Among all objects of design, our clothes are the most universal and intimate. Like other kinds of design, fashion thrives on productive tensions between form and function, automation and craftsmanship, standardization and customization, universality and self-expression, and pragmatism and utopian vision. It exists in the service of others, and it can have profound consequences—social, political, cultural, economic, and environmental.
Fashion as Design
Offered By
Fashion as Design
The Museum of Modern Art
About this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
47%
started a new career after completing these courses
40%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Skills you will gain
Art HistoryArtHistoryCreativity
Learner Career Outcomes
47%
started a new career after completing these courses
40%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 21 hours to complete
Suggested: 2-3 hours per week
English
Subtitles: English
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1 hour to complete
Introduction
1 hour to complete
1 video (Total 3 min), 4 readings
1 video
4 readings
Welcome to Fashion as Design10m
Who's Afraid of Fashion? by Paola Antonelli10m
Additional Readings & Resources10m
Tell Us About You10m
2 hours to complete
Heroes
Wearing certain garments can inspire heroic transformations, while heroes can elevate everyday clothing to iconic status. In this module, you will discover the relationship between aspiration, achievement, adulation, and attire through a wide range of heroes—and even imagine yourself as a space hero in the future.
2 hours to complete
8 videos (Total 35 min), 8 readings, 1 quiz
8 videos
On Site in Los Angeles: Recreating Bruce Lee's Tracksuit7m
Curator Stephanie Kramer on Sports Jerseys2m
Guy Baldwin, International Mr. Leather 1989, on Leather Pants2m
Designer Richard Malone on the Jumpsuit2m
Designer Kerby Jean-Raymond on the Hoodie3m
Designer Kerby Jean-Raymond, Abecedarium Presentation on the Hoodie8m
On Site in London: Designing a MarsBoot with Liz Ciokajlo6m
8 readings
A Close Look at the Items: Sports Heroes10m
A Close Look at the Item: Subcultural Heroes10m
A Close Look at the Items: Military and Political Heroes10m
A Close Look at the Items: Celebrity and Pop Heroes10m
Bandana Tewari, Vogue India, on the Sari10m
Malika V. Kashyap, Border&Fall, on the Sari10m
A Close Look at the MarsBoot Prototype10m
Additional Readings & Resources10m
1 practice exercise
Heroes20m
2 hours to complete
Silhouettes
When we put on clothes, we change the shape and outline of our bodies—sometimes profoundly. The silhouettes we adopt are determined by everything from shifting trends in fashion to what looks and feels good. This week, we explore how clothes shape the body and how cultural constructions of the body shape clothes.
2 hours to complete
7 videos (Total 38 min), 7 readings, 1 quiz
7 videos
On Site at MoMA: Designing Mannequins with Tae Smith6m
Curator Valerie Steele, Abecedarium Presentation on the Little Black Dress10m
Fashion Historian Francesca Granata on Body Meets Dress, Dress Meets Body—and Become One1m
Linda Loppa on the Tabi Boot2m
Designer Janie Bryant on the Pencil Skirt3m
Mickey Boardman, PAPER magazine, Abecedarium Presentation on the Muumuu and Caftan7m
7 readings
A Close Look at the Items: Shape10m
A Close Look at the Items: Conform10m
A Close Look at the Items: Augment10m
Designer Norma Kamali on the Sleeping Bag Coat10m
A Close Look at the Items: Free10m
Fashion Historian Lauren Downing Peters and Co-founder of Universal Standard Alexandra Waldman on Non-Sample Size Clothing10m
Additional Readings & Resources10m
1 practice exercise
Silhouettes20m
2 hours to complete
Coutures
The French word couture means "dressmaking" or "sewing,” and often refers to one-of-a-kind, primarily handmade garments intended for a specific individual. This module approaches couture from a broader perspective, exploring the complex processes—from traditional handcrafting to the use of new technologies—that go into the making of high-end and everyday garments.
2 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 38 min), 7 readings, 1 quiz
6 videos
On Site in London: Making a Bespoke Savile Row Suit with Anderson & Sheppard, Part I9m
On Site in London: Making a Bespoke Savile Row Suit with Anderson & Sheppard, Part II12m
Designer Carlo Brandelli on the Suit2m
Designers Jessica Rosenkrantz and Jesse Louis-Rosenberg on the Kinematics Dress1m
On Site in New Jersey: Designing 3D-Printed Dresses with threeASFOUR7m
7 readings
A Close Look at the Items: Crafting10m
A Close Look at the Items: Producing10m
Jason Schott, Schott NYC, on the Biker Jacket10m
A Close Look at the Items: Growing10m
A Close Look at Design Collective threeASFOUR10m
Additional Readings & Resources10m
Mid-course survey5m
1 practice exercise
Coutures20m
Reviews
4.9
TOP REVIEWS FROM FASHION AS DESIGN
by CRDec 1, 2019
Highly practical and ambitious material challenging us to think about the current landscape of fashion, as well as the future, and how we can improve the the industry with sustainable practices.
by DGNov 25, 2019
Brilliant course. Eye - opening. It gave me the language to describe some of my views on fashion which I never even knew existed. Looking forward to more fashion courses from MoMA!
by ABApr 8, 2018
This course is excellently taught and very engaging, I have enjoyed it immensely and cant wait to do further courses produced by MOMA! Great course, I would highly recommend it :)
by MIApr 16, 2018
I really enjoyed this course. I love the facts and new things I have learned about garments and items that I use in my every day life but also other objects from other cultures.
by MAJun 10, 2018
Really enjoyable and informative course. It was the first course I ever took "for fun", and I'm glad I took it. I learned a lot and enjoyed myself the entire time.
by JSJul 2, 2018
This is an unbelievably awesome course! I have learned so much about fashion in ways I had never thought about it before. Thank you MOMA for this excellent course!
by JHJan 13, 2018
I like this course very much. It opened my vision of the development of garments as well as accessories and reminded me to review the manufacturing of clothes.
by JWSep 11, 2019
This is a fantastic course and very informative, learned a ton about fashion and worth to revisit many articles and videos in the future. Highly recommend it.
by MPNov 18, 2017
This course taught me lots of basic information about Fashion. Pieces of clothes and accessories are presented via Silhouettes, Modesty, Expression, etc.
by BMJun 17, 2018
Genial y lleno de personas apasionadas por la moda, el contenido es bastante rico en información sin estar sobrecargado. Me siento muy satisfecha
by MLApr 24, 2018
The history of the fashions touched on was phenomenal. I loved the chapters on Sustainability, and they’ve made me a much more conscious buyer.
by ARNov 17, 2018
Wonderful course for every fashion design student who is studying fashion with historical perspective and their making and importance.
About The Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art is a place that fuels creativity, ignites minds, and provides inspiration. With extraordinary exhibitions and the world's finest collection of modern and contemporary art, MoMA is dedicated to the conversation between the past and the present, the established and the experimental. Our mission is helping you understand, enjoy, and use the art of our time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
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