Diploma: Fashion Design

Purpose

This qualification aims to prepare the learner for employment in the fashion design industry. The qualification also provides the learner with the knowledge and practical skills required for further higher education studies within the field of Fashion.

This qualification provides the learner with a strong theoretical foundation in the principles of fashion design, merchandising and buying, trend analyses and forecasting, conceptual development, textiles, history of costume, and small business management. The learner is required to apply this knowledge, when critically analysing the design problem and to construct functional and creative garment ranges for a variety of commercial and creative briefs. Learners will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to communicate clearly (both visually and verbally) the technical and aesthetic elements of a garment, using manual and digital methods and to plan, implement and critically evaluate the garment design process from concept to production.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, the learner will be able to demonstrate focused knowledge and skills in the field of fashion and will be prepared to competently perform as a fashion designer or specialise as a fashion editor, range planner, accessories buyer, merchandising manager, personal stylist or sourcing agent. The learner may also choose to study further in the related disciplines of textile or surface design.

Rationale

There is a need for competent fashion designers and related specialists in the fashion and business sectors. The current and future need for competent fashion experts has been expressed by both employers and employees. The demand for a qualification in Fashion Design is continuous and is monitored regularly by the Cape Town Fashion Council, a Government-funded body. This Diploma: Fashion Design responds to these needs by equipping qualified learners with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values required to enter into the world of work within the fashion design industry.

The Diploma: Fashion Design incorporates knowledge and skills from business management, marketing and fashion related information technology. This qualification is targeted at learners who wish to pursue a career in the Fashion Industry which includes establishing their own business or attaining a position in one of the many established and emerging Fashion Industry businesses.

Competency in the knowledge, comprehension and application of the English language at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.

Recognition of Prior Learning

This qualification can be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and workplace experience, in terms of the institutional criteria. Learners who do not meet the minimum admission requirements can apply for admission through Recognition of Prior Learning.

Access to the Qualification

The minimum entry requirement is the National Certificate Vocational (NCV), National Senior Certificate (NSC), or its recognised equivalent.

Learners who do not meet the minimum admission requirements can apply for admission through Recognition of Prior Learning.

The qualification is made up almost entirely of compulsory modules, with one elective module at NQF Level 6. The qualification cannot be awarded if the elective module is not completed.

The programme culminates in a graduate fashion show and the compilation and presentation of a fashion design portfolio which will be used for both assessment and employment application purposes.

Modules at NQF Level 5 (all compulsory)

• Business Studies I, 10 credits.
• Digital Fashion Application I, 10 credits.
• Fashion Design I, 30 credits.
• Fashion Merchandising I, 10 credits.
• Garment Construction I, 20 credits.
• History of Costume I, 10 credits.
• Pattern Design I, 20 credits.
• Textiles I, 10 credits.

Total credits at NQF Level 5: 120.

Compulsory modules at NQF Level 6

• Business Studies II, 10 credits.
• Contemporary Fashion History I, 10 credits.
• Digital Fashion Application II, 10 credits.
• Fashion Design II, 30 credits.
• Fashion Merchandising II, 10 credits.
• Garment Construction II, 20 credits.
• Pattern Design II, 20 credits.
• Textiles II, 10 credits.
• Garment Construction III, 8 credits.
• Pattern Design III, 14 credits.
• Digital Fashion Application III, 8 credits.

Elective modules at NQF Level 6 (choose one)

• Costume Design, 5 credits.
• Fashion Photography, 5 credits.

Total credits at NQF Level 6: 155.

Compulsory modules at NQF Level 7

• Brand Design I, 10 credits.
• Business Studies III, 10 credits.
• Contemporary Fashion History II, 10 credits.
• Experiential learning 1, 10 credits.
• Fashion Buying Principles 1, 10 credits.
• Fashion Design III, 35 credits.

Total credits at Level 7: 85.

