The course explores the intersection of fashion and design, examining how clothing and accessories are created, produced, and consumed. The focus is not only on the aesthetics of fashion but also on its cultural, social, and economic impact.
Throughout the course, students learn about various aspects of fashion, including garments, footwear, and accessories. They delve into the design process, understanding how designers conceive ideas, develop prototypes, and bring their creations to life. The course also covers the history of fashion, examining iconic designs and their significance within different contexts.
One of the key themes explored in the course is sustainability. Students learn about the environmental and ethical challenges faced by the fashion industry and discover innovative approaches to address these issues. They explore sustainable materials, production methods, and the concept of circular fashion.
Moreover, the course analyzes fashion as a form of cultural expression and communication. Students examine how fashion reflects social values, identities, and trends. They explore the role of fashion in shaping and challenging cultural norms and stereotypes.
The course utilizes a combination of lectures, interviews with designers, and case studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of fashion as a design discipline. Students are encouraged to engage in discussions, complete assignments, and participate in peer feedback to deepen their knowledge and enhance their learning experience.
By the end of the course, students gain a broader perspective on fashion as a design practice and its impact on individuals and society. They develop critical thinking skills, enabling them to analyze and evaluate fashion designs from multiple angles.
Fashion as Design is an informative and thought-provoking course that offers insights into the world of fashion, its design processes, and its role in shaping culture and society.
Course Content:
Among all objects of design, our clothes are the most universal and intimate. Like other kinds of design, fashion thrives on productive tensions between form and function, automation and craftsmanship, standardization and customization, universality and self-expression, and pragmatism and utopian vision. It exists in the service of others, and it can have profound consequences-social, political, cultural, economic, and environmental.
Fashion as Design focuses on a selection of more than 70 garments and accessories from around the world, ranging from kente cloth to jeans to 3D-printed dresses. Through these garments, we’re going to look closely at what we wear, why we wear it, how it’s made, and what it means. You’ll hear directly from a range of designers, makers, historians, and others working with clothing every day-and, in some cases, reinventing it for the future. Studio visits, interviews, and other resources introduce the history and development of each garment and their changing uses, meanings, and impact over time.
Course Learning Objectives:
- Develop critical tools to appreciate and contextualize fashion design-from everyday clothing to couture garments-through many different perspectives.
- Trace the history, development, and impact of garments over time, and explore how they may be reinvented.
- Investigate garments through multiple lenses including politics, identity, and economics.
- Understand more about the lifecycle of clothing, from its design and production to its marketing, distribution, and consumption.
- Better comprehend the choices you make about fashion with respect to the visual language of dress, individual and collective identities, and issues such as labor practices, sustainability, and body politics.
The Fashion as Design course by Paola Antonelli on Coursera consists of 7 weeks, each of which is broken down into multiple lectures:
Week 1: Introduction
1 video (Total 3 min), 4 readings
Why do we wear what we wear? 3m
Welcome to Fashion as Design 10m
Who's Afraid of Fashion? by Paola Antonelli 10m
Additional Readings & Resources 10m
Tell Us About You 10m
Week 2: Heroes
8 videos (Total 35 min), 8 readings, 1 quiz
How do clothes make heroes? 3m
On Site in Los Angeles: Recreating Bruce Lee's Tracksuit 7m
Curator Stephanie Kramer on Sports Jerseys 2m
Guy Baldwin, International Mr. Leather 1989, on Leather Pants 2m
Designer Richard Malone on the Jumpsuit 2m
Designer Kerby Jean-Raymond on the Hoodie 3m
