

B-VOC-FASHION-DESIGN in General at MLA Academy of Higher Learning


Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is General at MLA Academy of Higher Learning Bengaluru?
This B.Voc. Fashion Design program at Malleswaram Ladies Association Academy of Higher Learning focuses on equipping students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge essential for the dynamic fashion industry. With a vocational approach, it emphasizes hands-on training in design, textiles, garment construction, and marketing, catering to the evolving demands of the Indian and global fashion market. The curriculum integrates traditional crafts with modern technology, offering a holistic learning experience.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative individuals who have completed 10+2 and aspire to build a career in fashion design, garment manufacturing, or retail. It also suits those passionate about Indian textiles and sustainable fashion, seeking a vocational degree that blends artistic expression with business acumen. Aspiring entrepreneurs in the fashion sector and design enthusiasts looking for a structured pathway into the industry will find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as fashion designers, merchandisers, stylists, pattern makers, and production managers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 Lakhs to 4 Lakhs annually, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program prepares students for roles in large apparel companies, export houses, design studios, or to launch their own fashion ventures, aligning with industry demand for skilled professionals.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Strong Foundational Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus diligently on mastering basic sewing techniques, pattern making, and fashion illustration. Regularly practice hand and machine stitches, experiment with draping on mannequins, and sketch daily to refine artistic skills. Utilize online tutorials and practice fabrics to reinforce classroom learning.
Tools & Resources
YouTube channels (Fashionary, Threads Magazine), Basic sewing machines, Draping mannequins, Sketchbooks
Career Connection
Strong fundamentals are crucial for all advanced design work and form the bedrock for a successful career in garment creation and design execution.
Immerse in Fashion History & Trends- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond textbooks, actively follow fashion news, iconic designers, and historical movements. Visit local textile museums (e.g., Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum often has textile exhibits), attend fashion events, and subscribe to Indian fashion magazines to develop a keen eye for aesthetics and market understanding.
Tools & Resources
Vogue India, Harper''''s Bazaar India, Fashion blogs, Museum visits
Career Connection
A deep understanding of fashion evolution and current trends helps in creating relevant and innovative designs, appealing to diverse market segments.
Develop Digital Basic Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Invest time in becoming comfortable with basic computer applications and graphic design software introduced in labs. Practice using tools like CorelDraw and Adobe Illustrator regularly, even for simple projects, as digital skills are crucial for modern design presentation and portfolio building in the Indian design industry.
Tools & Resources
CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator, MS Office Suite, Online tutorials
Career Connection
Proficiency in design software is essential for creating digital illustrations, technical flats, and professional presentations, which are standard in the industry.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Industry Internships & Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek out short-term internships or live projects with local designers, boutiques, or garment manufacturers in Bengaluru. This hands-on experience allows for practical application of theoretical knowledge, networking with professionals, and understanding the real-world workflow in the Indian apparel sector.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn, Local fashion studios, Apparel manufacturing units
Career Connection
Practical industry exposure is invaluable for skill refinement, building professional networks, and making informed career decisions, leading to better placements.
Build a Diverse Portfolio Early- (Semester 3-5)
Start curating a professional design portfolio that showcases various skills like illustration, pattern making, garment construction, and CAD work. Document every project, experiment with different design themes, and seek feedback from faculty to continuously improve your portfolio for future job applications and higher studies.
Tools & Resources
Behance, Pinterest, Physical portfolio book, Digital portfolio websites
Career Connection
A strong and diverse portfolio is your primary tool for showcasing talent to potential employers and securing desirable job roles or admission to advanced programs.
Explore Traditional & Sustainable Practices- (Semester 3-5)
Deep dive into India''''s rich textile heritage and contemporary sustainable fashion trends. Participate in workshops on traditional crafts (e.g., block printing, embroidery), research eco-friendly materials, and incorporate sustainable design principles into your projects, which are highly valued in the evolving Indian market.
Tools & Resources
Craft workshops, Textile exhibitions, Online research on sustainable fashion, NGOs working with artisans
Career Connection
Expertise in traditional crafts and sustainable design opens doors to niche markets, ethical fashion brands, and contributes to a more responsible industry.
