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Fashion Design

History

MassArt Fashion Design was established in 1907, and is one of the oldest fashion programs in the United States.

MassArt, founded in 1873, is one of the oldest art schools in the United States. While originally, the college’s focus was on teaching traditional art disciplines such as drawing, painting, and sculpture, its offerings expanded over the years to include various design disciplines, including fashion design.

The history of MassArt’s Fashion Design department, as noted in the timeline below,  reflects the school’s commitment to providing high-quality art and design education while staying relevant to the needs of the ever-changing fashion industry.

 

History Timeline of MassArt Fashion Design

Geometric textile design featuring stylized, repeating floral and leaf patterns in shades of gray. With an Art Deco feel and overlapping circular motifs, this piece captures the innovative spirit of MassArt Fashion Design.
1907 – MassArt Fashion Department Established

Photo: Textile Design, 1932

Designs for Wallpaper, Textiles, Costume Courses constitute the coursework for students studying in the Fashion Department
Illustrated costume designs featuring four stylized outfits from the MassArt Fashion Design collection. Central figure in an ornate, flowing dress adorned with intricate patterns. Others in chic, tailored suits and dresses. Decorative headdresses and fashion details add elegance and flair. Text: Costume Designs.
1915 – Updates to Curriculum

Photo: 1928 Illustration

Classes such as Pattern Drafting, Draping Practice, and Costume Model (historic costume) Medium are added to the Fashion Department curriculum.
A collage of eight black and white portraits labeled with names and years: Agnes Blake, 1917; Martha Flint, 1921; Frank Ludwig, 1932; Muriel Cox, 1937; Mary Rugg, 1939. Capturing the essence of MassArt fashion design are Emma Lennon and Rita McManus from 1949 and Evelina VonLadau in.
1917 – Industrial Art Education

Photo: MassArt Faculty, 1917-1961

MassArt aims to train teachers, designers, illustrators, draftsmen, and craftsmen for industrial art leadership in the promotion of Massachusetts education, manufacturing, and social life.
Illustration of a woman in a formal gown with a fitted bodice and full skirt, accented with lace—a true testament to MassArt Fashion Design. To the side, theres a smaller sketch of a woman in a shorter dress. Text reads Costume Design.
1921 – Costume and Textile Design Programs Added

1941 Illustration

Courses in Costume Drafting and Proving Practice provide practical training in some commercial houses of the city as part of the senior year curriculum.
Black and white vintage poster of a woman in a dark, stylish outfit with a zigzag-patterned scarf. Text reads Announcing the New Spring Shop, credited to Dorothy Chambers, Senior Design Group at MassArt Fashion Design. Decorative floral elements adorn the side.
1926 – Retail and Design Courses Included

1930 Illustration

MassArt adds Retail Trade and Theatre Design courses to the fashion design department academic programming.
A black-and-white photo of six women in a classroom at MassArt Fashion Design. Three are seated at desks with drawing materials, while three stand behind, examining dresses and sketches. The room features wooden furniture and dress patterns displayed on the walls, capturing a creative atmosphere.
1928 – Fine Art Courses Further Shape Academics

Photo: MassArt archive

Art in Trade, Costume Illustration, and an Evening School Program are established.
Illustration of a historical costume featuring an elaborate gown with intricate floral embroidery and puffed sleeves, crafted in the style of MassArt Fashion Design. The dress has a voluminous skirt with a dark outer layer, and a woman holds a fan while wearing a detailed headpiece.
1940 – Costume Design

Photo: 1933 Illustration

MassArt graduates a class of 20 “Fates of the Fashionists”
Abstract art cover design featuring purple, red, and white shapes with intersecting black lines. Text overlays read MassArt Fashion Design, general design, teacher education, and drawing and painting.
1950 – Technical Courses Added

Photo: MassArt archive

Courses in design, color, textile, design research, and drawing are added to raise the academic and artistic rigor of the program.
Black and white photo of 11 women from the MassArt Fashion Design in 1954. Theyre standing side by side, wearing dresses and smiling. A sign behind them reads 57th Street. A note at the top says Mass. Art Fashion Class of 1954.
1954 – MassArt Class of 1954

