Take a Fashion Gap year with Elizabeth Galloway in Stellenbosch
Current third year student having a sunny break
Have you always been creative, good with your hands and possess the knack to “dress the part” at every occasion? Have you found yourself with a bit more time and space in your life this year? Why not come and spend that time with us doing a 9 month, part time, fashion course which promises to inspire you while taking you through the basics of fashion in a fun, non-threatening and social way?
This course starts in March and finishes in November. Classes will be presented on Saturdays from 9am-4pm, and you will also be able during the week to join excursions planned to suit the hosts’ convenience. The course can also be offered during the week if there is a demand from participants. 6 major areas of fashion will be explored during class time. Below is a description of what you will be doing within each of these Fashion areas.
Drawing and illustration
Students will explore some basic characteristics of the Elements and Principles of Design using a limited variety of materials and techniques. They will be sensitized to the potential for development of these design exercises into the materials of their own preferred craft. Method of presentation will be an essential element.
First years in a Life Drawing session
Historical and contemporary research
Students will explore some basic Historical and Contemporary research methods in one fun visual history project.
Students conducting and compiling research
Fashion design and technical drawing
Fashion drawing skills will be developed during this module. Technical drawings should accurately and explicitly indicate the look and detailing of a garment. In fashion design and technical drawing the sketches will be clear and worked-up drawings suitable for presentation in commercial practice.
Student Design project presentations
Garment construction
Students are introduced to putting a series of garments together. These can be co-ordinated, or not, as the participant requires. They can be made for themselves or others as detailed in the syllabus. They will practice and use techniques that include the application of fastenings and some detailing. Samples produced must be accurate, as they will form the foundation of a reference portfolio of techniques. Students and their tutors should discuss the fabrics to be used, in order that the participant gains experience of a range of fibres and fabric structures. However, it is recognized that, at this level, less complex fabrics will help the participant to gain confidence as they will more readily obtain a good finish. Garments must be well constructed to withstand the appropriate care methods for that garment and fabric type. The following garments will be designed and produced: A skirt, a ladies’ blouse and a waistcoat.
Students constructing garments
Textile studies and surface design
Fabrics selected for Fashion wear must show that the student understands the different requirements for the type of garments involved. They will handle and gain understanding of the use of a selection of interlinings appropriate to the garments made. Surface techniques such as dying, fabric painting, embroidery and stencilling will be used to individualize garments.
Pleating as an interesting design feature
Weaving looms for creating own textiles
Creating frills with textile
Pattern making
In Pattern cutting, the essential of basic block-making and toiling of blocks is accuracy. Patterns used for garments can be obtained from any source – for example, commercial, centre-devised, own design, trace, charted or any similar method. Students must understand these terms and the requirements of each type. Accurate measurement is crucial.
Students laying out the pattern pieces for cutting
Students testing the fit and style of a pattern
To see how these elements are applied and used in the Fashion industry today we will be watching informative videos, going on excursions to various fashion businesses and viewing some inspirational exhibitions at galleries and museums. Below are some of the types of visits we will be organising to go on.
Fashion exploration and inspiration
Nature and site visits in and around beautiful Stellenbosch
Nature reserve in Stellenbosch Central with walks and giant chess set
Strawberry farms in and around Stellenbosch
Gallery and installation visits
Arts and curios on display at First Thursday event
Excursion to National Museums
Local Stellenbosch art gallery with contemporary exhibits
Industry visits
Local boutique with exclusively SA designed and made stock
Work back stage or front of house at the Elizabeth Galloway Fashion Show
“Loading” garments into the back stage area before the show
Sorting looks and garments per model before the show
Garments on the ramp during the fashion show
Style, plan and direct a fashion shoot
Looking for the right moment to shoot that image in the road
Using your lovely class mates as models to capture the experience
With all of these exciting fashion activities you will be sure to be inspired this year should you choose to join our fashion gap year programme. Please get in touch with us if you are interested, and we will send you the application details and fee information. We kick off in the first week of March and we are ready to welcome you onto our campus and into the fashion realm. Anyone turning 16 this year and older can join in, there are no other requirements.