Advanced Stage
Refine Specialization & Develop a Signature Style- (Semester 6)
In your final year, identify a niche within fashion design (e.g., haute couture, ready-to-wear, sustainable fashion, menswear). Focus your major project and dissertation on this area, developing a unique design philosophy and signature style that stands out to potential employers or for launching your own label.
Tools & Resources
Industry mentors, Design competitions, Specialized workshops, Personal design research
Career Connection
Developing a distinct specialization and style enhances your marketability and positions you as an expert in a specific area, leading to higher-value roles.
Master Professional Presentation & Networking- (Semester 6)
Hone your communication, presentation, and negotiation skills. Actively attend industry events, fashion weeks, and design exhibitions to network with professionals. Prepare a compelling digital and physical portfolio, and practice interviewing techniques to effectively showcase your talent for placements.
Tools & Resources
Public speaking clubs, Fashion industry events, Alumni network, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Strong presentation and networking skills are crucial for career advancement, securing collaborations, and successfully pitching your designs or business ideas.
Plan for Entrepreneurship or Corporate Roles- (Semester 6)
Research career paths extensively, whether it''''s setting up your own design studio or joining established fashion houses. Develop a business plan for potential ventures, or prepare for corporate interviews by understanding company cultures and specific job requirements in the Indian fashion industry. Utilize college placement cells and alumni networks.
Tools & Resources
Business plan templates, Startup incubators, Company websites, Career counselors
Career Connection
Strategic career planning, informed by market research, helps in making successful transitions into either entrepreneurial ventures or desired corporate positions post-graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed PUC/10+2/ Equivalent from any recognized board/university.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 180 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDC 1.1 | English Language & Communication | Core | 4 | Communicative English, Grammar, Listening Skills, Speaking Skills, Reading & Writing Skills |
| FDC 1.2 | Introduction to Fashion & Design | Core | 4 | History of Fashion, Design Elements, Fashion Cycle, Indian Fashion Scenario, Global Fashion Trends |
| FDC 1.3 | Introduction to Textiles | Core | 4 | Fiber Classification, Yarn Production, Fabric Construction, Fabric Finishing, Textile Properties |
| FDP 1.4 | Basic Computer Applications | Practical/Lab | 4 | MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Internet Browsing, Computer Basics |
| FDP 1.5 | Basic Sewing & Garment Construction | Practical/Lab | 6 | Hand Stitches, Machine Stitches, Seams, Darts, Collars & Sleeves, Basic Garment Assembly |
| FDP 1.6 | Pattern Making & Draping - I | Practical/Lab | 8 | Basic Bodice Block, Skirt Block, Sleeve Block, Dart Manipulation, Introduction to Draping |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDC 2.1 | Environmental Studies | Core | 4 | Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Pollution & Control, Environmental Protection, Sustainable Practices |
| FDC 2.2 | Fashion Illustration & Sketching | Core | 4 | Figure Drawing, Fashion Croquis, Garment Rendering, Accessory Illustration, Digital Illustration Basics |
| FDC 2.3 | Textile Science & Processing | Core | 4 | Dyeing, Printing, Textile Finishing Processes, Quality Control, Eco-friendly Textiles |
| FDP 2.4 | Computer-Aided Design (CAD) - I | Practical/Lab | 4 | CorelDraw Basics, Adobe Illustrator Fundamentals, Pattern Digitization, Technical Flats, Design Portfolio Creation |
| FDP 2.5 | Advanced Garment Construction | Practical/Lab | 6 | Tailoring Techniques, Trouser Construction, Jacket Construction, Designer Garments, Finishing Techniques |
| FDP 2.6 | Pattern Making & Draping - II | Practical/Lab | 8 | Advanced Bodice Blocks, Dress Draping, Jacket Draping, Pattern Grading, Fit Adjustments |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDC 3.1 | Fashion Marketing & Merchandising | Core | 4 | Fashion Market Research, Branding Strategies, Retail Management, Visual Merchandising, E-commerce in Fashion |
