TAT Program | Fashion | West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology

FASHION DESIGN

fashion at your fingertips

This textile studio teaches students how to create wearable designs from concept to production. Youth develop fashion ideas first on paper and then bring them to life while practicing techniques like croquis design, sewing, fabric dyeing, felting, and more!

teaching artist | john cox

John Cox joined WMCAT as a fashion design teaching artist in 2008. He specializes in color, design, and textiles. He owned an arts retail business in Grand Rapids for 12 years and worked as an artist in Japan. John has displayed his work at galleries throughout West Michigan. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Kendall College of Art and Design with additional studies in textiles, industrial design, and art history.

FASHION DESIGN STUDIOS

Fashion Design I

Eligibility: 9-12 grade GRPS students

Step into costume and fashion design, where clothing becomes a tool for storytelling. Students will sketch croquis, create visual research boards, and develop themed concepts inspired by a tour of the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre costume department. Learn hand-stitching, machine sewing, and garment construction using commercial patterns while exploring fabric choice, silhouette, and historical context.

Fashion Design II

Eligibility: 9-12 grade GRPS students

This studio is designed for students ready to draft patterns from scratch and drape fabric on a dress form. Explore textile techniques such as dyeing and distressing to add texture and character to your designs. Students will complete the semester with a finished garment and portfolio project while learning production budgeting, fit, silhouette, and collection development. A tour of the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre costume department offers insight into professional costume and fashion production.

teen arts + tech enrollment

Studios are first come first served! Students are placed in studios on a rolling basis.
We recommend turning in your materials ASAP to secure a spot!