Designer Kerby Jean-Raymond, Abecedarium Presentation on the Hoodie 8m
On Site in London: Designing a MarsBoot with Liz Ciokajlo 6m
A Close Look at the Items: Sports Heroes 10m
A Close Look at the Item: Subcultural Heroes 10m
A Close Look at the Items: Military and Political Heroes 10m
A Close Look at the Items: Celebrity and Pop Heroes 10m
Bandana Tewari, Vogue India, on the Sari 10m
Malika V. Kashyap, Border&Fall, on the Sari 10m
A Close Look at the MarsBoot Prototype 10m
Additional Readings & Resources 10m
Heroes 30m
Week 3: Silhouettes
7 videos (Total 38 min), 7 readings, 1 quiz
How do clothes shape the body? 5m
On Site at MoMA: Designing Mannequins with Tae Smith 6m
Curator Valerie Steele, Abecedarium Presentation on the Little Black Dress 10m
Fashion Historian Francesca Granata on Body Meets Dress, Dress Meets Body-and Become One 1m
Linda Loppa on the Tabi Boot 2m
Designer Janie Bryant on the Pencil Skirt 3m
Mickey Boardman, PAPER magazine, Abecedarium Presentation on the Muumuu and Caftan 7m
A Close Look at the Items: Shape 10m
A Close Look at the Items: Conform 10m
A Close Look at the Items: Augment 10m
Designer Norma Kamali on the Sleeping Bag Coat 10m
A Close Look at the Items: Free 10m
Fashion Historian Lauren Downing Peters and Co-founder of Universal Standard Alexandra Waldman on Non-Sample Size Clothing 10m
Additional Readings & Resources 10m
Silhouettes 30m
Week 4: Coutures
6 videos (Total 38 min), 7 readings, 1 quiz
What goes into making what we wear? 4m
On Site in London: Making a Bespoke Savile Row Suit with Anderson & Sheppard, PartI 9m
On Site in London: Making a Bespoke Savile Row Suit with Anderson & Sheppard, PartII 12m
Designer Carlo Brandelli on the Suit 2m
Designers Jessica Rosenkrantz and Jesse Louis-Rosenberg on the Kinematics Dress 1m
On Site in New Jersey: Designing 3D-Printed Dresses with threeASFOUR 7m
A Close Look at the Items: Crafting 10m
A Close Look at the Items: Producing 10m
Jason Schott, Schott NYC, on the Biker Jacket 10m
A Close Look at the Items: Growing 10m
A Close Look at Design Collective threeASFOUR 10m
Additional Readings & Resources 10m
Mid-course survey 5m
Coutures 30m
Week 5: Lifecycle
9 videos (Total 70 min), 7 readings, 1 quiz
What is the lifecycle of our clothes? 6m
On Site in San Francisco: Levi's Wellthread Design Team Meeting 7m
On Site in San Francisco: Historical Jeans in the Levi's Archive with Tracey Panek 7m
On Site in San Francisco: The Future of Denim Case Study with Paul Dillinger 3m
Curator Emma McClendon, Abecedarium Presentation on Jeans 7m
Designers Carmen Artigas and Mary Ping, Abecedarium Presentation on Rana Plaza 10m
Curator Michelle Millar Fisher and Historian Francesca Granata on Premaman 2m
Maxine Bédat, Zady, Abecedarium Presentation on E-Commerce 10m
Conversation with Designer Pia Interlandi on the Little Black Death Dress 13m
A Close Look at the Items: Jeans and White T-Shirt 10m
A Close Look at the Items: Anew 10m
Cheng Kang, Woolrich, on the Plaid Flannel Shirt 10m
Designer Wei Hung Chen on the Modular Dress for Pregnant Women Prototype 10m
A Close Look at the Items: Forever 10m
A Close Look at the Little Black Death Dress Prototype 10m
Additional Readings & Resources 10m
Lifecycle 30m
Week 6: Modesty
4 videos (Total 25 min), 8 readings, 1 quiz
How do we use clothes to cover and reveal? 5m
Designer Hana Tajima on the Turtleneck and Hijab 6m
Grace Ali, OF NOTE Magazine, Abecedarium Presentation on the Veil 10m
Historian Leila Ahmed on the Hijab 2m
A Close Look at the Items: Head and Neck 10m
Rabbis Jodie Siff, Charles Savenor, and Melissa Buyer-Witman on the Kippah 10m
A Close Look at the Items: Swimwear 10m
Curator Glynis Jones on Speedo 10m
A Close Look at the Items: Legs 10m
Designer Miguel Mesa Posada on the Harem Pants Prototype 10m
Designer Zhijun Wang on the Sneaker Mask 10m
Additional Readings & Resources 10m
Modesty 30m
Week 7: Expression
8 videos (Total 59 min), 11 readings, 2 quizzes
What do we say with what we wear? 5m
Conversation with Artist Amanda Lopez and Designer Tanya Melendez on Door-Knocker Hoops 19m
Photographer Tom Gould on the Lo-Life Crew 3m
Curator Stephanie Kramer on the Slip Dress 3m
Model Hari Nef, Abecedarium Presentation on Unisex Fashion 8m
Photographer David Godlis, Abecedarium Presentation on Dr. Martens 8m
Historian Christopher Richards on Kente Cloth 3m
On Site in New York: Designing a 21st-Century Biker Jacket with Asher Levine 6m
A Close Look at the Items: Appropriate 10m
A Close Look at the Items: Subvert 10m
