About the Fashion Design Program
As a Fashion Design student, you will work hands-on alongside seasoned industry professionals who make up our faculty. Build a foundation in the history of fashion, global fashion trends, color theory, and preliminary sketching. Advance your knowledge and skills with courses in design, technical flat sketching and illustration, pattern drafting, sewing, draping, garment production, and more. You will also learn how to use Adobe Creative Suite and CAD software.
Your classroom is a real-world workshop, where you will sketch garments, cut patterns, source fabrics and materials, and construct sample garments for your own line. These pieces become part of your ever-expanding body of work, which you will compile into a portfolio to help you transition to a 4-year fashion program or enter directly into the fashion industry.
We provide opportunities to visit design houses and manufacturers, as well as hear from retailers, merchandisers, and stylists. Top fashion schools and employers value Santa Monica College Fashion Design graduates for their motivation, focus, and dedication to their craft.
Design a creative career fueled by your passion.
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Program Paths
Fashion Design
Associate in Science
Certificate of Achievement
Fashion design students develop skills in design communication, including preliminary sketching, technical flat sketching, illustration, and usage of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and CAD software. Skills in draping, pattern-drafting from draping and body measurements, and basic sewing skills to advanced construction are developed in order to create sample garments for production and sales.
Career Opportunities
Our Fashion Design program is designed to have students career ready. Consider scheduling
an appointment with a career advisor with knowledge of the fashion design profession to discuss internship and jobs as well as steps you can take to become job ready.
Resources and Transfer
Student Resources
We know college isn't always easy. We are here to help as you navigate through your SMC journey. This resource connects to information about Financial Aid, Tutoring Services, the Center for Wellness and Wellbeing and much more!
LA Mode
Each year Fashion Design and Merchandising students combine talents to plan, promote and produce a fashion show featuring student designs on the runway. LA Mode is a highly anticipated event for students and industry insiders.
Transfer Preparation
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university.