| FDC 3.2 | Fashion Styling & Photography | Core | 4 | Styling Principles, Photo Shoot Planning, Prop Selection, Make-up & Hair for Fashion, Fashion Journalism |
| FDC 3.3 | Traditional Indian Textiles & Crafts | Core | 4 | Indian Weaves, Indian Embroideries, Traditional Prints, Regional Crafts, Heritage Textiles |
| FDP 3.4 | Computer-Aided Design (CAD) - II | Practical/Lab | 4 | Adobe Photoshop for Fashion, Digital Textile Design, Fashion Presentation Boards, Digital Portfolio Development, Mock-up Creation |
| FDP 3.5 | Textile Design & Printing | Practical/Lab | 6 | Surface Embellishment, Screen Printing, Block Printing, Tie-Dye Techniques, Batik |
| FDP 3.6 | Draping & Advanced Pattern Making | Practical/Lab | 8 | Complex Garment Draping, Couturier Techniques, Advanced Pattern Alterations, Grading Techniques, Zero Waste Pattern Making |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDC 4.1 | Entrepreneurship & Business Management | Core | 4 | Business Plan Development, Start-up Funding, Fashion Marketing Strategy, Legal Aspects of Fashion Business, Fashion Start-up Ecosystem |
| FDC 4.2 | Fashion Forecasting & Trend Analysis | Core | 4 | Trend Cycles, Macro & Micro Trends, Market Research for Forecasting, Forecasting Methods, Color Forecasting |
| FDC 4.3 | Apparel Production & Quality Control | Core | 4 | Production Planning, Supply Chain Management, Garment Manufacturing Process, Quality Standards & Checks, Sustainability in Production |
| FDP 4.4 | Internship/Industrial Training | Practical/Lab | 4 | Industry Exposure, Practical Skill Application, Report Writing, Professional Networking, Project Execution |
| FDP 4.5 | Advanced Sewing & Surface Ornamentation | Practical/Lab | 6 | Embellishment Techniques, Beadwork, Zardosi Embroidery, Applique, Fabric Manipulation, Ready-to-Wear Production |
| FDP 4.6 | Portfolio Development & Presentation | Practical/Lab | 8 | Design Collection Development, Mood Boards, Garment Samples, Presentation Skills, Digital Portfolio Creation |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDC 5.1 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Statistical Analysis, Report Writing, Ethics in Research |
| FDC 5.2 | Fashion Accessories & Jewellery Design | Core | 4 | Accessory Trends, Material Science for Accessories, Jewellery Making Techniques, Bag Design, Footwear Design |
| FDC 5.3 | Visual Merchandising & Retail Space Design | Core | 4 | Store Layout Principles, Window Display, Lighting in Retail, Mannequin Styling, Customer Experience Design |
| FDP 5.4 | Collection Development & Design Process | Practical/Lab | 4 | Theme Selection, Concept Development, Fabric Sourcing, Technical Specification, Range Planning |
| FDP 5.5 | Craft Based Design Project | Practical/Lab | 6 | Traditional Craft Revival, Artisan Collaboration, Sustainable Design Practices, Product Development, Project Documentation |
| FDP 5.6 | Textile Sourcing & Production Management | Practical/Lab | 8 | Vendor Selection, Inventory Control, Quality Assurance, Production Scheduling, Global Sourcing Strategies |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDC 6.1 | Legal Aspects in Fashion | Core | 4 | Intellectual Property Rights, Copyright & Trademarks, Contracts in Fashion, Labor Laws, Business Ethics |
| FDC 6.2 | Global Fashion Dynamics | Core | 4 | International Fashion Markets, Global Sourcing, Export-Import Procedures, Fashion Capitals, Cross-Cultural Influences |
| FDC 6.3 | Digital Marketing for Fashion | Core | 4 | Social Media Marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Content Creation, Influencer Marketing, E-commerce Platforms |
| FDP 6.4 | Major Project - Design Collection | Project | 4 | Conceptualization, Design Development, Garment Production, Photoshoot & Styling, Lookbook Creation |
| FDP 6.5 | Dissertation/Industry Research Project | Project | 6 | Problem Identification, Literature Review, Data Analysis, Findings & Recommendations, Report Presentation |
| FDP 6.6 | Fashion Show Production & Event Management | Practical/Lab | 8 | Event Planning, Budgeting, Venue Selection, Model Casting, Stage Management, Public Relations |