Jessica Barber, CALVIN KLEIN, on the Slip Dress 10m
A Close Look at the Items: Message 10m
Designer Peter Saville on the Graphic T-Shirt 10m
A Close Look at the Items: Identify 10m
Valarie Benning on New Breed's Dashiki Fashions 10m
A Close Look at the Biker Jacket Prototype 5m
Additional Readings & Resources 10m
Funding & Credits 10m
End-of-course survey 5m
Expression 30m
Reviews:
As a former student, I would like to provide a review of the Fashion as Design course by Paola Antonelli on Coursera:
This course is an exceptional learning experience that I highly recommend to anyone interested in fashion, design, and their cultural significance. The course offers a comprehensive exploration of fashion as a design discipline, covering a wide range of topics that go beyond mere aesthetics.
One of the strengths of the course is the expertise and passion of Paola Antonelli herself. Her extensive knowledge and experience as a curator and author shine through in the lectures and course materials. Her ability to connect design with various disciplines and challenge conventional notions makes the course thought-provoking and engaging.
The course content is well-structured and covers a diverse range of topics, including the design process, fashion history, sustainability, and the cultural impact of fashion. Each module is presented in a clear and concise manner, making it easy to follow along and understand the concepts. The combination of lectures, interviews with designers, and case studies offers a holistic perspective on fashion design.
One aspect I particularly appreciated about the course was its emphasis on sustainability in the fashion industry. It highlighted the environmental and ethical challenges faced by the industry and provided insights into innovative approaches and practices. This aspect of the course was eye-opening and made me reflect on my own consumption habits.
The course also fosters a sense of community and collaboration through its interactive elements. The discussions and peer feedback assignments allowed me to engage with fellow learners, share perspectives, and gain different insights into fashion design. This aspect enhanced my learning experience and provided a platform for meaningful interactions.
One suggestion for improvement would be to provide more interactive activities or practical exercises that allow students to apply the concepts they learn. While the lectures and discussions are informative, hands-on activities could further enhance the learning experience and facilitate a deeper understanding of the design process.
In conclusion, the Fashion as Design course by Paola Antonelli on Coursera is an outstanding educational opportunity. It offers a comprehensive exploration of fashion as a design discipline, challenges conventional notions, and encourages critical thinking. Paola Antonelli's expertise and passion shine through, making the learning experience engaging and thought-provoking. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of fashion design and its cultural significance.
At the time, the course has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on over 2,759 ratings.
What you'll learn:
After completing the Fashion as Design course by Paola Antonelli on Coursera, students acquire a range of skills and knowledge. Here are some of the skills that participants can expect to develop:
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Understanding of fashion design principles: Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the design process in the fashion industry. They learn how designers conceptualize ideas, develop prototypes, and translate their visions into tangible garments, accessories, or footwear.
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Knowledge of fashion history and iconic designs: The course explores the history of fashion, introducing students to influential designers, iconic garments, and significant fashion movements. This knowledge provides a foundation for understanding the evolution of fashion and its impact on culture.
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Awareness of sustainability in fashion: A key focus of the course is sustainability in the fashion industry. Students learn about the environmental and ethical challenges facing the industry and explore innovative approaches to address them. They gain knowledge of sustainable materials, production methods, and the concept of circular fashion.
