The Museum of Modern Art

Fashion as Design: Silhouettes and Icons

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The Museum of Modern Art

Fashion as Design: Silhouettes and Icons

This course is part of Fashion As Design Specialization

Rachael Schwabe
Paola Antonelli

Instructors: Rachael Schwabe

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

6 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
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
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  • Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

In this course, examples of silhouettes and iconic garments from the 20th century to today serve as a springboard to consider how we use clothing and accessories to project, aspire, and shift our sense of self.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

When we get dressed, the shape our clothes create—a silhouette—is influenced by everything from shifting trends in fashion to what looks and feels good. In this module you will explore how clothing shapes the body and how our ideas about the body shapes the clothing we wear.

What's included

5 videos13 readings

What makes a garment iconic? Sometimes it’s the power of the wearer’s personality, or a person’s role—from an athlete to the military—that elevates an ordinary item to fashion’s mainstream. In this module you’ll consider how the clothing we wear reflects who you are and what you want to become.

What's included

4 videos11 readings

Reflect on your journey through Fashion, Silhouettes, Icons 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.

Instructors

Rachael Schwabe
The Museum of Modern Art
1 Course 13,449 learners

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