COURSE CURRICULUM

In Year 1, students will focus on building a strong foundation in research, concept development, 2D illustration, basic technical skills, and design development. The first block, *Contour Introduction*, introduces core skills in developing non-structured intimate apparel such as lingerie, sleepwear, and loungewear. Students will learn pattern cutting, construction, and documentation, culminating in a reference file of technical work. The assessment consists of 70% technical file and 30% sketchbook. In *Contour Creative*, students will deepen their understanding of visual investigation, exploring various methodologies for research, drawing, sampling, and conceptual development. This module may involve a study trip, with assessment split between 70% sketchbook and 30% technical file. *Contour Consolidation* focuses on consolidating the skills learned in the previous modules through independent study and the production of a non-structured intimate apparel design. The module also includes the use of the Adobe Creative Suite and theoretical content on design cultures and historical frameworks. Assessment is 50% consolidation and 50% written assignment. Finally, *Contour Collaborations* introduces students to the research and design of niche technical products in the fashion and intimate apparel market. The module emphasizes teamwork, collaboration, and communication, with industry specialists contributing throughout. The project is assessed with 50% for the group project and 50% for the reflective piece.In **Year 2**, the focus shifts to refining and expanding your skills and knowledge. *Block 1: Technical Inquiry* extends your practical understanding of contour product design and development, emphasizing the relationship between aesthetics, pattern, construction, material selection, and fit, while further developing your CAD skills and product grading. *Block 2: Contour Futures* explores broader contour product categories such as swimwear and sportswear, with an emphasis on trend forecasting, fabric selection, and consumer behavior, alongside continued development in CAD. *Block 3: Contour Exploration and Communication* consolidates research into high-quality visual work, with projects focusing on key design decisions and experimentation in various product categories. *Block 4: Consolidation Project* refines design decisions on color, style, shape, and fabric while continuing technical development, and allows for the creation of a designed product aligned with chosen product categories. Industry specialists contribute throughout, with assessments split between creative construction and technical work. This year builds on your foundation, preparing you for more advanced work in the following years.In **Year 3**, you will consolidate your learning by applying all the skills you've gained to create a final product that reflects your chosen focus and design aesthetic. *Block 1: Creative Practice* focuses on employability and educational skills, including professional practice sessions, guest speakers, and topics such as marketing, promotion, social media, and business development. You'll also work on a creative brief for an international intimates company, involving market research, sketchbook progression, and design development. *Block 2: External Client* continues this creative brief, focusing on fabric selection, pattern cutting, toile making, garment construction, and fit evaluation, with advanced pattern cutting sessions for intimates. *Block 3 and Block 4: Major Project with Cultural Context* culminate your studies in a major project, where you can specialize in either Aesthetic or Technical design. The Aesthetic option involves creating innovative, fashion-forward garments for catwalk displays, while the Technical option focuses on niche products like medical applications or adaptive sportswear. Both options require research and the development of four outfits supported by portfolios. You'll also work on a written assignment linked to your studio project, demonstrating the relationship between theory and practice. The assessment covers technical files, garment development, essays, and research/design.