Goldsmiths puts fashion at the heart of its curriculum

Fashion and Goldsmiths have always been synonymous, from Constance Howard – arguably the most influential British pioneer in textile design of her generation – leading on textiles and fashion in the late 40s, to the College’s list of illustrious fashion alumni, right down to the creative attire of its’ students.

The new course will be an interdisciplinary approach to fashion, led by prominent academics from the Departments of Design and Media & Communications and the Institute for Creative and Culture Entrepreneurship. Joining them from NYC is fashion designer, writer and curator Ruby Hoette – whose work has been exhibited in the US, UK and the Netherlands.

Dr Juliet Sprake, Head of the Department of Design, said: “Goldsmiths has an incredibly strong reputation when it comes to fashion, you only have to look at some of the names to have studied at the College such as Mary Quant, Vivienne Westwood and Margaret Howell to see that. This course will build on the strong connection we have with the fashion industry and challenge students to think outside the box.”

Putting its own stamp on more traditional fashion programmes, the MA Fashion will target students with a background in fashion design, textiles or buying, or from fashion journalism or fashion prediction. Exploring new forms of branding via social media, and alternative ethical and sustainable practices the course’s entrepreneurial modelling techniques will help students understand the business of fashion and start-ups.

The Constance Howard Resource and Research Centre for Textiles, with its specialist archive, library, gallery space and its monthly practical ‘Thursday Club’ will provide an invaluable on-site resource for emerging practitioners and professionals to develop their creative portfolios.

For more details, visit http://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/ma-fashion/