Photo: Textile Design, 1932
Designs for Wallpaper, Textiles, Costume Courses constitute the coursework for students studying in the Fashion Department
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
1907 – MassArt Fashion Department Established
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.
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.
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.
1926 – Retail and Design Courses Included
1930 Illustration
MassArt adds Retail Trade and Theatre Design courses to the fashion design department academic programming.
1928 – Fine Art Courses Further Shape Academics
Photo: MassArt archive
Art in Trade, Costume Illustration, and an Evening School Program are established.
1940 – Costume Design
Photo: 1933 Illustration
MassArt graduates a class of 20 “Fates of the Fashionists”
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.
1954 – MassArt Class of 1954
Photo: MassArt archive
MassArt Class of 1954, Fashion Design
1968 – MassArt Fashion Design
Photo: MassArt archive
Fashion Design students of the class of 1968.
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.
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.
2007 -100th Anniversary of MassArt Fashion
Photo: Sujung Cho, 2007
In 2007, MassArt celebrated 100 years of academic and artistic study in 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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