No true design history can be told without discussing garments and everything that they encompass. Fashion As Design addresses both everyday and high fashion garments from the early 20th Century to today. In this specialization you will consider the design and impact of what you wear, explore fashion as a tool for expression, and experiment with creative prompts that engage your closet. You’ll hear directly from a range of designers, photographers, makers, historians, and others working with clothing—and, in some cases, reimagining and repairing garments for the future.
Fashion as Design: Expression and Community
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Fashion as Design: Expression and Community
This course is part of Fashion As Design Specialization
Instructors: Rachael Schwabe
Included with
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
6 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
January 2026
Assessments
2 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Fashion As Design Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 4 modules in this course
What we wear informs our everyday experience of self and society. Explore how the clothes in your closet connect you to others and make you stand out through items that express identity, create and demonstrate community ties, and borrow and remake existing styles.
What's included
1 video4 readings1 assignment
In this module explore garments that have been used as a tool for expression—from religious wear to clothes that play with gender and performance. You’ll consider the role of fashion in distinguishing yourself as an individual.
What's included
6 videos12 readings
This module examines how clothing creates community, and the ways that subcultural trends have been adopted by mainstream culture—and vice versa.
What's included
5 videos9 readings
Reflect on your journey through Fashion, Expression, Community and complete a final assessment.
What's included
4 readings1 assignment
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Offered by
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Status: Free TrialThe Museum of Modern Art
Status: PreviewUniversity of the Arts London
Status: Free TrialCalifornia Institute of the Arts
Status: PreviewThe University of Sydney
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Frequently asked questions
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. 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.
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.
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
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