The Fashion Design & Apparel Construction Program at the Aiken County Career & Technology Center is a two-year South Carolina Completer Program for high school juniors and seniors. We also offer a brief exploratory program at the Career Center for sophomores. Instructor Jean Pesce attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and Cornell University in Upstate New York, and has many years of experience in the industry. She also owns her own business in Pesce Custom Sewing Services.
The revised state curriculum describes the scope of study for Fashion Design and Apparel Construction 1 as one focusing on the study of the fashion and garment industry, with an emphasis on the basics of design and construction. In this interactive course, our students develop a global view and learn to weigh design decisions based within the parameters of ecological, socio-economic, and cultural contexts. Course concepts are applied with hands-on learning experiences as students study career pathways, textiles, fashion design, apparel construction, consumer behavior, products, and materials of the fashion industry. Challenging projects are integrated throughout the course work, and students will complete at least one garment.
In Fashion Design and Apparel Construction 2 a greater focus on professionalism is showcased as preparations are made for students to enter the working world. Course work reveals the detailed world of fashion merchandising and marketing, while the skills of fashion design and apparel construction are refined for students. Creativity travels down the fashion runway in this course, with an emphasis placed on the development of problem solving, decision-making and technological applications in a real-world context.
Our program integrates all areas of academic study and technological skills in order to produce qualified industry professionals who are ready to work. In addition, state and national memberships in the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) provide opportunities to build valuable leadership, networking, and competitive skills. Our vision for Aiken County fashion design students is to add a third full year to our program. A third year of instruction will incorporate more technology skills that are replacing the traditional means of apparel production (digital design, pattern-making, and 3D printing), advance skill development to provide related services to the community (theater integration, special needs clothing, etc.), and provide more work-based learning experiences.
Just a few examples of how our Fashion Design & Apparel Construction Program at the Aiken County Career & Technology Center involves the local community to enhance learning include class tours of a local alpaca farm, a local cotton farm, a tour of local retail stores, a local bridal shop, and a local dry cleaner. Students enhance their design and apparel construction skills through a tenth-grade project, detailed fashion sketching, use of industry construction tools and the design of a year-end showcase exhibit and a showcase garment.
Join us today and put your creativity to work!