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B-DES in Fashion Design at Acharya School of Design
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Fashion Design at Acharya School of Design Bengaluru?
This Fashion Design program at Acharya School of Design focuses on nurturing creative talent with a strong foundation in design principles, technical skills, and business acumen relevant to the dynamic Indian fashion industry. It emphasizes holistic development from concept ideation to garment production and marketing, preparing students for diverse roles in a rapidly evolving global yet locally rooted sector. The program integrates traditional Indian crafts with modern design sensibilities.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative fresh graduates aspiring to make a mark in the fashion world, individuals with a flair for design, aesthetics, and textile arts. It also caters to those seeking to blend artistic expression with technical precision and entrepreneurial drive. Prerequisite backgrounds often include a strong interest in art, design, and cultural influences, along with basic drawing skills and a keen eye for detail.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue exciting career paths in India such such as fashion designers, merchandisers, stylists, illustrators, textile designers, and entrepreneurs. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 Lakhs to 4.5 Lakhs annually, growing significantly with experience. Students are prepared for roles in design studios, export houses, retail chains, e-commerce platforms, and independent ventures, aligning with India''''s booming apparel market.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Design Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicating significant time to practice drawing, color theory, and visual communication exercises. Actively participate in all studio sessions to build a strong artistic and technical base. Seek feedback from faculty and peers regularly to refine foundational skills.
Tools & Resources
Sketchbooks, Color Wheels, Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator basics, Museum visits for art history
Career Connection
A robust foundation in design principles is critical for creating visually appealing and functionally sound fashion pieces, directly impacting portfolio strength and employability in design roles.
Cultivate Observation and Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage in extensive reading on fashion history, current trends, and cultural aesthetics. Develop a habit of observing details in everyday life, from textiles to human movement, to inspire design ideas. Regularly visit local markets and craft centers to understand materials.
Tools & Resources
Fashion magazines (Vogue India, Elle India), Online trend forecasting sites, Fashion documentaries, Design blogs
Career Connection
Sharp observation and research skills are essential for trend forecasting, understanding consumer needs, and developing unique, contextually relevant designs for the Indian market.
Build a Basic Digital Skillset- (Semester 1-2)
Familiarize yourself with essential design software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop early on. Utilize online tutorials and institutional labs to practice digital fashion illustration and pattern manipulation. These skills are fundamental for modern design workflows.
Tools & Resources
Adobe Creative Suite, Wacom Tablets, Online tutorials (YouTube, Skillshare), College CAD Labs
Career Connection
Proficiency in CAD tools is a non-negotiable skill for entry-level fashion roles, enabling efficient design creation, presentation, and communication with manufacturers.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Practical Application and Craftsmanship- (Semester 3-5)
Intensively practice pattern making, garment construction, and textile manipulation techniques. Spend extra hours in labs to perfect stitching, draping, and finishing. Experiment with various fabrics and embellishments to understand their behavior.
Tools & Resources
Sewing Machines, Draping Mannequins, Pattern Making Tools, Local Fabric Markets (e.g., Commercial Street, Bengaluru)
Career Connection
Strong practical skills are highly valued by design studios and manufacturers, ensuring the ability to translate designs into tangible, high-quality garments, crucial for production and technical design roles.
Seek Industry Exposure and Networking- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek internships during breaks, even short ones, with local designers, boutiques, or export houses in Bengaluru. Attend fashion weeks, industry talks, and workshops to network with professionals and gain insights into the Indian fashion scene.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Fashion event calendars, Industry directories, College career services
Career Connection
Industry exposure provides real-world context, potential mentorship, and opens doors to future employment opportunities and collaborative projects within the Indian fashion ecosystem.
Develop a Personal Design Identity- (Semester 3-5)
Experiment with different aesthetics, themes, and design philosophies to discover your unique voice. Participate in college design competitions and explore unconventional materials or sustainable practices. Start conceptualizing a signature style for your portfolio.
Tools & Resources
Personal mood boards, Conceptual sketchbooks, Sustainable material suppliers, Fashion design competitions
Career Connection
A distinctive design identity helps you stand out in a competitive industry, attracting opportunities from brands seeking unique perspectives and fostering entrepreneurial aspirations.
Advanced Stage
Refine Portfolio for Industry Readiness- (Semester 6-8)
Curate a professional portfolio showcasing your best works, including final collections, technical drawings, and conceptual projects. Tailor your portfolio to specific job roles or design houses you aspire to join. Practice articulate presentation of your design process and philosophy.
Tools & Resources
Professional printing services, Digital portfolio platforms (Behance, Issuu), Mock interview sessions, Mentorship from senior faculty
Career Connection
A compelling, industry-standard portfolio is the most crucial tool for securing placements, internships, and clients in India''''s fashion sector.
