In this episode, “Creating a Covid-Proof Design Portfolio,” we examine the ways in which fashion design schools may shift their application processes and how incoming students can create a standout portfolio. 

Over the past year, fashion design schools have been forced to rethink how they educate students and prepare them for jobs. It’s a monumental task, when so much about Covid-19 is still unknown, making planning for future academic years difficult at best. What’s more, with a shift to online learning and a focus on systemic racism within fashion curriculum, educators are having to shift the very models of education that have been in place for decades, especially when it comes to studio-based and Western-centric learning. 

And while institutions grapple with these changes, potential fashion design students wonder how or if these issues may change the application process. Here’s Susanna Moyer, a part time professor in the BFA Fashion Design program at Parsons School of Design and an educational consultant in New York City

[Susanna] Some schools and universities will be looking for students that are able to connect with global issues, with inclusivity being one of them. Students who bring innovation and critical thinking to these issues through the creative process will be the most attractive candidates for these institutions.

And more specifically, fashion schools are increasingly looking for students who show an aptitude and knowledge of emerging technologies. 

[Susanna] Technology, as well, is becoming more and more important for the student to understand. It is being used in the school environment and the professional arena.So, it's really important for students to understand 3D technology, including Clo3D. 

While it’s not expected that an incoming student learn a complex software platform like Clo3D, having an awareness of how it works, or how it changes the design process is very helpful. This is especially true when so much of learning is online right now. 

At the same time, Susanna points out that the core of what makes a successful portfolio hasn’t really changed. It’s still important for students to present “a clear, focused direction, and diversity in presentation.” 

[Susanna] All elements, including moodboard designs and technical flats need to be well thought out and executed so the storytelling of the collection is understandable to the viewer. Along with the portfolio, the student needs to create a design journal to process concepts and research for the portfolio. Some of this content can be used in the portfolio submission. The last thing is to remember, in most cases, the student cannot be there to present their work. They need to ask themselves if the presentation is clear for the viewer. 

And Susanna points out that students who understand their potential role as a designer within the bigger picture can also help them to stand out, as long as it is authentic. 

[Susanna] It is very, very important that the students ‘do’ themselves. As Oscar Wilde said, ‘be yourself, everyone else has taken.’ Be original and believe in something. And also look at what you need to learn before you get into school.

Part of the equation for any incoming student is whether fashion design school is right for them, or if there is even any future in fashion. After all, the world is changing precipitously, and the effect on fashion is obvious. 

[Susanna] The new opportunities for students include the broadening markets and the specializations that are emerging with the changing social rules that are being broken every day. Genderless clothing is one example along with sustainable and ethical practices that are becoming stronger trends with the consumer.

With any change comes opportunity. And an education is meant to prepare students to be ready for new opportunities--to be ready to ideate, innovate and implement. Susanna sums it up, “Choose a school or program that aligns with your values and goals, and gives you a safe space to learn through process and even failure.”