1. Demonstrate understanding of the role and possible specialisations of the fashion designer and the inherent ethical, social and environmental responsibilities associated with the profession.
2. Evaluate complex briefs and produce marketable clothing designs that are trend-relevant.
3. Use appropriate terminology, materials, media and techniques to effectively communicate and present the aesthetic and technical design elements of a garment range.
4. Solve advanced problems relating to the design and construction of intricate patterns.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of advanced garment construction techniques and produce a range of garments at professional standard.
6. Identify and evaluate the properties, construction, care and application of natural, man-made and mixed fibres.
7. Use vector-based software programmes to create presentations and technical drawings.
8. Evaluate the principles and functions of small business management within the fashion design sector.
9. Demonstrate understanding of the principles and processes of fashion buying and merchandising.
10. Develop a suitable business brand within the South African context of entrepreneurship.
11. Apply appropriate research methods when gathering and selecting information and critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate findings.
12. Conduct self professionally within the workplace and take responsibility for own decisions and actions when working both independently and as a member of a team.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The role and responsibilities of a fashion designer are explained.
• The possible specialisations of the fashion designer are explained.
• The ethical, social and environmental responsibilities associated with the profession are discussed and analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Complex design problems are evaluated and marketable garments ultimately produced according to a client brief.
• Creative and functional garment and accessory designs are produced in response to a client brief.
• The creative design process is described.
• The design process is planned, managed and recorded.
• Information is used to inform the development of a range.
• Skills in fashion forecasting and trend analysis are developed and applied.
• Knowledge and skills are synthesised and evaluated and a design portfolio showing strong personal direction is produced.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• The technical requirements for the design of a garment are accurately communicated.
• Advanced presentation techniques are applied and evaluated.
• Concepts are developed through the exploration of materials, techniques and processes.
• The principles of shape and form are explained.
• The visual communication methods used in fashion design are appropriately applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Basic blocks are manipulated to achieve a styled design.
• Advanced pattern design principles and techniques are applied.
• A full scale mock-up for advanced garment design is applied and evaluated.
• Own pattern cutting and grading skills applied to original designs are evaluated.
• The processes of pattern grading are accurately applied.
• Pattern cutting and grading skills are evaluated and recommendations for improvement are provided.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Appropriate equipment, materials and techniques are used to produce a finished sample garment.
• Advanced garment construction procedures are explained and applied.
• The manufacturing process of a garment is effectively controlled.
• A range of finished garments are produced to industry standards.
• A range of finished garments is evaluated and recommendations for improvement are made.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• The textile design and production industry is researched and described.
• A variety of textiles are identified and the construction and characteristics thereof are described.
• The application and care of each type of textile fibre are researched and evaluated.
• Textile design principles and techniques are explored and applied in accordance with the type/s of textile used.
• Contemporary developments in fibres and textile design are identified and evaluated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Creative presentations are produced using a specified vector-based software programme.
• A specified vector-based software programme is used to apply advanced tools and techniques.
• Accurate technical drawings and illustrations are produced using a vector based programme.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• The principles of good business practice are described.
• The development phases of a business are evaluated.
• Knowledge of financial management for a small business is demonstrated.
• A new business concept is developed and evaluated.
• A project management proposal and plan within the context of fashion design is presented.
• The people aspects of running a business are understood and described.
• Marketing and sales principles are researched and explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• The role of merchandising and the structure of the merchandising team is described.
• The principles of merchandising are evaluated.
• The buying cycle, sourcing and supply chain management are described and evaluated.
• An effective plan for a merchandising assortment is researched and produced.
• The presentation of product lines are evaluated and then developed.
• Understanding of apparel development and management processes is demonstrated.
• Production planning and the post production processes are described.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• The principles of entrepreneurship are explained.
• A business opportunity is identified.
• Personal entrepreneurial skills are applied to a proposed business opportunity.
• Personal branding is described and applied to the proposed business opportunity.
• A product brand is developed and evaluated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11

• Relevant research within the field of fashion design is conducted and appropriate research methods and techniques are applied.
• The major fashion periods of a specific period and geographical area are researched and their influence on successive periods is analysed.
• Evidence of a clear definition, critical analysis and understanding of the subject area is presented.
• Awareness of contemporary social, economic and cultural influences on local design is communicated.
• Information is effectively assessed, interpreted and evaluated and a personal view is developed.
• Findings are effectively presented.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12

• Fashion design knowledge and skills are applied in the workplace.
• The ability to work within an organisation as a team member and reflect on the outcomes of the programme is demonstrated.
• Knowledge of the function of the profession within the fashion design sector is successfully communicated and the ability to identify and document industry needs is demonstrated.
• The ability to critically reflect on and report on personal and company performance is demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is focused on the ability of the learners to apply their understanding and practical skills to creatively solving design briefs. Knowledge, understanding and practical skills may be assessed in isolation during the process of the training. Assessment tools are designed to assist the learners in applying their knowledge and skills to the completion of the practical briefs. Assessment strategies and procedures should be in alignment with the purpose and exit level outcomes of the qualification.