Master Fashion Business Acumen- (Semester 6-8)
Deepen your understanding of fashion marketing, merchandising, and entrepreneurship. Explore supply chain management, retail analytics, and brand building strategies, especially in the context of the Indian market. Attend workshops on intellectual property and legal aspects.
Tools & Resources
Business journals, Case studies of Indian fashion brands, E-commerce platforms analysis, Workshops on fashion law
Career Connection
A strong grasp of business principles enables graduates to thrive in merchandising, marketing, and entrepreneurial roles, crucial for launching their own labels or managing brands effectively in India.
Leverage Capstone Projects for Impact- (Semester 6-8)
Utilize your final collection and dissertation as platforms to address real-world challenges or explore innovative concepts. Focus on sustainable practices, cultural narratives, or technological integration to create a unique and impactful body of work that showcases your expertise.
Tools & Resources
Industry mentors, Academic advisors, Specialized software (e.g., CLO3D), Sustainable material sourcing networks
Career Connection
High-quality, innovative capstone projects significantly boost employability and attractiveness to employers, often leading to immediate job offers or recognition within the industry, especially for impactful designs in the Indian context.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 (PUC/ISC/CBSE or equivalent) with minimum 45% aggregate marks (40% for SC/ST/Cat-I candidates).
Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters
Credits: 168 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40% (Theory), 50% (Practicals/Projects), External: 60% (Theory), 50% (Practicals/Projects)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21DSF101 | Design Fundamentals – I | Core | 4 | Elements of Design, Principles of Design, Visual Communication, Form & Structure, Color Theory & Application |
| 21DST102 | Design Thinking | Core | 4 | Introduction to Design Thinking, Empathize and Define Phases, Ideation Techniques, Prototyping & Testing, Design Process Application |
| 21DSH103 | History of Art & Design | Core | 3 | Prehistoric to Renaissance Art, Modern Art Movements, Indian Art History, Traditional Crafts & Influences, Design Aesthetics Across Cultures |
| 21DSV104 | Visual Communication – I | Core | 4 | Drawing Techniques, Perspective & Proportion, Rendering & Shading, Graphic Elements, Composition & Layout |
| 21DSA105 | AECC-I (Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course) | Elective | 2 | Regional Language Fundamentals, Environmental Concepts, Communication Skills, Constitutional Values |
| 21DSS106 | SEC-I (Skill Enhancement Course) | Elective | 2 | Digital Fluency, Computer Basics, Internet Usage, MS Office Applications |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21DSF201 | Design Fundamentals – II | Core | 4 | Material Exploration, Ergonomics in Design, Semiotics in Design, User Experience Principles, Design Research Methods |
| 21DSP202 | Photography | Core | 4 | Camera Basics & Techniques, Lighting Principles, Composition in Photography, Digital Photography Workflow, Image Editing Software |
| 21DSI203 | Indian Aesthetics | Core | 3 | Indian Philosophical Systems, Aesthetics in Indian Arts, Rasa Theory, Iconography & Symbolism, Traditional Indian Crafts |
| 21DSV204 | Visual Communication – II | Core | 4 | Typography Principles, Layout Design, Branding Basics, Illustration Techniques, Portfolio Development |
| 21DSA205 | AECC-II (Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course) | Elective | 2 | English Language Skills, Grammar & Usage, Business Communication, Presentation Skills |
| 21DSS206 | SEC-II (Skill Enhancement Course) | Elective | 2 | Data Analytics Basics, Data Collection Methods, Data Visualization, Basic Statistics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21FDDSC301 | Fashion Fundamentals | Core | 4 | Introduction to Fashion Industry, Elements & Principles of Fashion, Fashion Cycles & Trends, Fashion Terminology, Textile & Apparel Industry Overview |
| 21FDDSC302 | Pattern Making & Garment Construction – I | Core | 4 | Body Measurements & Sizing, Basic Block Patterns, Dart Manipulation, Seam Finishes & Fasteners, Basic Garment Assembly |
| 21FDDSC303 | Textile Science | Core | 4 | Fiber Classification & Properties, Yarn Manufacturing, Fabric Construction Methods, Textile Finishes, Fabric Care & Maintenance |
| 21FDDSC304 | Fashion Illustration – I | Core | 4 | Croquis Drawing, Figure Drawing for Fashion, Basic Draping Techniques, Rendering Media & Techniques, Fashion Sketching |
| 21DSOE305 | Open Elective – I | Elective | 3 | Varies based on choice (e.g., Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Digital Media) |
| 21DSSEC306 | SEC-III (Skill Enhancement Course) | Elective | 2 | Entrepreneurship Skills, Business Idea Generation, Market Research Basics, Business Plan Development |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21FDDSC401 | Fashion History | Core | 4 | Ancient Costumes, European Fashion Evolution, Indian Traditional Costumes, 20th Century Fashion, Contemporary Fashion Trends |
