Fashion Systems

Overview

Released in June 2021, Fashion Systems look at how the fashion business has grown from the storied Parisian houses of the early 20th century into a global phenomenon. It is highly complex, multi-faceted, and undergoing reinvention. In this course, you will learn about long-standing factors that impact the existing fashion system such as consumption, inclusion, and labor. You’ll explore the “slow fashion” movement, look at holistic and human-centric product development strategies, and build a brand story with core values at its heart. Finally, you’ll consider sustainability and environmental responsibility throughout the fashion design and production processes. In this course, you'll be learning from the following Parsons faculty and industry experts: - Laura Lanteri, Parsons Faculty, Creative Director/Founder, LLNY - Lucy Jones, Parsons Faculty, CEO, FFORA - Amanda Hallay, Fashion Historian, Author & Consultant - Sydney Price, Parsons Faculty, Founder/CEO, The Knew Purpose

Syllabus

Systems Thinking

In this module, you will learn about the long-standing factors that impact the existing fashion system, including consumption, inclusion, and labor. We’ll look at the "slow fashion" movement and its impacts on resource flows, workers, communities, and ecosystems.

The Human-Centric Approach

In this module, you will learn how to take a more conscious approach to fashion products and services. This approach places the human at the center of all design decisions by focusing on social engagement and designing for underserved communities.

A Holistic Fashion System

In this module, you'll learn about the creation of a more holistic fashion system, one that considers core values, and why they matter in relating brand story through actions, behaviors, and the decision-making process.

Environmental Responsibility

In this module, we’ll discuss environmental responsibility in the design process and how it affects raw materials sourcing, manufacturing, a product’s "end of life," as well as sustainable practices for the recycling and reuse of garments and textiles.