MassArt Fashion Design BFA students are steeped in a program that emphasizes creative process, industry practice, and technical competency and craft.
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.
Monica Nakhoul ’24 BFA Fashion Design, See You In Beruit Whatever Happens Collection, 2024
Fashion Design students study the processes, techniques, and tools of the contemporary fashion industry and build skills in digital and hand drawing, pattern drafting, garment construction, tailoring and couture techniques, trend forecasting, fabric innovation and digital textile production.
Students learn the business fundamentals of apparel marketing, manufacturing, and production processes, while 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 enter the fashion field with skill and confidence. Aligned with MassArt’s core values, students learn to design with intention and accountability, developing practices that are sustainable, socially engaged, and culturally informed.
The MassArt Fashion Department collaborates with the following companies and organizations as part of the undergraduate experience:
Partners:
Levi Strauss, Council of Fashion Designers of America, Eileen Fisher, Primark, Neiman Marcus, Anne Fontaine, Bemis SewFree, RadiciSpandex /Rogers Corporation, Riccardi of Boston, Revere Hotel, Copley Place Mall, Peabody Essex Museum, Italian Trade Commission.
MassArt’s strong industry connections give students access to meaningful internships, sponsored projects, and professional collaborations that often lead directly to post-graduate opportunities.
Students who complete the Fashion Design BFA program are expected to be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes.
Graduates of the Fashion Design BFA program pursue a wide range of creative careers in design, production, styling, merchandising, costume design, and creative direction. Many go on to advanced study, launch their own ventures, or gain recognition for their craftsmanship, innovation, and creative leadership.
Alumni have built careers with leading fashion houses, sustainable design initiatives, independent labels, and interdisciplinary creative practices.
Apparel / Textile Designer, CMF/Sustainable Fashion and Material Innovation Designer, Costume and Wardrobe Designer, Art Director, Creative Director, Product Developer, Fashion Merchandiser, Brand Manager, Independent Label Creator/Entrepreneur
Oscar de la Renta, Diane Von Furstenberg, Zac Posen, Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Puma, Reebok, Converse, TJX Companies, Boston Ballet, and more.
Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Zac Posen, Nike, Converse, Reebok, New Balance, Sam Edelman, TJX Companies, Talbots, J. Jill Group, UPPAbaby, Boston Conservatory, Independent labels.
Our Fashion Design studios give students the space, tools, and resources to bring their ideas to life. Students work with industry-standard cutting tables, industrial sewing machines, dress forms, and apparel and textile design software, while drawing inspiration from the department’s materials resource center and fashion archive.
Students also have access to a consortium of libraries, as well as college-wide gallery and exhibition spaces.
View Our Studios
