Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fashion Design

Innovation in fashion design results from a rigorous process of developing and editing ideas that address specific design challenges. Students in our program become educated and practiced in all aspects of the design process as they work towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fashion Design. With a student to faculty ratio of approximately 13:1, our intensive program features current and visible designers, who serve as mentors, working in tandem with expert, professional faculty to facilitate beneficial learning experiences. In the heart of the Fashion District in Downtown Los Angeles, Fashion Design boasts student access to the largest selection of textiles and notions in the U.S. just outside our doors. With abundant resources and references at their fingertips, students produce original designs and develop collections for their portfolio throughout their studies. In their Junior and Senior years, they have the opportunity to work in teams to create unique designs under the guidance of mentors, emulating professional designers and following the industry's seasonal schedule. Students emerge from our program as creative professionals prepared for the industry. Recent mentors for juniors and seniors include Ruben & Isabel Toledo, A|X, Anthropologie, Billabong, Halston, Patagonia, Nike, BCBG, Hurley, Urban Outfitters, Roxy, Disney, Johnny Was, and Cirque du Soleil. Junior and Senior designs are featured at the annual Scholarship Benefit and Fashion Show, and showcased in the Neiman Marcus windows in Beverly Hills. Student Learning Outcomes: At the completion of the program Students in the Fashion Design Department will be able to: Adapt their artistic abilities to support their future design careers, Develop a systematic, critical approach to problem solving at all levels of the design process, Articulate design ideas verbally, visually, and digitally, Assess, propose, and apply various techniques related to drafting, draping, and constructing garments, Relate the design process to the appropriate manufacturing process, Demonstrate professionalism by managing time to meet deadlines with quality work and effectively collaborating in teams, Research and relate fashion design to a broader socio economic, historical, and environmental context. Fashion Design Careers and Internships: Following the industry schedule where several seasons are designed simultaneously, students in the Fashion Design Department are educated in all aspects of the design process for an easy transition into professional careers in the fashion industry. Our students learn more than the skills needed to design and construct quality garments, they emerge from our program as polished professionals capable of meeting deadlines, working as part of an innovative team, and developing relevant designs for an ever-changing market. Additionally, the department facilitates summer industry internships and networking opportunities for our students. Otis Fashion alumni enter the design world as assistant designers, associate designers, illustrators, costume designers, textile designers, accessory designers, and product designers. Some graduates opt to open their own clothing line immediately upon completing the program.