About this Course
We engage with fashion every day, yet we rarely analyze the complex design systems, histories, and environmental impacts stitched into what we wear. This Specialization will elevate your relationship with clothing—not only in decoding trends, but exploring fashion as a powerful medium of cultural expression and social change. By looking at landmark garments from the early 20th century through to today’s cutting-edge innovations, you will develop a critical framework for understanding how design shapes identity and industry. You will gain firsthand insights from designers, historians, and makers who are currently reimagining the lifecycle of clothing across the globe. Whether you are a student of design or a professional interested in the ethics of consumption, this program provides the tools to see the world—and your own wardrobe—through a lens of purposeful innovation
What You'll Learn
- Understand fashion design influences on personal experience
- Recognize environmental and social impact of clothing
- Appreciate fashion's role in identity and community
Prerequisites
- Basic computer and internet skills
- Ability to follow instructions and exercises
Instructors
Rachael Schwabe
Learning and Engagement
Paola Antonelli
Senior Curator, Department of Architecture & Design, and Director, Department of Research & Development