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Critical thinking and analysis: Throughout the course, students develop critical thinking skills, enabling them to analyze and evaluate fashion designs from various perspectives. They learn to consider the cultural, social, and economic implications of fashion choices and understand how fashion can challenge or reinforce societal norms.
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Communication and cultural understanding: Fashion is a form of cultural expression, and the course highlights its role in communicating social values and identities. Students learn to interpret fashion as a language and gain insights into how it reflects and influences cultural trends and attitudes.
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Research and exploration: The course encourages students to conduct research and explore different aspects of fashion design. Through lectures, interviews, and case studies, participants develop the ability to gather and analyze information, expanding their knowledge beyond the course material.
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Collaboration and peer feedback: Students have the opportunity to engage in discussions, collaborate with peers, and provide and receive feedback. This fosters a sense of community and allows participants to enhance their learning through diverse perspectives.
Overall, completing the Fashion as Design course equips students with a well-rounded understanding of fashion design principles, sustainability in the industry, and the cultural significance of fashion. These skills can be applied to various careers within the fashion industry or used to pursue further studies in related fields.
Author:
Paola Antonelli is a renowned figure in the world of design. She is an Italian-born curator and author who has made significant contributions to the field of design and its intersection with art, technology, and culture. Antonelli currently serves as the Senior Curator of Architecture and Design at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.
As a curator, Paola Antonelli has curated numerous influential exhibitions that have explored the role of design in shaping society. She is known for her innovative and thought-provoking approach to curating, often pushing the boundaries of traditional design exhibitions. Antonelli has curated exhibitions such as "Design and the Elastic Mind" and "Talk to Me," which have explored the impact of design on communication and human interaction.
Antonelli's expertise extends beyond traditional design disciplines, encompassing a wide range of subjects. She is known for her interdisciplinary approach and her ability to connect design with various fields, including technology, science, sociology, and sustainability. Her work often highlights the social, cultural, and ethical implications of design, challenging conventional notions and provoking critical thinking.
In addition to her curatorial work, Paola Antonelli is also a prolific author and educator. She has written extensively on design, publishing books that delve into various aspects of the discipline. Her writing often explores design's role in shaping our daily lives, as well as its potential to address pressing global challenges.
Overall, Paola Antonelli is highly regarded for her deep knowledge and expertise in the field of design. Her work as a curator, author, and educator has had a significant impact on shaping the discourse around design, pushing boundaries, and encouraging dialogue about its potential and responsibilities in contemporary society. Her interdisciplinary approach and ability to bridge different fields make her a respected figure in the design community.
Requirements:
The Fashion as Design course, authored by Paola Antonelli, has several requirements for participants. Here are the key requirements of the course:
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Access to a computer with a reliable internet connection: As an online course on Coursera, Fashion as Design requires students to have access to a computer or mobile device with an internet connection. This is necessary to access the course materials, lectures, and assignments.
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Basic computer literacy: Participants should have basic computer skills, including the ability to navigate websites, use email, and interact with online platforms. Familiarity with common software applications and online learning platforms is also beneficial.
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Time commitment: The course requires a time commitment from participants to watch lectures, complete assignments, and engage in discussions. The exact duration may vary, but learners should be prepared to dedicate several hours per week throughout the course duration.
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Language proficiency: The course is conducted in English, so a good command of the English language is necessary to understand the lectures, read course materials, and engage in discussions effectively.
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Open-mindedness and willingness to explore diverse perspectives: The course encourages participants to explore fashion from different cultural, social, and historical contexts. It requires an open-minded approach to engage with diverse perspectives and challenge preconceived notions about fashion and design.
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Willingness to actively participate: The course encourages active participation through discussions, assignments, and peer feedback. Students are expected to actively contribute to discussions, complete assignments, and provide constructive feedback to their peers.
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Curiosity and a desire to learn: Fashion as Design is designed to cultivate a deep understanding of fashion as a design discipline. Participants should come to the course with a genuine curiosity and a desire to expand their knowledge and critical thinking skills in the field of fashion.
By meeting these requirements, participants can fully engage with the course materials, interact with fellow learners, and gain a comprehensive understanding of fashion as design under the guidance of Paola Antonelli.
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