Photo: MassArt archive

MassArt Class of 1954, Fashion Design
A black and white image captures the bustling energy of a crowded MassArt Fashion Design studio, where mannequins mingle with aspiring designers. On the right, names are listed under the title Fashion Design MassArt, highlighting the creativity within these walls.
1968 – MassArt Fashion Design

Photo: MassArt archive

Fashion Design students of the class of 1968.
A group of people, showcasing flair inspired by MassArt Fashion Design, joyfully jump in front of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Bundled up in stylish winter clothing, they smile and raise their arms as the monuments detailed sculptures loom majestically in the background.
1981-Study Abroad: France

Photo: Travel Course 2010

The Fashion Design Department partners with the Paris Fashion Institute for international and cross-cultural study abroad opportunities.
1998 – Outdoor Fashion Show

MassArt hosts the Outdoor Fashion Show along the newly named “Huntington Avenue of the Arts” in Boston.
A poster for the Massachusetts College of Arts Certificate in Fashion Design showcases models in vibrant outfits. The text highlights career benefits like skill enhancement and portfolio building. MassArt Fashion Design program contact info is provided at the bottom.
2004 – Fashion Design Certificate Program Added

Photo: PCE

In collaboration with MassArt’s Professional and Continuing Education Department, the Fashion Design Department establishes the Fashion Design Certificate Program.
Models walk down a runway at the MassArt Fashion Design show, wearing various modern outfits. They have styled hair in light shades and carry expressions projecting confidence. The clothing includes dresses and skirts with neutral and dark tones.
2007 -100th Anniversary of MassArt Fashion

Photo: Sujung Cho, 2007

In 2007, MassArt celebrated 100 years of academic and artistic study in Fashion Design.

 
A large printer outputs a colorful, abstract fabric design with a blend of red, orange, black, and white patterns. Situated in a room with a purple floor and nearby table holding a computer and sanitizer, this setting resonates with the innovative spirit of MassArt Fashion Design.
2008 – Mimaki Donation

Photo: MassArt archive

Mimaki Engineering, a leader in digital printing, generously donates printing resources to MassArt to support digitally printed textiles.
A model wearing a black, strapless, floor-length gown, long gloves, and a large hair accessory strides confidently down the runway. Two other models in gowns are visible in the background at the MassArt Fashion Design show set against a neutral backdrop.
2009 – Study Abroad: Brazil

Photo: Prajje

The Fashion Design Department develops a study abroad opportunity in Fortaleza, Brazil to encourage the examination of diverse perspectives and inspiration in design.
A performer in a business suit and harness, inspired by MassArt Fashion Design, walks vertically down the side of a building with a large banner. She navigates the vertical surface adorned with architectural grid patterns, showcasing creativity and innovation.
2010 – Collaborations

Photo: Opening of the Rooftop at the Revere Hotel, 2012

MassArt welcomes the Italian Trade Commission, RadiciSpandex, and the Revere Hotel to its growing list of partners.
A diverse group of twelve people, channeling MassArt Fashion Design flair, are posing for a photo against a plain background. They are dressed in a mix of casual and business-casual outfits, either standing or seated on stools and boxes.
2012 – Travel Courses Added

Photo: MassArt Fashion Design Faculty, 2012

The Fashion Design Department adds international educational opportunities in Antwerp, Belgium and Paris, France. Featured above: Faculty from the Fashion Department, 2012.
In a chic fashion studio, a person exudes confidence, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, purple glasses, and a sequined skirt. Mannequins with vibrant dresses fill the backdrop, echoing the innovative spirit of MassArt Fashion Design.
2014 – Foundation Scholarships Established

Photo: Erin Robertson ’17 BFA Fashion Design & Fibers

MassArt Fashion Design Foundation Scholarships are established, funding a junior or senior’s full tuition for one year.
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