builds the skills and talents required to achieve creative fashion. This class teaches the design fundamentals of the integrated core fashion design curriculum. Students will engage multiple skills to create individual, visionary, unconventional garments, and later, collections. Through a series of projects, students explore form, silhouette, volume, and research in design to arrive at a personal point-of-view in fashion. This course will specifically ask students to work conceptually and to develop research methodologies in their design work. Based on this inquiry, students generate sketches and surface treatments to refine their unique silhouettes and material manipulations. No prerequisite.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1532

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 704

Description

Fashion Design I builds the skills and talents required to achieve creative fashion. This class teaches the design fundamentals of the integrated core fashion design curriculum. Students will engage multiple skills to create individual, visionary, unconventional garments, and later, collections. Through a series of projects, students explore form, silhouette, volume, and research in design to arrive at a personal point-of-view in fashion. This course will specifically ask students to work conceptually and to develop research methodologies in their design work. Based on this inquiry, students generate sketches and surface treatments to refine their unique silhouettes and material manipulations. No prerequisite.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1533

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 705

Description

Fashion Design I builds the skills and talents required to achieve creative fashion. This class teaches the design fundamentals of the integrated core fashion design curriculum. Students will engage multiple skills to create individual, visionary, unconventional garments, and later, collections. Through a series of projects, students explore form, silhouette, volume, and research in design to arrive at a personal point-of-view in fashion. This course will specifically ask students to work conceptually and to develop research methodologies in their design work. Based on this inquiry, students generate sketches and surface treatments to refine their unique silhouettes and material manipulations. No prerequisite.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1534

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 703

Description

Fashion Design I builds the skills and talents required to achieve creative fashion. This class teaches the design fundamentals of the integrated core fashion design curriculum. Students will engage multiple skills to create individual, visionary, unconventional garments, and later, collections. Through a series of projects, students explore form, silhouette, volume, and research in design to arrive at a personal point-of-view in fashion. This course will specifically ask students to work conceptually and to develop research methodologies in their design work. Based on this inquiry, students generate sketches and surface treatments to refine their unique silhouettes and material manipulations. No prerequisite.

Prerequisites

Students must be a sophomore grade level or permission by instructor

Class Number

1535

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Location

Sullivan Center 705

Description

Explorations in the design of 'experimental' garments using the basic elements of mass, volume, form and motion. Rather than concerning themselves with current design trends or regular fashion problems, students emphasize bodies as forms in motion or as moving sculpture.

Class Number

1515

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Area of Study

Costume Design, Community & Social Engagement

Location

Sullivan Center 723

Description

Explorations in the design of 'experimental' garments using the basic elements of mass, volume, form and motion. Rather than concerning themselves with current design trends or regular fashion problems, students emphasize bodies as forms in motion or as moving sculpture.

Class Number

1519

Credits

3

Department

Fashion Design

Area of Study

Costume Design, Community & Social Engagement

Location

Sullivan Center 723

Upcoming Admissions Events

Grad Critique session in Sullivan
Dec07

Graduate SAIC Day: December 7

Engage with key faculty members from our graduate departments, meet current graduate students, learn about our curricula and facilities, and inquire about admissions and financial aid. While not required, you may wish to bring your portfolio for review. Graduate campus tours will also be offered. 

Saturday, December 07 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. CST at MacLean Ballroom 112 S. Michigan Chicago, IL 60603

Take the Next Step

Graduate Admissions Events

Learn how to prepare a competitive application, meet with faculty and staff, and explore our programs and facilities. LEARN MORE

MFA in Fashion, Body and Garment Admissions Information

Visit the graduate admissions website or contact the graduate admissions office at 312.629.6100, 800.232.7242 or gradmiss@saic.edu.

Fashion, Body and Garment program inquiries: FashionGrad@saic.edu