Location: On Campus (Boston)
Format: In-person, Full Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design
Since 1907, the MassArt Fashion Design department has been cultivating and nurturing designers, leaders, and artists in the realm of fashion. Our mission is to shape thoughtful, individual, and collaborative designers and makers into creative problem solvers and critical thinkers, equipped with the technical and innovative skills to become reflective agents of change.
Fashion Design students study the processes, techniques, and tools of the modern fashion industry, and become proficient in digital and hand drawing, pattern drafting, garment construction, tailoring and couture techniques, trend forecasting, fabric innovation and digital textile production.
Students also learn the business fundamentals of apparel marketing, manufacturing, and production processes, while also exploring sustainable practices, organic and eco-friendly textiles, waste minimization, and upcycling.
Through a focus on concept-driven design, innovation, and technical excellence, the program equips students with the creative and analytical tools to succeed in the fashion industry. Aligned with MassArt’s core values, students learn to design with intention and accountability—developing practices that are sustainable, socially engaged, and culturally informed.
Students who complete the Fashion Design BFA program are expected to be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes.
The MassArt Fashion Department collaborates with the following companies and organizations as part of the undergraduate experience:
Projects:
Primark, Anne Fontaine, Italian Trade Commission, Council of Fashion Designers of America, Bemis SewFree, Revere Hotel, Riccardi of Boston, Neiman Marcus, Peabody Essex Museum, Levi Strauss, Rogers Corporation, Copley Place Mall, Finagle a Bagel, RadiciSpandex
Graduates of the Fashion Design BFA program pursue dynamic careers across design, production, styling, merchandising, costume design, and creative direction. Many continue to advanced study or launch independent labels.
Alumni have gone on to work in global fashion houses, sustainable design initiatives, and entrepreneurial ventures, earning recognition for their craftsmanship and creative leadership.
MassArt’s strong industry connections give students access to meaningful internships, sponsored projects, and professional collaborations that often lead directly to post-graduate opportunities.
Apparel and Accessories Design, Technical Design and Product Development, Costume and Wardrobe Design for theater, film, and performance, Fashion Merchandising and Brand Management, Textile and Surface Design, Styling and Creative Direction, Sustainable Fashion and Material Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Independent Label Creation.
Boston Ballet, TJX Companies, Diane Von Furstenberg, Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen, Marc Jacobs, Puma, Reebok, Converse, Vera Wang, and more.
Marc Jacobs, Reebok, TJX Companies, Boston Conservatory, Zac Posen, Independent Labels.
Students working at sewing machines in the fashion Design studios
Fashion Design is a part of every person’s life – it’s the art you live your life in and wear every day.Cara Tuttle Associate Professor, Fashion Design
Students have access to studios, classrooms, labs, and workrooms equipped with industry-standard cutting tables, industrial machines, dress forms and software for apparel and textile design.
Students connect with the materials resource center and research/reference fashion archive within the department and are afforded college-wide gallery, library and exhibition space.
Studios
2023-2024 Student Government Association President Heily Rivas shares how creativity, exploration, (and fabric scraps!) can empower students to change the world
How recent alumna and past president of the SGA Heily Rivas (’24 BFA), makes creating environmentally-friendly clothing a community effort.