| 21FDDSC402 | Pattern Making & Garment Construction – II | Core | 4 | Advanced Draping Techniques, Pattern Grading, Tailoring Techniques, Specialized Seams & Finishes, Fit Analysis & Alterations |
| 21FDDSC403 | Textile Design & Printing | Core | 4 | Surface Embellishment Techniques, Dyeing Methods, Textile Printing Techniques, Fabric Manipulation, Sustainable Textile Practices |
| 21FDDSC404 | Fashion Illustration – II | Core | 4 | Advanced Figure Drawing, Digital Fashion Illustration, Collection Storyboards, Fashion Presentation Techniques, Portfolio Development |
| 21DSOE405 | Open Elective – II | Elective | 3 | Varies based on choice (e.g., Photography, Graphic Design, Communication Skills) |
| 21DSSEC406 | SEC-IV (Skill Enhancement Course) | Elective | 2 | Internship Readiness, Resume & Cover Letter Writing, Interview Skills, Professional Etiquette |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21FDDSC501 | Fashion Marketing & Merchandising | Core | 4 | Fashion Market Research, Branding & Promotion, Retail Management, Visual Merchandising, E-commerce in Fashion |
| 21FDDSC502 | Computer Aided Design (CAD) for Fashion | Core | 4 | Adobe Illustrator for Fashion, Photoshop for Textile Design, Digital Pattern Making, 3D Garment Design Software, Portfolio Presentation Tools |
| 21FDDSC503 | Advanced Garment Construction & Draping | Core | 4 | Couture Construction, Bespoke Tailoring, Advanced Draping Techniques, Creative Pattern Making, Specialized Fabric Handling |
| 21FDDSC504 | Fashion Portfolio Development | Core | 4 | Concept Development, Mood Boards & Storyboards, Collection Design & Planning, Fabric Sourcing & Selection, Professional Portfolio Curation |
| 21FDDSE505 | Discipline Specific Elective – I (e.g., Sustainable Fashion) | Elective | 3 | Eco-friendly Materials, Ethical Production Practices, Upcycling & Recycling, Circular Fashion Economy, Social Responsibility in Fashion |
| 21DSOE506 | Open Elective – III | Elective | 3 | Varies based on choice |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21FDDSC601 | Apparel Production & Quality Control | Core | 4 | Production Planning & Management, Supply Chain Logistics, Manufacturing Processes, Quality Standards & Control, Compliance & Certifications |
| 21FDDSC602 | Fashion Styling & Photography | Core | 4 | Styling Concepts & Theories, Editorial & Commercial Styling, Fashion Photography Techniques, Lighting & Set Design, Portfolio Shoot Management |
| 21FDDSC603 | Collection Development & Presentation | Core | 4 | Trend Forecasting & Research, Design Process for Collections, Theme Development, Fabric Sourcing & Selection, Final Collection Presentation |
| 21FDPROJ604 | Internship / Project | Project | 4 | Industry Experience, Project Report Writing, Practical Application of Skills, Professional Skill Development, Industry Exposure |
| 21FDDSE605 | Discipline Specific Elective – II (e.g., Fashion Forecasting) | Elective | 3 | Trend Research Methodologies, Macro & Micro Trends, Consumer Behavior Analysis, Market Analysis for Fashion, Forecasting Tools & Techniques |
| 21DSOE606 | Open Elective – IV | Elective | 3 | Varies based on choice |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21FDDSC701 | Design Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Research Paradigms in Design, Qualitative & Quantitative Methods, Data Collection & Analysis, Literature Review, Thesis & Dissertation Writing |
| 21FDDSC702 | Fashion Entrepreneurship | Core | 4 | Business Plan Development, Startup Funding & Investment, Legal Aspects of Fashion Business, Brand Building & Management, E-commerce & Digital Marketing for Fashion |
| 21FDPROJ703 | Final Collection Design & Production – I | Project | 8 | Concept Finalization, Design Development & Prototyping, Fabric Sourcing & Embellishment, Pattern Making & Construction, Initial Production Phase |
| 21FDDSE704 | Discipline Specific Elective – III (e.g., Luxury Brand Management) | Elective | 3 | Luxury Market Dynamics, Brand Identity & Positioning, Marketing Strategies for Luxury, Retail Experience Management, Global Luxury Brands |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21FDPROJ801 | Final Collection Design & Production – II | Project | 12 | Advanced Prototype Development, Quality Control & Finishing, Styling & Photography for Showcase, Portfolio Curation for Industry, Final Showcase & Exhibition Preparation |
| 21FDPROJ802 | Dissertation / Thesis | Project | 6 | Research Question & Hypothesis, Extensive Literature Review, Research Methodology, Data Analysis & Findings, Conclusion & Recommendations |
| 21FDPROJ803 | Professional Practice & Portfolio | Project | 6 | Career Planning & Strategy, Networking & Industry Connections, Professional Ethics & Conduct, Job Search & Interview Skills, Personal Branding & Digital Presence |
