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.
This course is part of the Modern and Contemporary Art and Design Specialization
Offered By
Modern and Contemporary Art and Design SpecializationThe Museum of Modern ArtAbout 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
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 4 of 4 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 19 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
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
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 4 of 4 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 19 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
Offered by
The Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art is a place that fuels creativity, ignites minds, and provides inspiration. Join us in exploring the art, ideas, and issues of our time through the Modern and Contemporary Art and Design Specialization or through individual courses: Modern Art & Ideas, Seeing Through Photographs, What Is Contemporary Art?, Fashion as Design, and In the Studio: Postwar Abstract Painting. Learn about teaching with art in our three courses designed for K-12 educators: Art & Inquiry, Art & Activity, and Art & Ideas.
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
3 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.
3 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
Heroes30m
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
Silhouettes30m
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
Coutures30m
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM FASHION AS DESIGN
by SAMay 27, 2020
I would highly recommend this course for someone passionate about the industry. It's an Insightful course too deepen inside the fashion world, through history, identity, sustainability, and much more.
by MPMay 15, 2020
Excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommended it to many. I am a mature student ( 55) and after this, I really feel I want to study a masters in fashion sustainability. Thanks for inspiring me.
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 TPJun 8, 2020
It's a great course not only for fashion lovers, but anybody interested in history, design, activism or sustainability. I subscribed just for fun, but got so much new knowledge and inspiration!
About the Modern and Contemporary Art and Design Specialization
This Specialization will introduce you to the art of our time. Through original films and audio, you will go behind the scenes to look closely at artworks and into studios to hear directly from artists, designers, curators and others. This Specialization is for anyone who would like to learn more about modern and contemporary art. No prior knowledge is required. Enroll to receive invitations to virtual events, gain exclusive access to MoMA resources, and share ideas with an international learner community.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
- The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
- The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. 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.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project. Learn more.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
